The Black Pimpernel Movie
Storyline
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One man made a difference
The story about Swedish ambassador in Chile - Harald Edelstam - and his heroic actions to protect the innocent people from the execution during and after the military coup on September 11th 1973. We travel with Edelstam during the terrible moments just after the coup and follows his never-ending fight for human rights, law and order. What drove him? And what price did he end up paying for his total commitment? Haunted by his own demons the we experiences on close hand how a womanizer desperately searches to find love again, a task only doable, if he can fight his own past and redeem himself. After saving hundreds - maybe even thousands - he is challenged once more, this time to save his newfound love from the death penalty issued by the regime. Another impossible task and a desperate chase against time. Based on a true story about a man, that did, what all of us only dreams of.
| Michael Nyqvist | Harald Edelstam |
| Kate del Castillo | Consuelo Fuentes |
| Lumi Cavazos | Ana Contreras |
| Carsten Norgaard | Winther |
| Daniel Giménez Cacho | Ricardo Fuentes |
| Patrick Bergin | |
| Cristián Campos | |
| Claire Ross-Brown | |
| Lisa Werlinder | Susanne |
| Ã…sa Faringer |
6.00 out of 10 (159 votes)
Visitor Reviews
Was Ana in Germany?
posted on 07 Dec 2008OK I just watched this (in Costa Rica - I'm glad the Swedes spoke English to each other but I forgot that the Spanish would not get subtitled in English! Fortunately there wasn't too much Spanish that was very important to the plot) and maybe I'm dumb but there were a couple of things I didn't quite understand.Ana knew about the Harald's past in Germany in the war. And it seemed to be indicated that she was or knew the daughter of the opera singer that Harald had been having a relationship with. Is this the case? And if not, then what was all that about? Secondly, how did Harald know about Ana's father being the colonel? Any answers appreciated.
Fantastic Movie! Absolutely Great!
posted on 04 Mar 2008This movie is really good and I strongly recommend it! It has a realistic feel over it(I know, The Sweds speak English to each otherbut frankly I don't care, and Im Swedish)!Harald Edelstam was a true hero and its all very clear in this film.Sometimes it could be difficult to understand but it not that often.So if you feel like seeing a really good movie, go see this one! Its anImportant movie who shows the heroic deeds of a true hero.Its actually one of the best Swedish films i've ever seen! Finally the Swed's know how to make a big screen movie!Its worth the money.
An important story of courage for our times
posted on 28 Jun 2007The Black Pimpernel was a surprise to me because it is a rare (and true) story of political courage. An unconventional and savvy Swedish ambassador driven by a sense of justice seeks to save lives during the fascist coup in Chile that replaces Salvador Allende with Augusto Pinochet. The ambassador places the Cuban embassy under the protection of the Swedish embassy, gives refuge to hundreds of people, helps some get out of the country, and falls in love with a female revolutionary. He takes risks no ordinary diplomatic functionary would take, uses his diplomatic immunity to smuggle people to safety, enters dangerous zones controlled by soldiers and challenges them, risking his own life. Ambassador Edelstam seemed to know exactly what to do in dealing with the new fascist regime. His unwavering courage and allegiance to human rights and decency is comparable to that of William Wiburforce, the abolitionist in the movie Amazing Grace. The Black Pimpernel was perfectly believable and kept my partner and I on the edge of our seats.
Disappointing Pimpernel
posted on 15 Feb 2009Harald Edelstam was ambassador of Sweden in Chile during the Pinochet rebellion. He saved many people from the junta and also took considerable personal risks. He's worth a movie.But a better one than this. First, it's always ridiculous hearing Swedes talking English to each other. That makes the picture less trustworthy from the beginning. Second, it's not very well acted and the characters are very square. This is more of a drama for TV than for a big screen.It's a pity, because this is an important subject about morality and personal responsibility. But you don't get interested.