A Fortunate Man

A Danish film set at the end of the nineteenth century. Peter is a pastor's son. The father is strict, the house is cold and religion is in every corner of it. The boy hates that order and wants to be an engineer. He goes to Copenhagen. He has a project: a large system of energy and canals using wind and wave power. The idea is advanced for its time and nobody takes it seriously. He meets a wealthy family. Their daughter Jakobe believes in his project and finds him support; the two become engaged. The way opens for Peter. But his character will not allow it: he is arrogant, impatient and looks down on those who help him. He burns a bridge at every advance. What the film is interested in is not talent but the obstacle a person builds for himself: he believes he has escaped his father and carries that rigidity inside him. The narrative spreads over decades and the last section takes place somewhere else entirely. The source is Henrik Pontoppidan's novel. Esben Smed plays Peter and Katrine Greis-Rosenthal plays Jakobe. Bille August directed. It was prepared both as a feature and as a television series. A comprehensive choice for anyone who likes adaptations of classic novels and period drama. For a viewer wanting something short, it runs over two and a half hours.