Watch Ordet

Ordet is a Danish drama film released in 1955 and directed by Carl Theodor Dreyer, one of the most celebrated auteurs in cinema history. The story is adapted from the play of the same name by Danish playwright Kaj Munk, who was assassinated by Nazi soldiers during World War II. The film features a stellar cast of Danish actors, including Henrik Malberg, Emil Hass Christensen, and Preben Lerdorff Rye.

Ordet is set in a small Danish village in the early 20th century, where the Borgen family lives. The family patriarch, Morten Borgen (Henrik Malberg), is a devoutly religious man who has become estranged from his oldest son, Johannes (Preben Lerdorff Rye), because of Johannes' erratic behavior and his rejection of the Christian faith. Morten's middle son, Mikkel (Emil Hass Christensen), is married to the gentle and kind Inger (Birgitte Federspiel), who has become pregnant with their third child.

The family's lives are thrown into turmoil when Inger dies during childbirth, leaving Mikkel and their two children heartbroken. Johannes, who believes that he is Jesus Christ, is convinced that Inger can be brought back to life through a miracle. Morten, who is deeply skeptical of his son's religious beliefs, argues with Johannes and tries to prevent him from attempting his miracle. However, as the days pass and Inger's body lies in the Borgen home, Johannes' faith remains unshakable, and the other members of the family start to question their own beliefs.

The film tackles themes such as faith, religion, mortality, and family, and explores them from the perspectives of the different characters. The plot is driven by the interactions between the members of the Borgen family, who are complex and flawed individuals with their own fears and desires. Morten, for example, struggles with the guilt of having contributed to his daughter-in-law's death by not calling a doctor in time. As a result, he becomes more open to Johannes' beliefs, even though he remains skeptical of them. Mikkel, on the other hand, is torn between his love for his wife and his loyalty to his family. His younger sister, Anne (Gerda Nielsen), is caught between her father's strict Christian beliefs and her own desires for a secular life.

The film's style is influenced by Dreyer's background in the silent film era, as well as his interest in spiritualism and realism. Ordet is shot in a slow, deliberate pace, with long takes and static camera positions that allow the actors' performances to take center stage. This style, combined with the film's stark black and white cinematography, creates a sense of austere beauty that is both haunting and moving. The film's final sequence, in particular, is a masterful example of how to use cinematic language to convey a profound spiritual experience.

Ordet is widely considered one of Carl Theodor Dreyer's masterpieces, and rightfully so. Its exploration of faith, family dynamics, and the human condition is timeless and universal. The film's themes of doubt, sacrifice, and redemption are as relevant today as they were in 1955. Furthermore, the performances of its cast, especially Henrik Malberg as Morten and Preben Lerdorff Rye as Johannes, are outstanding and unforgettable. Ordet is a film that rewards multiple viewings and invites deep reflection.