Written by: Kaj Munk (play)
Directed by: Carl Theodor Dreyer
Starring: Henrik Malberg, Emil Hass Christensen, Preben Lerdorff Rye
Rated: -
Plot
An examination of faith through a father and his three sons.
Verdict
Ordet is moving look at faith of all kinds, from the zealous, the scientific, the apathetic, and the perceived crazy.
With so many diverse characters, you'll find more than one with which you identify. While the movie focuses on Christianity, it's also about life and how you approach belief in the world. Tragedy and triumph go hand in hand.
Watch it.
Review
Ordet, the word. is widely regarded as a masterpiece. It's a religious film, though not preachy, that examines different levels of faith. This is almost a parable. Which character are you? While it focuses on Christianity, it can be applied globally to belief at large.
This is an older film in black and white. It lacks the slick editing of modern films, but the story and the questions generated are universal and overcome the datedness.
Morten is the patriarch of the farm with three sons. Johannes studied to be a reverend, but went crazy and now thinks he's a prophet. He preaches outside to no one. Morten prayed for his wits to come back to no avail. He believes his prayers weren't answered because he didn't truly believe they would be. Johannes rebukes everyone stating, "People believe in the dead Christ, but not the living." It's worth paying attention to how people treat Johannes. Many just dismiss him.
Anders is in love with Anne, but her family follows a more strict denomination, with Morten forbidding the marriage due to the difference. That is until Anne's father rejects Anders because of his faith. Then Morten demands the marriage occur. Both men want the other to convert, yet neither is willing to give an inch. Morten isn't willing to mix with a lesser denomination, until he realizes the tailor considers Morten's denomination less. Then it becomes a pride issue. Morten feels the need to manipulate the situation. Anders is content to do nothing on the sidelines.
Mikkel is Morten's oldest son, married to Inger. Inger is the only one willing to stand up to Morten and tell him about Anders's plans. She tells Morten it's only out of pride that he won't consent to the marriage. She tells Morten prayers are answered all the time, just quietly so as not to make a fuss. She is the most faithful. Despite Mikkel not believing, she has faith that since he is a good person he will realize the importance of faith.
What do you truly believe? This is the question asked of each character. Morten has a limit to his belief. Mikkel is a good person but doesn't have time for religion. Johannes seems to believe too much and is regarded as crazy. Even the local reverend states miracles can't happen as they would break natural laws. Jesus was a special circumstance. The only person that believes Johannes is a prophet is his niece, Mikkel's daughter.
Certainty, faith, and miracles unite or separate us. Even those with faith can't accept or outright ignore miracles. A tragedy pushes Mikkel farther from belief but causes Morten to become more faithful.
Johannes, who had run off, returns, yet he is no longer wild eyed. He states that no one ever asked God to undo the death. He criticizes their faith and tells them all they had to do was pray, but no one believed prayer would work.
This does what few religious movies can. It makes it's point without having to spoon feed us the message. It keeps the topics broad enough that this doesn't have to pertain to just one denomination or even religion.
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