Home > Film library > All films > Erna at War

Erna at War

Erna at War

FEATURE FILM 106'
Drama / War

COMPLETED

ERNA AT WAR is the story of an exceptional and powerful woman who shines through a world of darkness and defies all odds to fight for what matters most to her: Her Son.
Videos
Print

Based on Erling Jepsen's novel

Directed by

Henrik Ruben Genz (Terribly Happy,Dangerous People, Bror, Min Bror)

Starring

Trine Dyrholm (The Commune, In a Better World, Love is All You Need, A Royal Affair)
Ulrich Thomsen (In a Better World, Festen, Brothers)
Anders W. Berthelsen (Italian for Beginners, Daniel)
Sylvester Byder

Production

Nimbus Film, Entre Chien et Loup and Nafta Films

Delivery: Completed

2020 / Original language: Danish / Color / 2.39 / 5.1 / available in hd & 2k

Denmark, 1918. WWI is raging through Europe. Germany is so low on soldiers, young Danish men are being drafted to join the war.

A group of soldiers headed up by Officer Meyer show up at Erna’s house to enlist her 17-year-old son Kalle in the German army. Determined to stay close to Kalle, Erna takes drastic action: she takes on the identity of a soldier who has deserted ranks, so that she can follow Kalle´s unit and protect him.

To get support, Erna makes a secret pact with Officer Meyer, who takes a liking to her. But soon Erna finds herself trapped in her disguise as a man, in a violent world of men, heading off to battle on the front lines!

She also has to come to terms with Kalle's new determination to find his own way amid the horrors of war. As she learns to let go, Erna will finally open up her heart, discover passion and free herself from the dark secret she has been holding in for so many years.

Print



Tallinn Black Nights International Film Festival
Best Actor (Ulrich Thomsen)

Santa Barbara International Film Festival
Valhallar Award: Best Nordic Film

Print




"Really successful film adaptation of Erling Jepsen's novel, where you almost physically feel how grim both women's and war life can be. Trine Dyrholm is terrific†5 stars

"Erna at War" is a witty tale about a woman with such a big mother's heart that she prevents her son from unleashing his potential in his eagerness to protect him from the dangers of life. However, it is the strong cast that drives the film, more than the story itself.†4 stars



“Credible and sharp" FILMLAND

“Warm, funny and touching film" JYLLANDS-POSTEN

“Perhaps Trine Dyrholm's best film†CITYLIGHTS FILMBLOG

“Funny, tragic and loving†EKSTRA BLADET

“Trine Dyrhom is terrific†MAGASINET LIV

“Ulrich Thomsen when he is at his best†FILM MAGASINET NOSFERATU

“Beautiful and Well Played/Well Acted†RADIO NOVA

"Trine Dyrholm is excellent†FEMINA