Kysset

Bille August's "The Kiss" is an adaptation of the 1939 novel "Beware of Pity" by acclaimed Austrian author Stefan Zweig. It is an elegant and moving period drama that masterfully explores the complex line between compassion and love. Set in Denmark on the eve of World War I, the film centers on Anton, a young cavalry officer who becomes entangled in the life of a baron's daughter, Edith, who is confined to a wheelchair. The film is beautifully shot, with meticulous attention to period detail and a somber, atmospheric tone that perfectly reflects the societal tensions and the moral dilemmas faced by the characters. Esben Smed and Clara Rosager deliver compelling performances, portraying their characters' internal struggles and burgeoning connection with great sensitivity. The narrative, while unhurried, is deeply engaging, asking profound questions about duty, pity, and the true nature of love. "The Kiss" is a thoughtful and emotionally rich film that rewards a patient audience with a powerful story.

Critics have praised the film for its sophisticated storytelling and its nuanced exploration of complex human emotions. Many highlight the strong performances and Bille August's skilled direction, noting how he turns the seemingly uncinematic themes of pity and compassion into a compelling drama. The film's slow pace and deliberate focus on character psychology have also been mentioned, with some critics appreciating its depth while others might find it a departure from more conventional romantic dramas.

Is it worth watching? Yes, it is worth watching. "The Kiss" is a mature and well-crafted film that offers a thought-provoking and emotional experience. If you appreciate historical dramas with strong performances and a focus on moral and psychological depth, this film is a rewarding choice.

Bille August adapts Zweig's Beware of Pity with The Kiss (Kyssen), a handsome period piece set on the eve of the Great War.

Anton, a young cavalry officer, stumbles into the gilded orbit of a baron's household and finds himself caught between temptation and duty: Anna, the alluring cousin, and Edith, the baron's crippled daughter whose infatuation soon binds him in a web of pity, vanity, and lies.

The film doesn't romanticize Edith, she's needy, irritable, and not the tragic angel we might expect, and this sharpens the drama. Anton is weak, even cowardly, but not dishonorable; he simply lacks the strength to navigate desire and social expectation without collapsing under both. The ending, as Zweig promises, is inevitable.

What lingers is the contrast: opulent settings, soft golden light, and a story built on humiliation, shame, and the slow tightening of a trap. It's a film about pity as a poison, beautifully shot and quietly cruel.

To be honest, I wasn't expecting much, based on the trailer I thought that it was going to be a dull love story. But it turned out to be quite a special story without any love, really, without cliche-d characters. It stayed interesting for the whole duration of the film, it was filmed nicely, it got me involved in the plot. I have very strong opinions about Edith and her family, it was also interesting to see Anton as the victim of the situation and to see how (badly) he handled it. It was very human and very unexpected for a melodrama. I was very satisfied with the ending, because it seemed most plausible and believable. Just all in all a very good film that deserves more than 6,5 rating that it currently has.

This period Jane-Austen-like drama set in Denmark on the brink of World War One brings us a different point of view at romance faced with obstacles. In contrast to other period romantic dramas our protagonists are not judged because of their social status or by their family, but instead one - Edith is judged by the other - Anton, who is not sure if his feelings are the product of love or pity. This puts a spin on the historical-romance genre and at the same time gives it a modern feel thanks to exploring behaviours towards people with disabilities (as Edith is paralised from the hips down), which we don't see in cinema too often. On the other hand I thought the story could have been a bit more complex, particularly in dealing with the character of Anton, who is (apparently) torn between his feelings and his reputation - at times it felt a bit shallow and superficial. Eventhough the runtime is quite long (my opinion is that 90 minutes would be enough time for the story to be told), the colour palette is pleasant to the eye, acting performances are decent and the ending is quite touching.

Anton Abildgaard is a young and handsome man. He fills his days, shortly before the First World War, with cavalry training. He tries to make everyone around him satisfied.

One evening, Anton is invited to dinner by Baron Løvenskjold. Edith, the baron´s daughter, became paralyzed after a tragic riding accident. She and Anton soon form a friendship. But can their friendship grow and blossom into love?

I honestly don´t regret watching "The Kiss". Yes, in my opinion, this movie is quite melancholic. But I also think that it is poetic and beautiful. The cast and crew should be very proud of this movie. If the movie had been less melancholic, I would have given it 10 stars.