Watch The Black Pimpernel

The Black Pimpernel is a 2007 film based on the true story of Swedish diplomat Harald Edelstam, who during the 1973 Chilean coup d'état, used his position to save the lives of political dissidents from execution at the hands of the dictatorship. The film is directed by Ulf Hultberg and stars Michael Nyqvist as Harald Edelstam, Lumi Cavazos as his wife Rut, and Kate del Castillo as Carmen Castillo, a Chilean journalist who plays a crucial role in Edelstam's rescue missions.

The film begins in 1973, just as the Chilean coup is taking place. Edelstam, who is stationed as the Swedish ambassador in Chile, is ordered by his superiors to evacuate the country as the situation becomes increasingly dangerous. However, Edelstam refuses to leave his post and instead begins to use his diplomatic immunity to help political dissidents who are being targeted by the regime.

As the death toll climbs, Edelstam finds himself in a race against time to save as many lives as possible. He sets up safe houses throughout the city where dissidents can take refuge, and uses a network of contacts to smuggle people out of the country. However, as Edelstam becomes more involved in the rescue missions, he attracts the attention of the military police, who begin to close in on him.

Meanwhile, Carmen Castillo, a Chilean journalist who is working to expose the human rights abuses being committed by the regime, comes into contact with Edelstam. At first, she is wary of him, but as she witnesses his bravery and commitment to saving lives, she becomes his ally and helps him in his rescue missions.

The Black Pimpernel is a tense and gripping drama that highlights the bravery of one man in the face of tyranny. Michael Nyqvist delivers a powerful performance as the stoic and determined Edelstam, while Lumi Cavazos and Kate del Castillo add depth and complexity to their roles as Edelstam's wife and a journalist respectively. The film also effectively captures the mood of fear and uncertainty that permeated Chile during this dark period and sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of the coup and its aftermath.

Overall, The Black Pimpernel is a well-crafted and compelling drama that is both informative and engaging. It is a testament to the power of one person to make a difference in the world, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

The Black Pimpernel is a 2007 drama. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.