Cinema
The Emigrants
Utvandrarna
Jan Troell · 1971
Synopsis
Småland, in the mid-nineteenth century: in the parish of Ljuder, a land of stones where the soil yields nothing, Karl-Oskar and Kristina run a small farm that does not feed them. Bad harvests add to the privations, and the pastor watches over what people believe. Robert, Karl-Oskar's younger brother, dreams of America; a group of persecuted religious dissidents also wants to leave. The decision is taken slowly, then they must sell, say goodbye and embark on a long, hard journey to an unknown land.
Context
The film is drawn from the first two volumes of Vilhelm Moberg's novel sequence, published in 1949 and 1952. It was followed in 1972 by a second film, with the same actors and the same crew. Jan Troell himself operated the camera and did the editing; Max von Sydow and Liv Ullmann play the two leading roles. Released in Sweden on 8 March 1971, the film reached France only in 1974, in a version cut to two hours and a quarter, and Warner Bros. also shortened it for the United States. A version in four episodes combining the two films was broadcast by Swedish television.
Who it is for
One hundred and ninety-two minutes, in Swedish. A slow, sweeping narrative, which is best seen with its 1972 sequel.
Prizes and reception
Guldbagge for best film; nominated for the Oscar for best foreign film, then, the following year, for four other Oscars, including best picture.
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