Pelle the Conqueror (1987)

As the 19th century dwindles, the winds of change carry widower Lassefar (Max von Sydow) and his 12-year-old son, Pelle (Pelle Hvenegaard), across the sea from their native Sweden to the Danish island of Bornholm. Their hearts harbor hopeful dreams of a better life, dreams that are as vast as the ocean they've traversed. Upon the harsh shores of Denmark, they sign on as laborers at a sprawling farm, trading the familiarity of home for the promise of prosperity. Within the farm's austere boundaries, they encounter trials that test their strength and resilience. They face not just the physical rigors of labor, but a societal hierarchy that views them as the lowest form of life, their foreign accents marking them as outsiders. Throughout a year of relentless challenges, Pelle begins to adapt, his tongue curling around the Danish language, an attempt to bridge the gap between him and the world that treats him with disdain. Yet, the specter of xenophobia haunts him, the label of 'immigrant' becoming an invisible shroud that cloaks him in prejudice. Despite their trials, Lassefar and Pelle refuse to surrender their dreams to the crushing weight of adversity. Within the crucible of hardship, young Pelle hones his survival instincts, learning to navigate the unyielding landscape of his new world. "Pelle the Conqueror" is a poignant tale of hope and resilience, a testament to the human spirit's indomitable will to seek a life beyond mere survival, even when faced with a world that offers no quarter.

Pelle the Conqueror is a drama movie featuring Max von Sydow and directed by Bille August.

Pelle the Conqueror is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and it's also available on Viaplay.

It is also possible to buy Pelle the Conqueror on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.