The read
Critics rate it 20 points higher than audiences do.
Synopsis
In a Danish village in the early 1600s, a young woman named Anne, whose mother was thought to be a witch, develops sympathy toward an old woman, Marte, who is accused of witchcraft. The intervention of Anne's older but kindly husband, Pastor Absalon saved her mother -- but now, urged on by his overbearing mother, he refuses to help Marte. When Absalon's son returns home and is attracted to Anne, it's a matter of time before her family destiny catches up with her.
Ratings
IMDb8/10
Rotten Tomatoes100%
Critics rate it 20 points higher than audiences do.
258 audience votes
Key crew
- Carl Theodor DreyerDirector
- Carl Theodor DreyerScreenplay
- Hans Wiers-JenssenWriter
- Paul La CourWriter
- Poul KnudsenWriter
- Mogens Skot-HansenWriter
- Poul SchierbeckOriginal Music Composer
Cast
- Thorkild RooseRev. Absalon Pederssøn (uncredited)
- Lisbeth MovinAnne Pedersdotter, Absalon's Second Wife (uncredited)
- Preben Lerdorff RyeMartin, Absalon's Son from First Marriage (uncredited)
- Sigrid NeiiendamMerete, Absalon's Mother (uncredited)
- Anna SvierkierHerlofs Marte (uncredited)
- Albert HøebergThe Bishop (uncredited)
- Olaf UssingLaurentius (uncredited)
- Preben NeergaardDegn (uncredited)
- Kirsten Andreasen(uncredited)
- Sigurd Berg(uncredited)
- Harald Holst(uncredited)
- Emanuel Jørgensen(uncredited)
Stills
Themes
infidelitydenmarkinquisitionpastormother-in-lawseductionlovebetrayalfugitivecursesexual attractiondomination