De røde enge

A movie about a young partisan of Danish resistance during the German occupation. Magnificent, highly charismatic acting of Poul Reichhardt (Michael) and others along with a clear idea make it captivating to watch. On top of that, it's the suspense and feelings involved that make it even better. On the downside, if you're used to special effects of 2022, you will likely see it as a drawback here, but otherwise - a great deal of drama and plot twists, certainly worth a watch. If it wasn't for minor flaws in editing, I'd give it a solid 8.

Michael (Poul Reichhardt) is in prison, arrested by the Germans, for sabotage during World War II. First he has a flashback, remembering the time up until the sabotage, where the Germans caught him. We follow the resistance group planning and Michael together with his wife Ruth (Lisbeth Movin). The other half of the film is about tracking an informer inside the group that got Michael and several others in prison. Really great performances by all, and a very realistic plot. Notice especially Per Buckhøj's sympathetic prison guard Steinz. Also an underrated score by Sven Gyldmark, that seems very low mixed in the film. It deserves to be heard for real.

In the summer of 45 this film was shot as the bodies of executed resistance-fighters were still not quite cold. It is done with great respect for their achievement, but still with a very realistic touch (except for the escape, I think). So close to the war it conveys the thoughts and feelings of the insecurity and longing for an end to the german occupation of our country.