LISA MUNSTERHJELM


RESOLUTE

The feature film stars Kim Sonderholm, Ulrich Günther, and David  Bjergsø.

Directed by Ray Müller

Gustav Andersen is a hero. He had helped save over 7,500 Jews from Nazi occupied Denmark but, six decades later, an enemy from his past falsely accuses him of war crimes.  Gustav and his family now live in Boston where he had practiced medicine until his retirement. Thinking that his golden years are upon him, one day his haven is destroyed when he is taken into custody to face a crime he did not commit. Although he had been a conscript in the Danish Nazi Party in the onset of WWII, he was not at all in agreement with their ways, and in fact, was threatened with death if he did not join. He and his wife, were part of the Danish resistance, of which the main goal was to harbour and rescue all the Jews of Denmark. And they succeeded until one night when they were found out and betrayed by whom seemed to be the most unlikely person. While Gustav is ordered to stand trial in Copenhagen we find out what truly happened.

Gustav’s daughter, Anna, is not in good health and her children are reeling from their own personal problems. But they have to work together to help him prove his innocence.

Elsa, Gustav’s granddaughter, is recently divorced from a man who had abandoned her and her daughter, Liv. Although she is an associate art history professor at Harvard, she is in debt from a heavy mortgage and bills not covered by her deadbeat ex-husband.

Erik, Gustav’s grandson, has a spouse but no children. He has already lost a child through miscarriage and is becoming disillusioned and bitter. His mourning is manifesting itself in bizarre thoughts and conspiracy theories, as he can’t feel the helplessness and guilt of his loss.

Gustav must stand trial in Copenhagen, and his daughter and grandchildren join to support him.

During this time, the horrors of what really happened, as well as a present deadly threat, are revealed. The enemy is among them. But they cannot fight what they cannot see. However, Elsa and Erik start on a mission to prove Gustav’s innocence and save their lives. In a new land, though they feel displaced, something feels oddly familiar, as if it was engrained, and this is what guides them. They learn more about themselves and their belief systems while the trial goes on and how to defend themselves against the dangerous things that start happening.

Anna suddenly falls ill but it is not an accident. Elsa and Erik are forced to realize that what their grandfather survived is not over. Meanwhile they cannot understand Gustav’s shame, why he is so complacent, so resigned.  He has lost his hope, it seems, or perhaps he is hiding something that might destroy him?

But as forgotten friends and comrades are called forth, the heroism and bravery that Gustav has been closely guarding at the expense of his freedom is victoriously revealed. While the stakes get higher we find out the sad secret -- the tremendous despair and sacrifice that Gustav, his wife, and Anna had endured, and the tragic ending that had befallen them, leaving them helpless and vulnerable. And this is what Gustav holds onto, his shame and honour: enemies but brothers. Ultimately, he is forced to revisit the past through the trial he is able to process the hurt and through this, Gustav realizes that although the events were unfortunate and painful, he has nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, he accepts his role in the events as having been at the very least good, if not heroic.

Anna, who had also suffered for the past 60 years, has desperately tried to pretend that everything was fine, though it was not. In the end, she finally comes to terms with the secret that has cost her her health and happiness.

Elsa sees why her life was the way it was, that she had inherited the secrets and shame of her grandfather and mother. She heals from the wounds imposed by the divorce and because she is able to protect herself, she is then able to protect her daughter. Elsa realizes that it is not external events such as tenure or being in favour with her boss that shapes who she is, but how she sees herself and what she contributes to the world. Ultimately, she goes against what is popular to do the right thing.

The turmoil that ensues causes Erik to rise above his torment in order to look outside ego and help others thereby processing his hurt. He, then, can begin rebuilding his hope for another child.

The story is an example of how hope and love can prevail in times of strife and suffering. Though evil may never be totally extinguished, love can at least overpower misery.

To read more about the project please visit The Leo Media and Entertainment Group website at:

The Leo Media and Entertainment Group