Cinema
The Master of Kõrboja
Kõrboja peremees
Leida Laius · 1979
Synopsis
Anna, daughter of the old master of Kõrboja, has lived in town for years; her father tells her that if she does not take over the farm, it will go to strangers. But a farm also needs a master. Back home, Anna meets Villu again, son of the neighbouring Katku farm, her childhood friend, who is just out of prison. Villu has stayed hot-tempered, Anna obstinate; the more the village is astonished to see them together, the more they are drawn to each other, and Anna would like Villu to become the master of her farm.
Context
The fourth feature film by its director, the film is drawn from the novel A. H. Tammsaare published in 1922; the screenplay is by Paul-Eerik Rummo and Leida Laius, the cinematography by Ago Ruus, the music by Lepo Sumera. Kaie Mihkelson and Lembit Peterson play Anna and Villu, Ants Eskola the old Rein. Filming took place in Kõrvemaa, near Lake Paukjärv. It was shown again in 2023, in the retrospective for its director's centenary, and can be seen today online with English subtitles.
Who it is for
An hour and a half in Estonian. It helps to know that the title, “the master of Kõrboja”, poses the whole question of the film: who will hold the farm.
Prizes and reception
Prize at the 1980 Estonian film festival for its composer and its cinematographer; one of the two films for which its director is best known.