It is great, great film about a dark period in Danish history: 'the Five Cursed Years' as we call the 5 years under Nazi rule. The Hvidsten Group is a film about a closely knit family from Mid-Jutland who own an old highway-inn: The Hvidsten Inn. Father, Marius Fiil, his wife Gudrun and their 3 daughters and 1 son. The film is based on a true story. First part of the film present the family and their friends and neighbors at the silver anniversary of Marius and Gudrun. This shows a family with much love and respect for each other - mixed with a subtle humor, which is typical for countryside-Jutland. They also have strong values and patriotism. As Marius says:'Can't we all agree that it's best to be the master of your own house?' The party shows a family who are hard-working, but love to have fun, when possible. At the party we are also presented for different points of view about the occupation: some praise the Germans and mistrust the allies, and the heated argument that follows also show Marius as a skilled mediator. This first part of the film is essential to understand the standpoint of the family and the other members of the group later on. One of the things I want to pinpoint is how true and real all the actors are. It's like you meet the real Fiils! Good job! Another highlight is the fact that the director dares to let them live their patriotism and be proud of it - almost impossible nowadays where patriotism = nationalism and what is worse. A warm, true and touching film about a brave and patriotic family and their friends who paid the ultimate prize for their patriotism. One of the best Danish Films of all times.
Review of Hvidsten gruppen
