"Drengene fra Sankt Petri" is a Danish film that transports the viewer to the tumultuous times of World War II. Set in the early 1940s, the film follows a group of high school students, including Lars and Gunnar Balstrup, the sons of Pastor Balstrup. The young men find themselves caught up in the resistance movement against the German occupation of Denmark.
The film was made in the early 1990s and has clear influence from films like The Outsiders (1983) and the group of devil-may-care boys who the film tells us from the opening scene are "cool".
The film portrays a group of teenagers experience the reality of the early German occupation of Denmark, when the Danish government was still collaborating. The boys are resisting from a mix of classic teenage anti-authoritarianism, good old "boys will have fun" and true patriotism.
The film shows the delicate balance where the Germans are not total oppressors, but the situation is worsening and the average Dane is pulled between safety and respect for its own government and the fact that an occupier is present and that occupier is evil. It offers a poignant glimpse into a difficult time in history, highlighting the courage of ordinary citizens who risked their lives to fight for what they believed was right.
Directed by Søren Kragh-Jacobsen, "Drengene fra Sankt Petri" features a talented cast, including Tomas Villum Jensen as Lars Balstrup and Morten Buch Jørgensen as Gunnar Balstrup. Other notable actors include Bent Mejding as Pastor Balstrup, Helle Merete Sørensen as their mother, and Nikolaj Lie Kaas as Otto Hvidmann. The ensemble cast delivers solid performances, bringing depth and authenticity to their characters.
While the film has some notable moments, I must admit that it failed to capture my attention for the most part. One issue that stood out was the clothing; it didn't quite convey the authentic feel of the 1940s, appearing more like clothes from the oversized style of the 90s. Moreover, the dynamic between the young stars fell somewhat flat; their bonding and problems didn't seem entirely believable to me.
Overall, I would give "Drengene fra Sankt Petri" a 6 out of 10 stars. While it offers an interesting cultural slice of the 1990s, the time it was made, it failed to live up to my expectations in terms of immersion in the 1940s and missed some excitement. However, I would still recommend it to anyone interested in Danish history, as it does provide some valuable insights into the struggles of the Danish people during World War II.
