Denmark was occupied by Germany on 9 April 1940
The Danish government chose to cooperate
THIS LIFE
Some must die, so others can live
Based on a true story
Hvidsten Inn The fall of 1942
You have two arms, Niels.
I'm conserving my energy.
The rest will stay cool outside.
It's a good thing for us that Tulle married an employee at Thor Brewery.
Can you get her to fall asleep?
Niels? Put an apron on and whip some cream for the pudding.
- Show us what you've learnt. - It's an agricultural school!
Cream doesn't come from a cow, does it?
- My turn. - Can you beat that?
You bet. It's a good thing the inn isn't at stake, Marius.
Take it easy. Now I own a veterinarian's practice.
Christ Almighty! Good luck with that.
It isn't that hard.
Why study for years -
- just to stick your hand up a cow's ass?
It's not necessary. Just look at the Germans.
They have their hand up the Danish government's ass.
- I do extract my arm now and then. - So it doesn't smell like shit.
- Stop it, Bitten. It'll get dirty. - Sorry.
Gerda?
I think the coffee is ready. And give us four glasses.
I assume you'd like some aquavit. I thought so.
It's your turn. So you're waiting tables today, Gerda.
- Dad insists on these old outfits. - It's good for business.
That was Sigrid Horne-Rasmussen. Now to the Home Economics Council.
A good wife will take on at least eight different tasks.
Arranging flowers, being a nurse...
- What are the men's chores? - Dad doesn't help you much.
- Hes the big organizer. - And that's all he does.
- I call it playing cards. - I want my husband to help out.
Your father does. He does it in his own way. In his particular way.
- Are you all set for tomorrow? - We just need a few more chairs.
- So everyone can sit down. - I made a chair for Ebbe Larsen.
- Do you work for Ebbe Larsen? - He sells pigs to the Germans.
Yes, and that chair is on its last legs.
- Is he paying you for it? - Of course. After all my hard work...
If Ebbe Larsen falls on his ass, it will be heard for miles around.
- And he will. - The fat slob!
It's 6 oclock. We'd better hear Prime Minister Buhl's speech to the people.
"To the people"! He doesn't talk to the people, he spits on them.
Sabotage is a criminal offense against a warring nation.
Generally, the penalty for a crime of this nature -
- is the death penalty.
It is a known fact that even seemingly innocent acts...
Aren't you going to listen to the prime minister?
And spoil our fun? He's toadying to the Germans.
Let's hear what he has to say. After all, he is our prime minister.
The fun is already over. The vet is livid.
Let me make it clear, especially to young people -
- that anyone who sabotages or is an accomplice thereof -
- or withholds information or plans of this nature -
- or fails to take part in investigations of sabotage -
- is acting against the interests of the nation.
It is my hope that with our current legislation -
- we can eliminate this evil called sabotage.
Does he want us to cooperate with the Germans?
Everyone who wishes the best for our country should bear this in mind.
If the PM wants us to be informers -
- then to hell with him!
Things aren't looking good, if we are to tell on each other.
- Shame on him. - If only we could do something.
Kirsten, put a bottle of aquavit on the last table. There isn't one.
And then put out the beetroots.
Hello.
I'm glad you could make it. We're offering stale bread and water.
Very funny. We're looking forward to performing. Congratulations.
- Congratulations. - Thank you.
That must be Albert.
- Go and play war somewhere else! - Albert! Calm down.
It's a big day for Marius and Gudrun.
Okay, okay. Just stop strangling me.
- Hello, Marius. Congratulations. - Thank you.
- We're late, aren't we? - No, just the last to arrive.
- The calf and cow are just fine. - Good.
- You must be Helle. - Yes. Come here, Ulla and Tove.
My, you've turned into young ladies!
- Where is Gudrun? - In the kitchen, of course.
- Cheers. - Cheers.
Come and sit, girls.
Dear friends. Before I bid you welcome -
- I have a serious request.
Has anyone seen my wife?
I don't know where she is. Here she comes.
Now we can start.
If Mom wasn't in the kitchen, we'd never eat.
Of course Tulle is right. As usual.
If it weren't for Gudrun, we'd go without many things.
Dear Gudrun. You once told me that you were only six -
- when your father sent you out to milk the cows.
You have been working ever since, but always with a smile -
- that everyone around you finds infectious.
You've always been the light of my life.
You raised our children to believe in good -
- that it will stand you in good stead, and that there is good in everyone.
Thank you, Gudrun. And thank you for saying yes on the phone -
- when I called to propose to you.
Thank you. And especially for such a quick reply -
- since it only cost me three minutes.
Dear Gudrun. Dark clouds have gathered over Denmark.
But you are the sunlight that disperses the dark clouds.
And you have been for 25 years. Thank you.
Thank you. Let us rise and congratulate...
- Don't get up. - Right.
Cheers, Gudrun. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Cheers.
We have something else to celebrate.
- Another important event. - Dad, she's asleep.
This is the 8th wonder of the world.
Who's this then? Is it Grandpa?
The 8th wonder of the world. Our first grandchild.
But not the only one.
Do I have any takers, girls?
- May I take a picture? - Can I have a copy?
For free, mind you.
Let's rise and give three cheers -
- for Marius and Gudrun. Hip, hip, hooray!
Hip, hip, hooray!
- Congratulations. Cheers! - Cheers!
So... No, don't sit down. Get up.
We have a tradition here. Did you forget?
Go ahead.
Aye, the Jute's a sturdy lad
ready for both good and bad
In whatever
kind of luck
he will never lose his pluck
In whatever
kind of luck
he will never lose his pluck
Congratulations on 25 years. Well done.
Especially your children turned out well. You should be proud.
You helped deliver Gerda and Bitten.
With your help, Gudrun.
Cheers.
- How is business? - We'll manage.
It's not like before the war. Copenhageners don't travel very far.
- How are things in Randers? - Fine.
- The sick keep the place running. - That's good.
I've been in contact with some youth organizations.
It's never too late to be young again.
True...
In Randers I'm organizing resistance to the Germans.
Yes. You've always fought against injustice, Thorup.
We've only just started, but Randers will be an important place -
- due to its location, so a lot will be going on.
Some day I might come and ask for your help.
Just say the word. You can count on us, Thorup.
What can we do here?
There's no getting round it, our local Fred Astaire.
Here we go!
The Germans feel they're on vacation. They call us "the dairy front".
They send their most incapable soldiers because we're harmless.
Why wasn't there a referendum? I wouldn't have voted for Buhl.
We act as if we aren't at war, and we complain about trifles.
- The Nazis have conquered us. - Nonsense!
They're here to protect us.
From what? The Colorado beetle?
I'd give up my tobacco ration to get rid of them.
Be careful they don't hear you. You could get into trouble.
I think the saboteurs are heroes. Especially those from Aalborg.
Yes, the Churchill group.
Your girls are courageous.
What do girls know about politics? They're criminals!
- They're ruining it for us. - Schoolboys shouldn't go to jail.
- This is beyond you. - They got what they deserved.
But it's hard on their parents.
What about the Commies in Copenhagen? Inveterate criminals!
Should we send them to holiday camp? No, I agree with the prime minister.
But you make a fortune on the grain you sell to the Germans.
That's easy for you to say. You only support yourself and your brother.
- We have families. - The Germans are decent.
- They pay their bills on time. - With our money.
Lets put sauerkraut on the menu for the poor Germans.
- You can forget that. - You're one to talk, Tulle.
You make money no matter what. What about the rest of us?
Our allies must think we're on the Germans' side.
Who says the allies are better?
- Or that they'll win the war? - You can't be serious!
Are the Germans better, you collaborationist?
- How would you know? - Sit down.
Take it easy. Have a beer.
Listen. We can disagree on many things. Of course we can.
But not about being master of one's own house.
Or that Gudrun is the best wife. It's our silver wedding anniversary.
- So cheers! - Cheers!
- Let's have a dance. - A square dance.
The spring of 1943
Dig in. There's plenty.
- And soda for... - Hello, Thorup.
- Hello, Tulle. - Welcome.
Thorup! It's been a long time.
Marius, not everyone can afford to eat out every day.
This is my good friend, Axel Nielsen. He wants to see the sights.
- Marius Fiil. Hello. - Axel Nielsen.
I work for the National Museum.
I asked Thorup here to be my tourist guide.
- You're far from home. - Yes. That's no secret.
- Welcome to the mainland. - We're looking for excavation sites.
Marius, is there somewhere we can talk in private?
So you're looking for good excavation sites in this area?
I admit it. I'm not an archaeologist.
No. The thought had crossed my mind.
I assume that your real name isn't Axel Nielsen.
It's good that there's a doctor in the house.
You should switch to smoking a pipe.
Axel's job is to form a dropping operation in Jutland.
- What's your role in this? - I'm the contact man in Randers.
We consider this area the most suitable.
We?
- England. - What will they be dropping?
Weapons and explosives. We have to find storage space -
- until they can be distributed around the country.
And agents will be coming.
What a lot of activity.
- What will it all be used for? - That's confidential.
It's been decided that sabotage in Denmark is to be stepped up.
You want me to form a group and find a good drop zone?
Something like that.
- It sounds a bit dangerous. - We find the risk negligible.
Another "we'. Who is it this time?
England again.
Aren't they clever?
Despite the government's cooperation with Germans -
- it's still in control of the courts.
What do you say, Fiil?
Marius, we really need you.
I have to talk to Gudrun first.
Marius doesn't lift a finger without consulting Gudrun.
Make no mistake. If Marius can't gather a group, no one can.
Are you going to join the Resistance, Marius?
Yes... if it's alright with you.
What do you think could go wrong?
It's always dangerous to drive around with things that can blow up.
- How many men will you need? - About 8 or 10.
You could try asking Andreas.
Don't you think so?
I will.
- Hello, Marius. - How is your mare doing?
- Fine. The vet came by. - That's good.
Hi, Jens. Well, that's fine.
Yes.
Things will soon be dropping out of the sky.
What kind of things?
Things that the Germans mustn't get their hands on.
I thought you could store them for a while. You have plenty of room.
- Just until they can be moved. - What do you think, Jens?
Fine.
- They won't like it, if they find out. - Probably not.
No, but there it is.
We can help you pick it up.
Alright.
- Hi, Niels. - Hi, Marius.
- How's the peat cutting going? - Alright.
- It's a bit annoying. - What is?
The migrant workers are annoying. They keep falling into the bog.
Idiots. Luckily, Svend knows the terrain, so he can pull them out.
Right. I'm glad that the heath isn't only good for peat and sheep.
Really? For that?
- You can use my land, Marius. - Thank you.
- But I won't be a part of it. - I will.
I know the bog inside out.
- Thank you, Niels. - Your mother won't like it.
- I wasn't going that fast. - Did you fall out of the car?
- You have to hold on. - Albert.
Hi, Marius. What brings you to Spentrup?
- Hello, girls. - Hello.
- They say I drive too fast. - You do.
- I have something to ask you. - Go on in.
Tell your mother to make some coffee.
- What? - I need a vet.
- Yes. - With a car.
Of course. When?
I'm not sure, but I'll let you know.
What about Venning? He's in the haulage business. What about him?
He also agreed.
- Who else is in on it? - The Stenz brothers.
The mechanic, the coachbuilder, the miller and his brother.
- Apart from them, I don't know. - That's plenty.
- Those people have families. - Not the Stenz brothers.
And the miller's brother doesn't. And the radio dealer is also in it.
- He doesn't have a family. - No, but the others do.
- What do their wives say? - I assume they agree.
Do they?
Gusta...
I won't be a saboteur. I'll just drive for them once in a while.
I don't trust Marius.
Sometimes he lives in his own world.
- This sounds crazy. - But it's necessary, Gusta.
Niels!
Well, if it isn't my favorite sister!
I've missed you very much. I've been looking forward to this.
- Was it a long bike ride? - I left this morning.
Shall I remove your milk moustache?
Mine is nicer.
You should see Copenhagener's milk cows. They're hopeless.
- They flog the poor things... - It's nice to have you home.
I hope you've learnt something. Are you ready for work?
- You bet. - Easy now. He just got here.
Show me your hand.
Hello. We haven't seen you for ages. Would you like a cup of coffee?
- That's not why were here. - Let's go into the dining room.
No. Your family should hear -
- what Thorvald has to say.
I can't be a part of it. I'm sorry, Marius.
- I understand, Thorvald. - Marius.
Do you know what you're getting into?
We're talking about our son. Our future.
- What if something happens to him? - I realize that, Erna.
- Let's go. Marius understands. - No, I don't think he does.
Think of what could happen to our community. It's irresponsible.
- Have you considered that? - Yes.
We talked about this. It's Marius' choice. Let it go.
I think you should stop for your children's -
- and your grandchild's sake.
- Goodbye, Marius. - Goodbye. Goodbye, Erna.
Thorvald, thank you for considering it.
Do you have something to tell us, Dad?
Sit down, Tulle.
Gudrun and I thought -
- it would be best to wait till you came home. It concerns all of us.
- What if someone betrays us? - Who would do that? Peter...
- People make money off the Germans. - But we don't.
No... No.
You heard my father say how important it is.
I just can't see us as members of the Resistance.
Can you see Gulle growing up in Nazi Denmark?
No. Of course you're right.
Nothing bad will happen. I promise you that nothing bad will happen.
I can see why you need more time to think about it.
Peter hasn't made up his mind yet.
- Tulle said yes, so Peter will too. - You have a point there.
At agricultural school I was asked if I'd take part in sabotage.
Many of us wanted to, and we don't have wives or children.
Dad, how would you feel if Gulle lost her parents?
It would cause so much sorrow that...
- No one can answer that question. - But is it worth it? Is it?
We're not going to blow things up.
You make it sound like a picnic.
I know it might be dangerous -
- but we have an opportunity to do something.
A whole town in Norway was wiped out because of a few men's sabotage.
The men were sent to concentration camps. Even 16-year-old boys!
We don't have capital punishment. That won't happen to us.
How can you be so sure?
I would never do this if any of you could be harmed.
You have my word, Niels.
I hope you're right.
- Any word? - We haven't found the frequency.
- Where have you been? - Looking at pigs in Mariager.
- Any good ones? - Some were excellent.
- And cheap. - Stop it. This is important.
... a demonstration for democracy against the Nazi dictatorship.
The deputy prime minister of England states:
"Witnessing a demonstration in favor of democracy -
- confirms my belief that the Danes are waiting -
- to join us presently. "
Till next time. Tune in.
"Till next time. Tune in." Those are the code words.
- So it's tonight. - Let's hope everyone else heard it.
If they didn't, you'll need an extra.
- Can I come? - No, Gerda!
Niels is right. It's not the sort of thing for girls.
I'm glad you're here, Niels.
Here he comes.
- Should we wait for the others? - We don't want to attract attention.
- Good luck. - Thanks.
I hope we won't need it.
Niels!
- Will you be out here all night? - No.
You can go to bed.
I can't sleep with Niels and everyone out there.
True.
Go over to Tulle's. She's probably worried too.
- Yes, of course. - Yes.
- Have you seen Gerda? - No.
I wonder how low those contraptions can fly.
- I'll go see Tulle. - Yes, do.
One more time.
Form four groups in a straight line on the field.
On my signal, group 1 turns on their flashlights.
That's Svend and Henning Andersen. Group 2 is Niels and Johan Kjær.
Then group 3 turns on theirs. Anders Venning, Søren Kristensen.
The Stenz brothers have a red light to indicate the wind direction.
Put out your lanterns and take your positions after a final check.
Group 1. Good. Group 2.
Group 3. And group 4.
Niels and Peter, come with me.
What if there are English agents? I don't speak English.
- You never listened in English class. - There are only Danes.
- Anything else? - Can I take a picture?
Jesus! This isn't a fishing trip.
Let's get a move on.
- Let's go see Tulle. - No.
- Why not? - I want to fight the Germans too.
- You can't. - It's my decision.
- Lie or tell them the truth. - Gerda! Have you lost your mind?
Red flashlight against the wind. Everyone else in line.
Group 1! Note the wind direction. Fall in!
Good.
If they don't answer soon, we'll have to call it off.
A German plane might intercept our signal.
- What are you doing here? - I want in.
- This isn't a game! - I know that.
Take this. The miller's brother is up by the road.
- Help him keep a lookout. - Thank you.
Jesus! What the heck?
I have contact. Contact!
Get ready to turn on your flashlights.
Marius! Gerda is down at the drop zone.
It's too late to do anything. Niels will watch out for her.
- That girl is so stubborn! - Yes. Look!
Group 2! Group 3!
- Turn it on. - It won't.
- 3! - Yes.
And 4!
If we can see the parachutes, so can the Germans.
- Jesus Christ! - It's absolutely beautiful.
Move it!
Follow my footsteps. Mind the bog holes!
Tell him to stand still.
Welcome to Denmark.
- My name is Jacob. - Alright?
I'm fine. Just a little dizzy. It's horrible.
We can't find the last damn container.
Damn! Did anyone see where it landed?
No, we were watching him.
- He isn't feeling well... - Get him out of here.
- Come along. - This was in his suit.
Is the man an idiot?
How can he forget 50,000 kroner?
- 50,000? - For the Resistance.
Thank goodness I found it before I chucked the suit.
Let's see.
- Cigarettes! - They're American.
- That's a sight for sore eyes. - It must be a gift.
- Whats this? - A submachine gun.
- Do you have a sack? - Is the sight telescopic?
These are magazines.
- It's empty. I've got it. - They're heavy.
How does Marius feel about you being out here? Does he know?
- I don't think so. - Now you'll get it.
This is Jacob. He's coming. Gerda, let's go.
- Did it go alright? - We can't find the last container.
You have to go now.
Damn! A German patrol. Let's go!
Go, go, go!
We're alright. Put that away. You're scaring the girl.
- I'm sorry. - Gerda. It's alright.
Roll it up. There isn't room for it.
- Is it in? - Yes.
- This is damn heavy. - Let's get a move on.
- It wasn't over there either. - East. We haven't been there.
What's parachuting like?
It's... It was okay.
I didn't count on meeting a girl here.
The others don't think I should be here.
- Are you a real soldier? - I'm a sailor.
Our ship was in port in England when the war broke out.
- Then we volunteered. - What are you doing here?
- You ask too many questions, Gerda. - Sorry.
I've learnt enough about explosives to help the Danish Resistance.
- I wish I could help. - You're helping me.
Now we can call you an official Resistance girl.
Hello.
Gerda! We've been so worried.
- That girl is a live wire, Fiil. - We'll talk tomorrow, young lady.
But we can still welcome our guests.
- Hello. Marius Fiil. Welcome. - Thank you.
- Gudrun Fiil. - Jacob.
- I'm Bitten Fiil. - Set the table.
Gerda! What were you thinking?
Quiet, Tulle. Save it for later. Come meet our guest from England.
- His name is Jacob. - Sorry. Hello.
Tulle Fiil. You'll be staying with us.
- So? - A container couldn't be found.
And a German patrol came by.
That's true. Damn! That plane came in low.
Right over our heads. Come and have a bite to eat.
We have cold cuts, so help yourself.
- Are you staying, Albert? - Sorry.
I have a lot to do. And Gusta is waiting.
- You must be hungry. - I love rolled meat sausage!
Help yourself.
Peter!
- We couldn't find it. - We didn't dare stay any longer.
I'll look again tomorrow.
Let's hope we find it first. So how about that money?
God damn it! It's in the suit.
- Not anymore. - Thank God.
Speak Danish, for Christ's sake! That's lesson number one.
Jesus!
- We have rolled meat sausage. - Sit down and eat.
Gudrun made it herself. It doesn't get any better.
- Have some. - Axel...
Shall we? Now everyone has a dram.
Let's drink to our first successful drop.
Congratulations. And let's hope we can find the last container.
If the weather holds, we'll have more drops in a few days.
We're ready. Cheers!
Gerda? I couldn't help telling them where you were.
It's alright, Bitten. It's wrong to lie.
Except when we steal cookies in the pantry.
- Gerda. - Yes?
- Wasn't it wonderful? - Yes. I almost peed my pants.
- Isn't he nice? - Jacob?
Yes. And he's handsome. Don't you think so?
- Are you ready to go? - Yes. Gerda has been hard on me.
Jacob, have a seat next to Gulle.
- Let's examine your pupil. - Okay.
- Who won the soccer championship? - B93 of course. They're the best.
Yes, according to Copenhageners.
- What must you never say? - Never speak English. Say hello.
And if you say too bad...
- What should you say? - Tough luck.
- What do you think? - He's ready.
Brrrrr... Here comes the plane from England.
- You're good with children. - I have younger siblings.
Do you miss them?
Three years is a long time to be without your family.
- Do you miss your girlfriend? - I don't have one.
So who gave you that necklace?
It contains... poison.
- What's it for? - If I get captured.
So I don't give myself away.
Could you give her this...
- We'll miss you at the drops. - I'm glad I could help.
- Thanks. Will I see you after the war? - Yes.
It's a list of Danish words. Particles and the like.
- I'll enjoy reading it. - We have to go now.
- Goodbye, Jacob. - See you.
- Goodbye. Take care. - I will.
- We hope to read good headlines. - I'll do my best.
This is your spot.
Axel will have your papers, so we can get to Aarhus.
Do you really have to go?
Somebody has to help unload things.
Tell Gudrun that I'm looking forward to her omelet.
Come back any time.
- I'll take good care of them. - Safe journey, Knud Christensen.
- Or it'll blow you to kingdom come. - Lovely. I've never been there.
I enjoyed having him here.
Imagine missing a Copenhagener. How about you, Gerda?
Do the Germans know you?
I've been driving around with stoves, so they know me.
Thank goodness. We have 300 kilos of explosives.
And then some!
What the hell?
- This isn't good. - Damn!
We have a problem. A German roadblock. What? Get down!
Go!
Next!
There's a pistol under the seat.
I don't know how to shoot.
Damn it! I don't know any of them.
Papers, please.
Where are you from?
I picked up old stoves that need to be repaired.
Are you deaf? Papers!
Peter Bergenhammer Sørensen. What is he doing with you?
He works at the Thor Brewery in Randers. I'm giving him a lift.
Check the truck.
Please put the ovens back.
What do we do? If they find him, we're finished.
I'll shoot the soldier and hit the accelerator.
Heil Hitler, Otto. Is there a war on or what?
Very droll. No, we found a weapon container nearby.
- Made of iron? I'd like to buy it. - I'm sure you would.
For fuck's sake! The war will be over before you've finished!
Günther, let him through. It's just a bunch of old iron.
Yes, sir. Call off the search.
- Thank you. - Go ahead.
We thank the Third Reich for its help.
Knud said one of our bombs blew up a German minelayer.
Yes, the Linz. It was a magnet bomb. Knud Christensen heard about it.
- We make a difference! - There's an uprising because of us.
I've been to the drop zone seven times now.
You have bad news. Isn't that right, Axel Nielsen?
We heard that the government will resign tomorrow -
- as a protest against the Wehrmacht's demands.
What do they demand?
To introduce the death penalty for hostile acts against the Wehrmacht.
It also applies to the receipt of weapons and explosives -
- and to harboring agents.
What about women?
In other occupied countries, the Germans are said to be ruthless.
- Gerda, you're not going anymore. - No.
- God damn it! - That doesn't mean we're giving up.
Does it?
Is there something called participant's remorse?
If you're caught, it could cost all of you your lives.
So many people depend on us. We can't stop now.
Peter, what do you think?
I agree.
- Niels? - I guess...
Mom is right.
But death, Gudrun...
I can't tell you if it's worth it or not.
No one can, Marius.
But we're a family. We have a lot to fight for.
Yes...
- Axel says a new man is coming. - We just got rid of the last one.
- He ate us out of house and home. - That's impossible with your cooking.
Don't forget to wash under the tables.
I don't like them being out there tonight.
They'll be fine. You know how careful they are.
But what if?
- What's wrong, Gerda? - The Germans are out front!
- What do we do? - Fire up the stove.
I'll go talk to them.
- Good evening. - Good evening.
- Is this your inn? - Yes, it is.
Pardon me... Marius Fiil.
Sergeant Hans Müller.
What are you doing on my land?
Night maneuvers.
There's been a rise in the number of Allied planes.
Have you seen anything, Mr. Fiil?
If you're lucky, you might see an owl flying.
But I'm sure it's Danish.
Yes. It will be a long night.
Standing out here waiting gives you an appetite, doesn't it?
Excellent idea! Thank you very much.
You're welcome.
- Cheers! - Cheers, gentlemen.
Bring that in, Tulle. Don't forget the chives.
- Dad says to bring more beer. - They're on the tray over there.
Group 1... 2... 3... 4!
What the hell? Turn off the lights!
Down! It's a German plane. Hit the deck!
- Get out of here, you bastard! - What are you doing?
What's wrong with you? You're going to get us all killed!
Why are you doing this? At least I don't have a wife and child.
Hit the deck! Down!
- That was close. - Jesus!
- We're alright! - Sorry.
I'm sorry.
We'll call it quits.
The German plane called it in. We'll abort.
The English plane might come. We can't stop now.
Back to your positions!
Group 1!
2... 3... Let's go... 4!
- The red glass is broken! - Find something red!
Did you bring your knife? Give it to me.
- Christ, Andreas! - Ready?
Ready!
The German barracks in Randers
The German battalion in Mariager
- Hi. My name is Jan. - A German fighter just attacked us.
- Move it! Now! - These are plastic explosives.
- Let's go. Got everything? - Get in the truck. Go!
- What do you say if they stop you? - That I sneaked off to the movies.
I took a shortcut across the field and got lost in the dark.
- Which movie did you see? - "Theater Crazy".
- I don't like this... - We have to warn them.
Go. Run!
- Albert! - What?
- A German fighter saw us. - Damn!
Gerda, what the hell? Are you crazy?
- Catch your breath. - More Germans are heading this way.
- More Germans? What do you mean? - There's a group of them at the inn.
- What the hell is going on? - The ones at the inn are harmless.
- We've plied them with aquavit. - What about the others?
Tulle saw a patrol. Dad is sure they're from Randers.
- They'll come from Mariager too. - We can't take our usual routes home.
Go around Hald. That's your best bet.
I'll take Jan home.
Thanks, Gerda. You just won't stay home, will you?
- The Germans are on their way. - Gerda, you come with me.
- Why didn't we go with Peter? - Crossing the heath is better.
We're sure not to meet any German patrols.
Down, down!
- Niels, don't leave me! - I'll be right back.
I promise.
Niels...
Don't look back. Run.
Down!
We have to run through the bog, so the dogs lose our scent.
The dogs lost their scent!
We lost their scent!
Call off the search! Come back.
Drive on!
Right. I urge you to keep a low profile for a while.
Once I've dropped off Jan in Aarhus, I'll disappear to Copenhagen.
Then well have to see.
- Isn't there anything we can do? - We were very, very lucky today.
Cheers!
- I'll miss you. - Likewise.
- To a free Denmark. - Free Denmark.
What's the matter with us? We only have one life.
Aren't we meant to live it?
Dance with me! The only fun we have is what we make for ourselves.
- Come here, Bitten. - Dance with your father.
Axel Nielsen, what a surprise.
Hello.
- Hello. - Hello.
- A cup of coffee? - No thanks.
We didn't expect to see you here.
We thought you were in Copenhagen.
Something terrible has happened. Jacob was captured.
He was with Jan, who swallowed the capsule.
Poor boy.
- What about Jacob? - Most likely the Gestapo have him.
Here are fake passports, Swedish money and the name of a contact.
There's a boat in Randers harbor, and a car is coming in an hour.
We only have room for your family. Your position is the worst.
Can you guarantee that nothing will happen to those we leave behind?
No, I can't.
No thank you.
Right.
- Gudrun. - Goodbye.
God be with you.
We can't leave now.
They're here, Marius.
Really? Are they now?
It will be alright.
Welcome to Hvidsten Inn.
- What will happen now? - I don't know.
Eyes front, I said!
Go sit with the others.
Handcuff the whole family.
Yes, sir!
What about Gulle?
I'm sure they'll let you bring her.
Sit down.
No! No, not Bitten!
Are you waging war against children now?
Well, little one.
The girl stays. Handcuff the other two.
You'll be back home soon, little Gerda.
Take the child. Now!
- Mom, I can't. - She'll be better off with Gudrun.
- No... - Come now. I'll take care of her.
I can't!
No, Mom...
Take them out to the truck.
I can walk on my own!
Don't be upset. You haven't done anything wrong.
Goodbye, Mom!
There, there, Bitten.
Who's that then? Is it Bitten?
Andreas managed to get away.
What about Svend Andersen?
He's at a friend's in Randers.
I hope someone warned him.
- Did they find your stockpile? - No.
That's good to know before the interrogation.
Vestre Allé Prison in Aarhus
Tulle!
You can't keep me from coming.
Hi. Let me look at you.
- It's lovely to see you. - I've missed you terribly.
- Have you been interrogated? - Yes, twice.
- What did you tell them? - That I didn't know anything.
- They said everyone had confessed. - They said the same thing to me.
And they knew that I knew Jacob.
Gerda, did you tell them anything about him?
No. I played dumb. I said he was there to learn about farming.
- You know that... - Yes. I know he did it.
Gerda...
I'm so afraid.
I'll take care of you.
You know what? I completely forgot...
From Mom.
Open it.
- The mail is here. - Thank you.
My dearest Gudrun.
I hope you get this letter. Rlease don't be alarmed -
- but yesterday a transport came from Aarhus with Tulle and Gerda.
They didn't stay here. They say they were sent to a Copenhagen prison.
I hope it isn 't true. Rumor has it -
- that prisoners are court-martialed and sentenced to death there.
It's very hard for Peter, and he refuses to believe it.
I'm sure it's just a rumor. We might be sent there as well -
- but we don 't know. Your Marius.
Vestre Prison in Copenhagen
Do you think we'll get out of this alive, Dad?
About face!
Don't worry about your things. They'll be sent to your next of kin.
You'll be court-martialed and then executed.
Quiet in the ranks!
- Dad! - Gerda?
- Peter! How are you? - Let her go!
Silence! Keep your damn mouths shut!
Back to your cells! Faster, faster!
Move!
Get a move on!
It was lovely to see them today.
Yes.
Why did Peter react that way?
I just want to go home.
Yes.
Did you ask him to bring some cards?
Trump! Spades. That's the good suit.
That was fast!
I can't blow them all at once.
Play my hand, will you?
I know how you feel, Peter.
The Germans won't shoot women. And they won't shoot us.
If they're sent to Germany -
- they'll die in a camp, and I won't be able to say goodbye.
Peter...
Peter!
Pull yourself together. We'll get through this. They can't break us.
- Alright? - I can't take it anymore, Marius.
- Yes, you can. - I don't think so.
There now...
I love Tulle and Gulle.
Yes.
Pull yourself together, Peter. You can do it.
Good.
Niels...
Bitten? What are you doing up?
- I couldn't sleep. - Come and sit down.
- When will they come home? - Oh, dear. I don't know.
I miss them.
Yes, so do I.
I read that eight resisters were shot in Copenhagen.
That's horrible. You shouldn't read things like that.
Do you think they'll shoot Dad, and Niels and Peter...
...and Tulle and Gerda?
No, I don't think so.
Will you help me count these?
Make piles of ten.
What are you doing?
Fresh air is one kind of freedom.
He's in the Danish wing. I think he wants to tell us something.
What's he doing? Can you get it?
Hurry up, for Christ's sake!
'The Germans executed eight from the Ărs group for sabotage."
"All of Copenhagen is rebelling. There'll be a general strike."
What else does it say?
At 11 p.m. Tomorrow we'll receive a pistol from the Danish ward.
Once we get it, we'll make noise, so the German guard will come.
- We overpower him. - There are guards everywhere.
But only one in the evening.
The door to the Danish ward is locked at 9 p.m.
Our Danish friends will unlock it. Once the guard is down -
- we sneak into the Danish ward. A car will be waiting.
Then we sail to Sweden.
Blow out the candle.
I understand your concern, but it's our only chance.
I don't think the Germans will take revenge on our families.
- The situation is too tense. - I agree.
We should take our chances to survive.
What do you say, Dad? Should we just twiddle our thumbs?
- Huh? - Niels states a good argument.
I'm in favor.
We're not some damn lambs to the slaughter.
Hear, hear!
- What's going on? - Easy now.
Damn!
Close it!
Alarm!
- It was so close! - You did what you could, Niels.
Damn it all to hell!
That was a fine party.
Yes, it was.
Who would have thought it would end like this?
No one, Marius.
No.
I should have listened to Niels back then.
But, Albert...
You become hard inside. You become hard as stone...
...so you can't...
I...
- All I can do today is cry. - I know.
Thank you for many good times, Marius.
The same to you, my friend.
- We've had fun. - Yes.
Listen!
I only heard this morning.
Albert writes that everything will be alright.
That there's no danger of that.
Gudrun thinks we should write a petition for mercy -
- to King Christian X and Werner Best, so...
For mercy?
Most of the people who are court-martialed -
- are executed.
That's why we should write a petition for mercy.
Considering the damages -
- that the drops in Hvidsten have caused the Wehrmacht -
- I recommend that our honorable judges -
- impose the maximum penalty on the accused.
The death penalty.
- Any comment from the defense? - No, Your Honor.
Do the accused have anything to add?
The Germans have invaded Denmark, and we're at war.
We are not criminals; we are patriots.
Before the war we were ordinary people -
- who wanted to live in peace with our neighbors.
Would you be so kind as to translate?
- Of course. - Thank you.
If sometime in the future, German and Danish youths -
- are not to shake hands in friendship across the border...
...then our deaths won't make sense.
Therefore I ask you to reprieve the young people.
Mr. Fiil requests that the court reprieve the youths.
I'd like to say that you can execute me instead of the young people.
I am single and have no family that will miss me.
Niels Kjær thinks he should be executed instead of the youths -
- because he is single and has no family.
Sentencing will be passed later. Take the accused away.
It will be alright.
I can't imagine they'll execute you young people.
And the rest of us can petition for mercy.
Who will win the war?
We will, of course.
Heads, America wins. Tails, Russia wins.
What about Germany?
You win if it lands standing up.
Get back!
Niels.
In the name of the German people...
Innkeeper Marius Fiil.
The death penalty.
Worker Niels Fiil.
The death penalty.
Brewery worker Peter Bergenhammer Sørensen.
The death penalty.
Mechanic Johan Kjær Hansen.
The death penalty. Radio dealer Niels Nielsen Kjær.
The death penalty. Coachbuilder Søren Peder Kristensen.
The death penalty. Miller Henning Andersen.
The death penalty. Albert Carlo Iversen.
The death penalty. Housewife Kirstine Sørensen.
The death penalty.
We'll have a 30-minute recess.
First we take Goebbels and hit him on the head
then we beat Göring until he is dead
Then we beat Hitler with a crop
right beside von Ribbentrop
That's how they'll toe the line
the four Nazi swine
Housewife Kirstine Sørensen.
Life imprisonment.
Farmer Jens Stenz. Life imprisonment.
Driver Barner Hyldgaard Andersen.
Life imprisonment.
Anders Stensgaard. Four years.
Grocer Knud Peter Buchhorn Christensen.
Four years' imprisonment. Gerda Fiil.
Two years.
Do you know where you're going?
Germany, I think.
Now chin up. No more tears, Gerda.
- Gudrun. - Marius.
- It's so good to see you. - Dad.
- Tulle. - Bitten sends all her love.
- How is she? - She's holding up.
- We'll be fine, Marius. - Good.
I'm glad she's not here. She would be devastated.
What about Gulle?
She's lovely. She toddles around on her fat little legs.
And she says, "Dad, Dad."
She brings us so much joy. The little thing.
Mom. I miss her terribly.
- Give her a hug from me. - And from me.
I will.
I wrote a petition for mercy to Werner Best.
Did you get an answer?
No, not yet.
This is part of God's plan.
I can't see what it is.
All my life I've never been so afraid.
Peter.
Remember that the loss is great because we have such fond memories.
Please...
Marius Fiil, your execution is in four hours.
You have permission to write a farewell letter to your family.
My dearest Gudrun. It's after 11, almost midnight.
And we are leaving this world. The Lord has called us.
We will be in as good hands as anyone could want.
My dearest Tulle and Gulle. My time has come.
When my darling grows up, tell her she was Daddy's girl.
I will think about you until the last moment.
Dear Gusta, Ulla, Tove and Helle.
Your father is embarking on his final journey.
Do not mourn me. Remember that every war has victims.
Vestre Prison, 28 June 1944.
Dear Rigmor, Henning, Mogens and Jørgen.
Your father will die now. Do not cry for me. I die with honor.
Let Thor take over the wood in storage.
You can rent the workshop out.
Goodbye, my darlings. This is a poor farewell.
But there it is.
We must all die. My time at your side is over -
- but there is life after death, so we'll meet again.
Trust me, my darling.
Before I embark on my final journey, I'd like to thank you -
- for our time together -
- and I bid you farewell. Yours, Niels Kjær.
Dear Tulle and Gerda. I know you'll contribute to -
- a brighter and happier future for Denmark -
- where one can speak, believe and think freely.
Some of us must die, so that others can live.
I have nothing against you, and I have nothing against Germans.
Although you're my enemy, I forgive you...
...young man.
- Albert. - Marius, I know what you're thinking.
We have chosen this path, and we're proud of it.
On your way be brave and true
Should the road seem endless
walk where God is near and you
never can be friendless
Stars above the clouds still shine
through your darkest hour
in the Lord's prayer you find
courage, peace and power
Fight and live for all you love
Die for it defend it
Then you lift your life above
what may hurt and end it
Ryvangen, 29 June 1944, 4 a.m.
Faster!
Get ready.
Aim.
Fire!
No!
To the Plenipotentiary of the German Reich, Dr. Best.
With reference to your execution of eight Danish men -
- I feel obliged to state my opinion.
Your Excellency must realize that the sabotage committed in town -
- and the execution of eight men who had nothing to do with it -
- won't quash the unrest. On the contrary, it will escalate.
Our men did not act out of hatred of Germany -
- but because Denmark is at war. At war is Denmark.
But I am afraid this could lead to hatred of Germany.
Not among us prisoners. We have some understanding of the Germans.
But among the children who lost their fathers. They will grow up.
What they will think and feel is not difficult to guess.
I know that they will be raised to be proud of their fathers.
I have a little girl who has lost her father, grandfather -
- and uncle. Luckily she doesn't understand.
But if she could, she would nevertheless be proud of them.
As my brother said at our last meeting:
"Mountains can be blasted, rivers can be harnessed - "
"- but never will a people perish if they haven't acquiesced.
Knud Christensen, Anders Venning Stensgaard, Jens Stenz -
- and Barner Andersen were transferred to a German prison.
In April 1945 they were rescued to Sweden by the Red Cross.
Anders Stenz and Svend Andersen fled to Sweden and returned in May 1945
Gerda was transferred to a German prison with Tulle
Gerda was pardoned and returned to Denmark on 2 August 1944
Tulle was rescued by the Red Cross in April 1945
Denmark was liberated on 5 May 1945
Subtitles: Karen Margrete Wiin Dansk Video Tekst