Tree of Knowledge (1981)

Set amidst the muted charm of Aarhus, Denmark, in the late 1950s, the film "Tree of Knowledge" paints a poignant portrait of the transformative years of adolescence. The narrative traces the journey of a group of children transitioning from the innocent realm of the 7th grade to the more complex world of the 9th grade. Their experiences, though not marked by the dramatic highs and lows of adult life, leave an indelible impression on their young minds, shaping their personalities and perspectives in ways far more profound than any other phase of their lives. At the epicentre of this emotional whirlpool is Elin, a girl who outshines her peers with her arresting beauty and mature demeanour. However, her allure, more a curse than a blessing, breeds envy among the girls and uncertainty among the boys, inadvertently making her the target of their nascent, unarticulated sexual awareness. The resultant isolation from her once jovial circle turns into a heartrending ordeal, exacerbated by her parents' antiquated views, who remain oblivious to the emotional turmoil engulfing their daughter. Simultaneously, we follow the story of Niels-Ole, the alpha male of the class. He stirs up a storm of resentment as he dismisses the affections of his classmates, his heart beating for the younger and more attractive Majbritt instead. Through the lens of director Nils Malmros' personal experiences as a schoolboy in Aarhus, "Tree of Knowledge" deftly blends light-hearted humour with serious undertones. It encapsulates the bittersweet journey from childhood to adolescence, capturing the beautiful yet arduous transition that marks this pivotal phase in life. The film serves as a nostalgic mirror, reflecting the universal experiences of growing up, making it a must-watch for viewers seeking a heartfelt tale of adolescence.

Tree of Knowledge is a drama movie featuring Eva Gram Schjoldager and directed by Nils Malmros.

Tree of Knowledge is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy.