Pelle the Conqueror (1987) poster8

Denmark10 Essential Danish FilmsStop 8 of 10

Pelle the Conqueror

Pelle Erobreren

1987

In the late 19th century, a Swedish widower and his young son emigrate to the Danish island of Bornholm to labor on a harsh farm, dreaming of a better life while enduring exploitation and hardship. Bille August's sweeping, Oscar-winning drama.

Why it’s here

Bille August’s Bornholm epic is a major work about labor, migration, and Danish rural society.

Part of 10 Essential Danish Films

This film is stop 8 of 10 in the hand-ranked native-cinema route through Denmark. See the complete ranking or read the selection methodology.

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