Original subtitles

-[wind blowing] -[birds chirping]

"It is our great pleasure to inform you...

that you have been admitted to the Copenhagen Polytechnic Institute."

[man] Our Father who art in heaven...

please always watch over my son,

Peter Andreas, who is about to take leave of his home.

May you guide him and never let him forget...

our binding duty to You, Almighty God.

Let him not be tempted by the decadence of city life...

and lay not up treasures on earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt.

We remain true to our faith...

knowing all that which out of darkness is born

shall one day be judged...

in the light of day.

Amen.

There is some money I've saved up...

and which I meant to give you on the day you left home.

But since you have chosen your own path...

you get no money.

I will, however, give you one gift.

This.

The day I left home,

all I had from my father was this watch.

For you, in the hope that it can soothe your hardened heart,

and open your stubborn mind.

In the hope that one day you'll turn back from the road to perdition,

and open your misguided heart to us.

And to Our Lord in Heaven.

Well, look at the sentimental, pious priest

whom I've only ever known for his cold intolerance.

-It's positively sickening. -No, no, no.

-You cannot refuse this. -[Peter] I can't refuse it?

The gift of your false piety? I can't refuse it?

This real question is, how can I not?

[Sidenius] Apologize!

-Say you're sorry for what you said. Now! -Not now, not ever.

Hit me again.

Do it again.

-[Sidenius] Beware, Peter Andreas. -Hit me again. Do it properly.

[Sidenius] Beware!

Beware his unwavering curse upon your head!

Do not offend the Lord by partaking of forbidden fruit!

Thank you for your dark prophecy, but as long as I have lived here

I've felt like a homeless stranger in your house.

-Cursed is he who defies The Lord! -Amen!

[door closes]

[Mrs. Sidenius] Peter? Peter Andreas?

Here. For your journey.

And keep in mind, if you ever need something,

your older brother is in Copenhagen.

Thanks, Ma.

[train chugging]

[train whistle blows]

[indistinct chatter]

[women giggling]

[hammering]

ROOM TO LET

-[woman] This is it. -Yes, all right.

[woman] The rent is due on the first of the month.

[professor] In accordance with Darcy's Law,

there is an essential corresponding proportionality

between groundwater flow and elevation levels

between two points. But what does it consist of?

Yes?

There's an exponential correspondence between the area and the volume of water.

A proportional correspondence.

The larger the acreage, the greater the water flow.

-What are you doing there, Mr. Sidenius? -Um, um...

Uh, yeah, it's just something I'm working on.

It's a Jutland-wide system of canals connecting the two oceans.

It will shorten the shipping routes and connect all of the developing towns.

Are you mad? You've already been warned.

When attending my class, please refrain from these--

these foolish and arrogant experiments.

The water from the canals will spread, branching to marshlands in nearby areas

just as... as predicted in Darcy's Law.

[scoffs] Now, listen, Mr. Sidenius,

a young man such as yourself

needs no other ambition than that of acquiring and assimilating knowledge.

Understood?

Understood.

-[indistinct chatter] -[horse trotting]

[accordion music playing]

[doorbell dings]

I need work. Do you have any openings?

For tonight only.

Fine. Thank you. Thank you.

[indistinct chatter]

[groans]

[music continues]

I study engineering. I came because I needed some money.

Too bad they could only use me for one night.

Is that a habit? You collect discarded rubbish?

No, it's for a project... This thing I'm building.

So, what's your story? If I may be so bold.

You sure are curious.

I was a model.

Really?

-For fashion magazines? -[chuckles] Stop, you idiot.

I used to model at the art academy.

Uh...

-So, like, in the nude? -[chuckles] Of course in the nude.

-Even for men? -Of course for men!

They were the only ones there.

All the art students are men.

You are an idiot.

I used to like teasing them

by using lipstick and putting black on my lashes.

-Really? -Mm-hmm.

So that's how Venice went from backwater

to being one of the most important cities in the entire Western Hemisphere.

It's all because they built this elaborate network of canals.

I'm trying to determine how the city of Esbjerg

could be turned into a lagoon city

with trading stations at the quays.

Can you imagine small electric gondolas skimming the Esbjerg canals?

And merchants travelling with their wares. Of course all of it duty-free.

All right, idiot! No more engineering stories.

[man chanting in Hebrew]

-He keeps on smiling at you! -Shh.

Older men always seem to be attracted to you. Why is that?

Would you kindly hush, Nanny?

But you could do worse than marry him.

You're not getting any younger, Jakobe. You can't live like a nun all your life.

Besides, he's very wealthy.

I mean, then at least you're quite sure he's not marrying you for your money.

Once again, Nanny, would you please shut up?

[chuckles]

I always enjoy being at our country home in summer

with the whole family.

But when the cold weather sets in, I want to be back in Switzerland

in the mountain air.

If I may ask one question, Miss Salomon,

how long did you attend that girls' school?

-For precisely five years. -[Eybert] Huh!

With girls of every nation.

Jakobe is fluent in six languages

and has earned degrees in literature and history.

Really?

Ivan, sir, I've been hearing that

you have decided to recruit some new talent.

-That's very commendable. -Mm, absolutely.

We must think of the future.

Youth always brings new opportunities for investment.

If only we didn't have to put up with those misbegotten and unwashed geniuses

he keeps bringing home.

[Eybert] Yes...

Mr. Salomon,

if it isn't too presumptuous of me...

might I beg a word with you on a private matter?

[Phillip] Of course, Eybert. Let's withdraw to the next room.

[clock chiming]

[Eybert] I owe you an explanation for the real reason I've come today.

It's, uh-- It's about...

I really don't know how to put it, actually. It's about...

my heart, you see. The state it's in.

Mr. Salomon, I'm very sorry, uh...

could I trouble you for a glass of water or a cup of coffee?

Agnes? Could you fetch a cup of coffee for Mr. Eybert?

Thanks.

Thank you.

Uh, yes.

[Eybert] Uh, where were we?

Uh, yes! It's, uh-- Ah, my heart. Yes, I said...

I intend to, uh...

to honor your Jakobe with my affections.

[Phillip chuckles] Mr. Eybert...

You should know that my wife and I have been aware of what's happening.

You're from good Jewish stock

and you're also a friend of the family, so...

Let's not beat around the bush.

I assume you've taken into account that, between you and my daughter,

there is an appreciable disparity of age.

Are you stirring your coffee or digging a hole in that cup?

Sorry, yes...

I also assume you've given due consideration...

to my daughter's station in life...

testamentary...

dispositions, which I have taken for her welfare.

The matter of her fortune to me is of no consequence.

As I have said,

-I have only my heart-- -Mr. Eybert,

you know I hold you in the highest esteem,

so, naturally, in principle, I give you my blessings, yes.

But, in the end, Jakobe will determine her own future.

-[indistinct chatter outside] -[bird cooing]

I have something that just might be of interest to you.

It's a book. It's-- Or should I say, it's a Bible.

A gift from the vicar who christened me.

-A prominent man, Pastor Sidenius. -How do I know it wasn't stolen?

No, sir, it wasn't. Look, here on the first page,

it's dedicated to me personally.

"Always observe the strict laws of our Church."

-Quarter krone. -[till dings]

A quarter?

I mean, I would have thought it was worth more...

[doorbell rings]

THE COOKING POT

[indistinct chatter]

[cutlery clinking]

-Excuse me? -Yes?

-Who's that, there? That man? -Him? That's Ivan Salomon.

[Peter] Salomon?

[waiter] Ever heard of the Salomon family?

No.

They're one of the most prominent families around.

They finance public works...

-Can I have the check? -[waiter] Yes, absolutely, Mr. Salomon.

Hello, sir.

[clears throat] Would you mind if I steal a moment of your time?

Let me introduce myself.

Peter Andreas Sidenius, I'm an engineering student.

I hear that you've been recruiting fresh faces and great ideas. I'm...

I'd like to talk to you about a couple of my own inventions.

I'd love to explain them to you.

Mind if I sit down?

Go right ahead.

I... Here's what this is about.

It's a brand-new method for producing energy.

It's too expensive to use coal.

Instead, we would use the power of nature itself,

the wind and the water.

We could build an advanced network of canals,

-that would revolutionize Denmark. -[waiter] There you are, sir.

This concept could transform our country

into a modern, self-sufficient, industrialized nation.

And, anyway, from what I hear...

you're just the person to take on such a project.

Come here often?

No. Well, I...

Let's take this up the next time we meet.

You must excuse me now. I have an appointment.

[Peter] You wouldn't believe it, Lisbeth. He was sitting right across from me!

I've never seen anything like it.

So elegantly dressed. The way he, uh...

He's from one of the richest families around.

Stinking rich.

This-- this could be my shot.

Shh. Mr. Engineer come here.

By the way, Lisbeth... Could you, um--

Could you lend me a little money?

How can I be sure if you'll give it back, huh?

You-- You can trust me. You know that.

You have to see. You know, I mean--

I have to go back there to that café, in case he comes again.

-It's really important. -Just think about it...

if you and I lived as a couple...

if we found a little place, everything would be easier.

-Yeah, right. That's a great idea. -Mm-hmm.

-What about the money? You think you can? -Sure.

You can keep my tips from this evening.

-Thanks. Thanks. -Mm-hmm.

[indistinct chatter]

[music playing]

[shop bell dings]

-[man] Merry Christmas. -Same to you.

[Peter] Merry Christmas.

This is all I could take home.

The customers almost all the red cabbage.

-But there's plenty of pork roast. -Good.

And all the caramelized potatoes you can eat.

Here.

Think of it, our first Christmas together.

Thanks.

I understand, you must be thinking of your family.

Actually, I'm not. No, no, I'm not.

I was thinking about Ivan Salomon.

There are days I wish I was rich.

But you're not rich, Lisbeth.

-You never will be, either. -No, but if--

If I was, I'd give you the money for your project.

Oh, I almost forgot.

Skål.

Skål.

To me and you.

Mm-hm.

[sighs] Will that be all?

[coins chinking]

[doorbell rings]

Mr. Sidenius! Sidenius, there you are!

Come and sit down.

I've asked around about you at the Polytechnic Institute.

-Are you hungry? -No, I--

[Ivan] Waiter! Bring us some caviar.

-And champagne! -Of course, sir, right away.

[Ivan] Well, Mr. Sidenius, have a seat.

Hey, come on!

-Uh, yeah. -[Ivan] Tell me about your project.

Well, it's...

You're precisely the person our society needs.

Someone with ground-breaking and unique ideas

who can show us all what's possible to achieve.

I'm trying to work out the amount of the--

the proportion of the groundwater to the acreage.

Uh, let me put it in another way. The main thing is to use the canals

to link up all the streams and the lakes,

uh, making it possible to irrigate uncultivated meadows

-and bring in a new source of revenue-- -Stop, stop. Mr. Sidenius, stop.

Come over for dinner at my house.

That way my father can hear your fantastic ideas.

-But-- -Call me Ivan.

-And you? -Peter Andreas.

A project of this caliber,

you first have to go through Chief Engineer Bjerregrav

of the Danish Society.

If he approves it, he'll send it to the Ministry.

From there, you can get the official endorsement.

Nothing will ever stop you, right?

You're really...

a fortunate man.

I'm sorry I'm late. I was busy securing our family's future.

Are you drunk, Ivan?

[laughs]

Allow me to introduce you to my sister, Nanny.

Nanny, this is Mr. Sidenius.

He's an engineering student and a budding genius.

I've never met a real genius. What does that feel like?

[bells ringing]

Uh...

Don't you have anywhere to go?

Don't just stand there, you'll turn into a lamppost.

I'm, uh-- I live over there.

[Ivan] I've invited Mr. Sidenius to our house on Sunday.

[Nanny] This Sunday?

Ah, well, then I'll see the genius again.

If you're going the other way, don't forget to turn your feet.

[Ivan] Submit your project to the chief engineer! Very important!

-Hello. -Hello.

I'd like to submit this project to the chief engineer. In person.

I'm sorry, he's not available. But if you leave me your drawings,

we'll get in touch when the chief engineer

has had the time to look them over

The thing is, if, uh... I was thinking I might...

I sort of imagined I...

-Right. -Thanks.

[Peter] Mm-hmm.

Will he take--

-Will he really look at all those? -Yes, of course.

-Thanks. -Uh-huh.

[tailor] There.

Now, if I could just get that cuff out of the sleeve here... Yes.

-There you go. -[doorbell dings]

And now the other one.

I suppose you were wondering about the condition of my outfit. [chuckles]

I've been travelling, you see. I've just returned from abroad.

-I was in, uh, Panama. -Uh-huh.

I was supervising the construction of a new canal system.

Oh, my. And that's not entirely without danger, I bet.

-True. -Yes, all right then. And this is for you.

Ah, thank you.

Wait...

That's, uh... What did I do with it?

Very awkward, I seem to have forgotten my wallet

back at the hotel.

I'm sorry.

No worries, I'll send my chauffeur right over with the money.

He'll be here within the hour. Well, good day.

I'm afraid I can't let you leave the shop until you pay for that.

[chuckles]

What do you take me for, a swindler?

Well, if that isn't--

-Are you aware of my reputation? -Don't shout.

Hello. I'm Peter Andreas Sidenius. I'm expected.

Go right in.

Thank you.

-May I take your hat? -Yes.

[piano playing]

This way.

[clock chiming]

-[piano stops in next room] -[applause]

[piano recommences]

[indistinct chatter]

I'm Director Delft, uncle to the Salomon's.

-Yes, my name is Sidenius. -Ah, yes, the young engineer!

My sister's son has told me about you.

"A fortunate man." That's what he called you.

Not very flattering, if you want my opinion.

Not according to the popular wisdom...

"Fortune favors fools," I'm told. [chuckles]

-Well, but anyway. You mind if I sit? -Mm.

[Delft] My niece is delightful, don't you think so, Mr. Sidenius?

[Peter] Miss Salomon is beautiful.

-Very beautiful. -Mm-hmm.

There's certainly nothing bland or ordinary about her, I dare say.

And she's not lonesome.

There's no shortage of suitors coming around her door.

[chuckles]

Very astonishing, the power of beauty!

Not to mention her father, Phillip Salomon,

is a man of considerable means.

And money, good Sidenius, is magnetic.

Those little pieces of metal elicit the deepest of human emotions.

They bring our hearts' most secret inclinations

into the bright light of day. Don't you agree?

Well, let us not be impolite. Family's waiting.

-I made the acquaintance of your friend. -Thank you.

-He's right there. -Oh!

There you are! You're the man everyone has been expecting.

[takes deep breath]

Father?

This is Mr. Sidenius. I told you about him.

Ah...

-Pleasure, sir. Welcome. -Thank you.

This is my mother.

-Welcome. -Thank you.

-You have a beautiful home here, yes. -Well...

Oh, oh, and this wine is very good.

And the women...

-The ladies here are so stunning. -[chuckles]

Skål, Mr. Salomon. Thanks for the invitation...

I'm very honored.

Oh, this is my older sister, Jakobe.

[Peter] Oh...

-Hello. -Delighted.

So, Pete, tell us a little about your project.

My father is curious.

[Peter] Sure, uh...

Yes, well, my starting point is that...

as our modern societies continue their development,

our most crucial asset is energy.

You control the supply of energy, then, basically, you control the future.

We-- We must break our dependence on coal, which won't last forever, as we all know,

and instead harness the enormous reserves of energy that we find in nature.

[Phillip] Yes.

Yes, please continue.

Take, for example...

the waves in the sea.

The powerful and limitless supply of water crashing on our coastline.

We could harvest it. That force could serve humanity.

My plan is to collect that energy in huge turbines,

convert it to electricity,

and send it through cables over vast areas of land.

We'll do the same thing with windmills. Just think of it.

All those whooshing gusts of wind,

all that power that whistles through our countryside

made to benefit the whole of society, making us self-sufficient.

Uh, Mr. Salomon, allow yourself to imagine

whole cities with broad avenues lined with houses,

railway stops and factories and plants, all illuminated with electricity,

which is harvested from the wind and the sea.

And you had also mentioned a new international seaport,

-and, so, right-- -Yes, I mean it's possible

-to construct a Danish Venice--

Yes, thank you. That's splendid. And rather expensive, I would imagine.

How do you think your project could be financed, Mr. Sidenius?

[chuckles] I, uh...

Detailed drawings and plans were already submitted to Chief Bjerregrav.

Someone you know, Father.

So, let's cross our fingers.

Thanks.

Thanks for everything.

[coughs]

Your friend's ideas are truly fascinating, but they don't seem all that realistic.

Well, he's a little immature, but he's frightfully intelligent.

I was most impressed with his prediction that...

he who controls the energy in the future will also hold all the power and money.

[Phillip] But is he the sort of person with whom we should associate?

Isn't he sort of, well, fishy?

What's that word? A sort of a charlatan.

He certainly wasn't very civilized.

Those common manners of his. See how much he drank?

Yes, his behavior was kind of awkward,

lacking in the social graces.

Although, we could make some allowances for his modest background, of course.

Uh, a country preacher's son.

It's deplorable to see the ravages of poverty on a man.

And if you want to know,

he wasn't nearly as handsome as Nanny let on.

I think he's even handsomer than that.

As a matter of fact, he's as handsome as Adonis.

[Phillip] Adonis?

Yeah.

[blows]

Mr. Sidenius, the chief engineer will see you now.

Go right in.

Thank you.

Oh, excuse me, uh... You're the engineer, Sidenius?

Yes.

Goodness! You're so much younger than I expected!

Oh, well... Come, let's discuss the matter.

In my opinion, this whole idea of hydroelectric turbines

is complete and utter rubbish.

But certain of your other ideas concerning wind power

do seem to be rather sensible.

But, young man, however did you come up with the idea

for this far-fetched project?

Ah, yes, it's something I've been working on

for the last year or so.

Uh, but I've had it in my head ever since I was a boy.

Are those your blueprints with the details? Let me see them.

I'm especially eager to hear you expand upon the control system

for the fiords and canals.

And speak up, please.

Yes, sir. [clears throat]

I want to construct an integrated system

to control the harbors and fiords throughout Jutland.

This would hasten delivery of goods,

making Denmark into a modern, industrialized nation.

I want to move shipping traffic away from Copenhagen.

A free port here could never really be a center for international trade,

it's a poor location, making it hard to access for vessels from abroad,

so, I want to set up a major port on the west coast,

which would make us competitive with Hamburg and Bremen.

Uh, we could easily make ourselves...

a northern Venice.

Yeah, it's so easy at your age.

And a proposal should be made without slouching. Spine straight.

Come back in a week.

May I go now?

What did you say?

-[laughing] -That officious idiot.

An authoritarian jerk!

-"Straighten your spine!" -Shh!

"Stand in attention!"

I know that by heart.

[laughs]

Clean your nails, pray every morning, never whistle,

good table manners. It makes me sick.

-[sighs] But he said come back in a week. -Half way there.

Let's have a drink.

Champagne?

And caviar, let's not forget.

-Right. -[both laughing]

Let's join my family.

-[bell tolling] -[indistinct chatter]

You all right?

This is one of Copenhagen's best restaurants.

Yes.

Ye-- Yes. Of course.

My sister, Jakobe's, fiancé. His name is Eybert.

[indistinctly talking]

Manufacturer and candidate for parliament. I have no idea how she can stand him.

All the clocks stop when he enters a room.

But he's a widower, and so, apparently,

the man's children appeal to her maternal instinct.

-But I know what he sees in her. -[Peter] What?

She's the eldest of my sisters. She gets the bigger endowment.

...and do it forcibly. So then my own expansion was the only choice left.

Mr. Eybert.

-How do you do? -Pleasure. Peter Andreas.

[Ivan] Jakobe.

-It's a real pleasure to see you again. -[Eybert] Mm-hm.

Yes, that was really an extraordinary case

of bureaucratic incompetence.

And really it was the reason that I started my own manufacturing firm

and built it into the biggest concern in the whole country...

for the production of sewage materials.

Mm-hm.

We're ready to order.

Ladies. Gentlemen.

We were thinking, what do you say, caviar and champagne?

[Eybert] Mm-hm, yes. Sure.

-[Jakobe] Yes. -Yeah.

Tell us what's on the menu. Are there specials?

Yes, uh, for starters, we have trout roe and quail eggs served on a bed of ice,

followed by partridge and asparagus or the cheese and celery omelette,

-and a mixed fruit cocktail for dessert. -[Ivan] Good. We'll have it all.

-All right with everyone? -[Eybert] I'm fine.

-Could you bring the champagne out first? -Yes, sir.

[Ivan] Pete went to see Bjerregrav today.

He all but approved the project.

Such an officious bore, that chief engineer. Father knows him.

He gave him that, "Enunciate! Stand up straight."

No, no, you go ahead. You do it better than I do.

-What was it you said? -No, no, never mind.

-Oh, yes. Come on. A little bit. -Excuse me, everyone.

I'll be-- I'll be back in a second.

You're really still shaken up? Straight back down the hall.

-Hi. -[Lisbeth] Fancy company, huh?

-Yes. -Almost didn't recognize you.

Those attractive women. I supposed the young man with you is Ivan, huh?

Yes, Lisbeth. But could I ask you, could we please pretend we're strangers?

-I can't fit in your class? -No. Uh, y--yeah. That's-- Look--

Look. This is really important for me. See?

I need this for my career. So if that family learns that I've been...

in this thing with you...

Please, just pretend like you've never seen me before.

Do you understand?

[Peter] Hello.

[Nanny] All right, if you have a moment.

You have a button undone there.

Could I see it? [gasps] Yes!

Well, the main thrust of my project is to harness natural energy sources.

Well, using them responsibly of course.

A hydroelectric system integrated with an elaborate web of canals...

connecting the four corners of Denmark together.

Mr. Sidenius, mind if I ask you a question?

-Not at all. Ask away. -Just out of curiosity...

Am I right you're presently only a student of engineering?

Mm-hmm. Yes.

Well, then how is it that such a young man, someone who, unless I'm mistaken,

was born of a modest and very low line of clergymen,

has taken such a keen interest in the field of technology?

-Do you disapprove of my profession? -No, no, no, no.

Only wondering about the contradiction.

Between faith and science, you mean.

[scoffs]

Excuse me, but how are these two things contradictory?

Consider all of the things that engineering has given to humanity.

I mean, the railway, for instance, has...

shortened considerably the distance between families.

Or the telegraph.

It's even possible that one day we will have flying machines.

Think about...

how that could eliminate the differences between people, and how that...

could be the decisive step...

toward a world of wisdom and hope,

the brotherly love we have vaunted in our faith.

[Eybert] Isn't that overstating things a little, Jakobe?

I am convinced that people can shrink prejudice through freedom of movement.

We can aspire society...

where all individuals can live together in harmony,

as free as we are independent.

Ah. Wow.

Well...

[chuckles]

I must admit that I...

hadn't seen my profession as quite so... quite so laudable and altruistic.

Some more water, Miss Salomon?

Yes, thank you.

[indistinct chatter]

I heard from them a while ago.

Dr. Engelbracht, I meant to thank you for being so kind the other day.

Sorry. Any room for me here?

-Don't mention it. -[indistinct chatter]

[music playing]

May I, Miss Salomon?

I do wish that we had the chance to get better acquainted.

You really got through to me. You speak with such wisdom and passion.

For me, in fact, it's quite an experience

to come to your house.

I must, however, admit that I do feel...

inadequate.

I've never experienced...

an open-minded and free-thinking family like yours.

Just the...

the way you're aware of world events, and you feel accountable too. I--

I don't know, to me it was like nothing I'd ever been around.

We were taught to turn our backs on that. To shut the world away.

To pray and sing hymns all day.

You can't imagine just to be here with a beautiful...

and elegant lady such as yourself, would be a betrayal of God.

What I most remember as a child...

is a constant feeling of shame.

And of dread.

That's very good of you to be honest. I thank you.

Yes.

-[clanking] -[indistinct chatter]

Uh, you're late with your rent.

I know. I'll pay you shortly.

And there's a stranger waiting upstairs in your room.

-Who is he? -No one very likable.

And don't forget your rent!

Eberhardt?

Sorry, your landlady told me to wait. She thought you wouldn't be long.

I went home for a few days.

So?

I'm afraid Father is poorly. In fact, it's most serious.

The doctor thinks that in all likelihood it's cancer.

I thought you should know this.

We, uh, that is speaking for all of your siblings...

we thought if you knew...

that once you were made aware of the situation that perhaps, you might...

feel encouraged, or should I say, feel the need...

-to seek reconciliation. -Spell it out.

Far be it for me to interfere in your affairs,

but you can't begin to justify--

But you are. You are interfering in my affairs, Eberhardt.

Right. I can see I'm wasting my time here.

Yes, you are.

There's just one more thing you should know.

Though your bitterness blinds you and prevents you from admitting it,

your father cares more about you than anyone else.

He talks about you every day.

Our family has given up on trying to convince you.

They still hope that someday,

you will find that life itself is leading you to change,

and you will realize how much you owe them...

-and repent for your sins and atone. -Sin? And atone?

You know, I think I already heard this one.

How could you stoop to using Father's illness to lure me back?

You think I should defer to your greater wisdom

because you cannot stand the idea

that I might be well and thriving outside of your world. Well, I am!

You tell that man who thinks he's my father, that I owe him nothing!

It's enough that I gave him my childhood!

-[bell tolling] -[indistinct chatter]

[Peter] What're you looking at?

You think you'll have the last word?

Upon closer examination, I found your project is of no value.

You're too immature. Too young.

You couldn't follow through on such a project.

You haven't even graduated yet, have you?

No, but--

Is your name Sidenius? Any relation to the celebrated clergyman?

I fail to see that-- Tell me what--

Could you please give me an explanation for the--

for your change of heart concerning my project?

Uh, please accept my apology if I've raised your hopes.

I must insist that by refusing this project now

I'm surely doing you a favor.

-Favor? Is that right? -Your hydroelectric turbines,

your windmills and your canals system, it's all nonsensical and utopian.

Nothing but infantile gibberish.

Mm, yeah. I could, uh, only imagine a successful project

emerging from all of this

if I myself were to get involved with it.

That is absolutely out of the question.

Yes, very good.

That means that it's settled.

The matter is, as far as I'm concerned, now closed.

That'll be all. Have a nice day.

As a former military officer, would you kindly tell me

exactly how much self-abasement it would take

to convince you that I deserve your go-ahead for my project?

You're a sick man.

You may leave my office now, but please understand,

my refusal is final!

-You will regret this, sir. -Threatening me?

If I had been warned that you were such an officious,

and short-sighted, stubborn idiot,

I would have stayed away and spared myself this insult.

Goodbye!

[door slams]

[doorbell dings]

[door closes]

Where have you been? What are you eating?

[sniffs] Pig swill?

Waiter!

-I told you to ask my uncle for a loan. -Thank you, Ivan, but it...

-doesn't matter now. -[chuckles] What?

He turned down my project. Bjerregrav.

He methodically derided my entire life's work.

You're young, Pete.

Your ideas are too radical. You should go abroad.

Yes, easy way out.

My father's made a contact in an Austrian firm that specializes

in engineering dam and canal projects. Professor Pfefferkorn.

They'd be happy to have you work for them.

-Yeah, well. -No, no, no. Hear me out.

Just leave for a while. Get out of Denmark.

Just forget all the tedium and mediocrity, the Bjerregravs.

See the world, Pete.

Get some wind under your wings so your project can fly.

Don't be so serious!

Show them all you were the fortunate man.

You promised to visit us at our country home this summer.

Yes, I said I would. But now I-- I--

Come on, you know it's exactly what you need!

-The whole family will be there. -Yeah.

Both my sisters. Both of them!

[birds singing]

Mr. Sidenius! I'm delighted to see you.

-Hello, Miss. -[chuckles] Hey, stop.

-Hello, Jakobe. -Mr. Sidenius.

[Delft] Allow me to welcome the young genius to our summer residence.

[chuckles]

I hope there was no delay on the train.

While we're alone, there's a practical matter

we should attend to. Hm.

Oh. Please, sit down.

Uh, oh. Thanks, Ivan.

On the first of each month, you will receive your transfer of funds.

Do keep a very accurate table of all that you spend.

Of course.

Just make sure you tell Mr. Salomon that I said

I consider this entire arrangement a loan.

Secured against the future profits

-from my inventions. -Duly noted.

Would you allow me to ask a delicate question?

I've been noticing your changing lanes, dear Sidenius,

in regards to the Salomon daughters...

and courting my eldest niece, Jakobe.

Is that right, Mr. Sidenius?

Uh... it would be frightfully unrealistic if I were to court a woman

of so many virtues.

[scoffs] You mean a woman of means?

Wh-- What?

-No, that's not what I said, uh... -Indeed, it's not.

Please put your signature for the money on the bottom line.

[giggling]

-[Lea] The upstairs too. -[maid] Yes, ma'am.

-Mother? -Yes?

Could my engagement to Eybert be announced sooner?

Yes, if that's what you really want.

-We have great respect for Mr. Eybert. -Mm.

He's from a good, Jewish family.

And Father has vetted his financial situation.

You're quite certain you love him?

I think Mr. Eybert is solid.

And we talk so openly.

And his daughters need a woman's steady presence.

[Phillip] Do you think it's conceivable that your friend...

would agree to apologize to Chief Engineer Bjerregrav?

-Or is that unlikely? -[scoffs]

Sure, sure. Yeah.

Perhaps the Tsar of Russia will also abdicate.

The fate of a visionary project such as this

should not fall to the likes of Bjerregrav. He's a technocrat.

And a narrow-minded fool.

-Here, here. -Yes, but good God, he's also--

Seeing it from a financial standpoint, and from a human standpoint as well,

I-- I am most impressed with the young Sidenius' ideas.

Think of it. Taming those same forces of nature

that we've always thought of as our adversary.

Yes, but good Lord, Bjerregrav can block our way on this.

He's the official expert in Danish engineering.

He's the only authority who can recommend that the project get state approval.

-Yes, but Father, he -- -[Phillip] If Bjerregrav turns it down--

What if you contacted Bjerregrav?

-Convince him to take another look. -Let's not get all impatient.

Let's let Pete go abroad for a while. To Austria. See Professor Pfefferkorn.

Find out what he thinks of the young man,

and if he thinks this whole thing is feasible.

-[music playing] -[Eybert singing in German]

That wasn't very polite,

right in the middle of that passionate song.

You haven't so much as looked at me since you got here!

I haven't? I'm sorry.

Be honest. Have you lost interest in me?

Do you find me banal and half-witted?

How could I find you banal and half-witted?

I have many other admirers, if you don't know.

-I'm sure you do. -Men of superior station at that.

From better families and with more realistic plans.

So, be honest. Have you lost interest in me?

[Lea] Nanny?

-Come in. -[sighs]

That's it, there you go.

Excellent shot!

[wind blowing]

Do you mind?

What do you want from me anyway?

I've been thinking about you constantly since we last spoke.

Haven't you got the tact to know that you should stay away from me?

No.

You've touched me like no one ever has.

-I must know how you feel about me. -[sighs]

Your beauty...

your intelligence and your standing... Uh...

I'm nothing.

I think you're overstating your feelings for me.

Or perhaps I should explain...

that my engagement to Eybert is all arranged.

[sighs]

[breathing heavily]

[Lea] And the children?

They're out running around.

Nanny? Where's Nanny? We're going for a ride. She knew it.

Best to let her be, if she's sulking.

-Yes, have a seat. -After you.

[Delft] Er, scoot over a little.

All right, then I will.

-[Phillip] Giddy-up! -[chuckles]

[chuckles] Here.

[Ivan] Reminds me of that young Swedish student from Lund

who made a wager he'd be able to outrun a buck

and to catch it.

The poor guy kept running after the animal

until his heart exploded and he dropped dead.

Do you really believe that story, Ivan?

I heard it when I was a child, and even then I honestly never bought it.

-It could have happened like that. -Do you believe it, Mr. Sidenius?

I believe a determined man will achieve anything he sets out to do.

Whatever the cost.

[Eybert chuckles]

But the reality is that the deer is equipped with four strong legs,

all galloping together.

It's the determination. Not how fast you can run.

Hmm.

So your will is stronger than the laws of nature?

You've lost faith in the power of resolve. Such a pity.

What do you mean by that?

I wonder if you would believe in determination

if you saw it with your own eyes.

And, in fact, I feel like I could show it to you.

Mr. Sidenius! Climb back in this carriage right now!

Don't worry about me, I'm only stretching my legs.

It's healthy!

And think how good it would be for Denmark

if a member of parliament believed in pluck.

You can't be running alongside the carriage,

-you'll spook the horses! -I'd better run ahead then.

[panting]

Determination...

I kept my word. [panting]

What was that? Some kind of a bet?

[Peter] I just got a little dizzy. That wasn't even running at full speed.

Wait, wait, Jakobe, your flowers.

Your flowers.

You love me, don't you?

You're in love with me, right?

-You want to be with me, right? -[Jakobe whimpers]

-You wanna be mine? -No, I...

Isn't it true?

You want me. You want to be mine.

[whimpering]

You want me.

Is that right?

Yes.

Yes!

[both panting]

[Pfefferkorn] When the dam is completed,

we'll be able to prevent flooding in the valley below,

which is very frequent, you see. Very frequent.

Yes.

It happens every year when the snow melts.

When the power station is ready, it'll be good for everyone.

It'll provide new opportunities for the people living here.

Mr. Sidenius...

[indistinct chatter]

[Jakobe] "Guten Tag, mein lieber Freund.

I hope that you're doing well in Austria

and that Professor Pfefferkorn is treating you well.

We had so little time before you left.

Yet, although the days flew by, love did claim its due.

Each moment we spent together,

I shall treasure as among the happiest in my life.

-[birds tweeting] -[sighs]

My dear Pete...

it has been far too long since I have heard from you.

Even a few words would bring me so much joy...

but I suppose you must be very busy.

Yesterday, I waited for the postman all day.

I was so disappointed I went to bed at 10 o'clock.

I hated you with all my heart...

until the clock struck eleven.

Sweet darling...

Couldn't you forget engineering for a while...

hop on a train and run away home...

and bring me a kiss?

Just one little kiss?

It would feel so good.

Do you realize that you never said that you love me?

I long to know the sound of those words, if only once.

Practice speaking them until next we meet..."

[sighs]

"Then we can both confess our love together."

-[music playing] -[clapping]

[laughs]

[laughs]

[laughs]

[Phillip laughs]

[Nanny squeals, laughs]

[all laughing]

[laughs]

[screams]

[laughs]

Have you noticed Jakobe?

-Just sitting there at the table. -[sighs]

Jealous. The poor girl didn't get married first.

She's angry as hell that she's not the one dancing

at her wedding with Pete.

Tell me, dear sister...

-Yes? -...is that the reason for the rush?

-I don't follow you. -You wanted to be the first?

[scoffs]

You can't forget he rejected you, so you're bearing a grudge, huh?

[laughs]

You're drunk!

[chuckles]

Concentrate on your dancing. You're stepping on my shoes.

-Enjoying the wedding? -Yes, thanks, Mother.

Mm.

Thinking of him?

Yes, of course I think of him. Tonight, especially.

Well...

there's something about him...

-Oh, what? -[drink pouring]

Just a feeling...

He's so secretive. There's a hollow and scary side of him.

What are his roots?

We haven't even met his family.

Jakobe, has Pete ever even said that he's told them about you?

Yes, Pete did say that he once did meet his brother on the street

and he told him that we are engaged.

-Yes? -Uh-huh.

Jakobe, no one's meddling in your affairs, really,

but are you certain about all of this?

Certain about what?

That you're compatible, really? You and him.

That there's not something unnatural about your relationship?

That... your station in life and his are, in the end, not too different?

That his Christian background can be reconciled with our Jewish home?

And his entrenched hatred for his own family...

-Don't you think it's-- -I've made this choice already, Mother...

and I love him.

Yes. Yes, yes.

We wanted to be sure that you made your choice

and you won't regret it.

[bells tolling]

Hello. I would like to see the Senior Clerk, Mr. Sidenius?

Up the stairs, fourth door on the right.

Thank you.

-Yeah, it's obvious. -[man] Yes, a real Jewess.

[knocks]

[Eberhardt] Come in!

Hello.

My name is Jakobe Salomon.

I know your brother has told you about me.

I've come here today hoping you'd be open to some kind of understanding.

I know that you and your brother,

my husband to be, don't see eye to eye.

He's estranged, at odds with his family.

Was it Peter who sent you here today, or did you come on your own?

[Jakobe] I came on my own.

Have you told Peter you wanted to speak to me?

I did not.

[Eberhardt] Oh, I see.

Ever since childhood, it's true,

my brother has indeed turned away and rebelled.

Turned against his own family.

He has systematically hardened his heart.

He's found a sort of perverse satisfaction in defying us...

the very people to whom he most owes his gratitude and respect.

Even now, with our father laying in his deathbed,

he remains stubborn, cold and wilful.

He's so bent on breaking free that he has truncated his Christian name.

What moniker do you use for him?

Pete?

-Yes. -[Eberhardt] Yes.

I make no secret of my opinion, so let me offer you these candid,

honest observations.

Namely that his engagement to you...

is merely a hostile message to his family.

As I'm sure you're aware,

Peter Andreas was raised in a Christian home.

He knows that that the power of Christ is of utmost importance to his family,

and that they cannot recognize any happiness...

if it isn't rooted in Christian faith.

And if it is of any consequence to you...

allow me to just say, in no uncertain terms,

that you can never expect his family's approval

of your relationship with him.

I came here with hope of building a new understanding.

I see now I haven't been realistic about it.

Still, I can't regret that I came.

[door closes]

Excuse me?

Is there any mail for me?

Still nothing, Mr. Sidenius. Not a thing.

Thank you.

[sheep bleating]

[indistinct chatter]

[woman speaking indistinctly]

[woman] This is where he's staying.

-Hello, Sidenius! -Yes?

There's a telegram for you.

Thank you.

Urgent, I take it?

It's from my brother.

My father has just died, last night.

[Pfefferkorn] Oh, I'm very sorry.

Please accept my condolences, Mr. Sidenius.

I understand if you must get home.

Uh, thanks. But I'll stay.

[Pfefferkorn] As you wish. If there's anything at all I can do...

Thank you.

[footsteps moving away]

[indistinct chatter]

[inhales deeply]

[train whistle blows]

There's a woman downstairs here to see you.

A woman? It's a misunderstanding.

A foreigner. She said she just stepped off the train.

Off the train?

Good evening.

How did you...

I hope you're not startled.

Come in. No, I, uh...

[whimpers]

You did miss me, didn't you?

[sniffling]

Now we're together.

Oh, Pete, my friend.

My truest of friends.

Why didn't you say you were coming? I'd have sent a coach to the station.

I had to come see you. It drove me crazy.

I was afraid you'd turn me away.

[sobs]

I couldn't tell my parents...

I said I was going to Breslau to visit my friend Rebekka for a few days.

They believed me.

But how long will you be here?

Only two days here.

You must be starving.

-Would you like to have a little bite? -Yes.

The notice of your father's death was in the news the other day.

Mm.

I'm so very sorry, Pete. Has it been hard?

No.

It's only been a relief, honestly. I felt nothing.

You could have had a reconciliation.

If you had confronted him, perhaps things would be different.

You and I must always be honest, all right?

-We must tell each other what matters. -Yes.

My dear Pete, I have to tell you this.

Please don't be cross with me.

Before I left, I went to your room in Copenhagen.

I was so alone. I wanted to feel you near me.

And then I wrote you a letter.

But I never sent it.

I have it here.

"Dear Pete.

My good friend.

I am crying tears of joy and yet I am truly mortified,

because of doubts I have been mulling about you.

For only now do I understand what you're made of,

how you got here,

and what made you who you are.

Your greatness is a contradiction...

emerging, as it did, from pettiness and superstition.

It explains how fragile you are, but also your incredible strength...

your insolence and your willpower.

The importance of social justice is finally clear to me.

As I have slowly come to understand your background,

I have reluctantly come to terms with my own undying impulse

to solidarity with the hungry,

the needy, struggling toward the light, towards dignity and purpose in life...

who belong to the future of humanity."

Thank you.

[birds singing]

[chuckles] This is the life, Jakobe.

A life of freedom!

I still can't believe you came all this way just to see me.

I'd travel three times around the world to spend one minute with you.

May we say it now?

Uh... say what?

I...

-I... -I...

-...love you. -...love you.

[Jakobe moans]

[moans]

[moans]

What in the world?

I didn't see that there.

What is he doing here? Come on, let's move.

No, Pete. We have our backs to it.

Look at that view instead. It's beautiful.

Do you hear that?

[bells tolling in distance]

What?

Can you hear it? Bells.

[bells become louder]

I hear it wherever I go. They follow me around.

Pete...

The impudence! He's flaunting it! Just look at the vulgar display.

All that abject humility, making a show of his maudlin suffering.

I hate it!

Pete, stop it.

Has anyone ever dared to spit right in his face?

[spits]

Stop!

Stop this! Pete, what's got into you?

No, stop! Stop it! Stop it!

Stop! Stop!

Pete, stop it! Stop!

-Look at me. Stop! No, come on, stop. -[Pete grunting]

Stop it now.

-No, but I... But... -Look at me.

Stop.

[Pete panting]

There are days when I feel like I'm that troll...

who crawled out of his hole to join the human race...

only to discover that he couldn't stand the light.

The rays of the sun hurt his eyes,

so he crawled back down into the dark of his hole...

trembling in fear.

[Jakobe sighs] Sleep.

It's been a long day for both of us.

[Pfefferkorn] Well, Mr. Sidenius.

-Are you happy here with us? -[Peter] Yes, very happy.

In the past few months, I've learned more here

than all my time at the Institute in Denmark.

Glad to hear it.

I finally got a chance to take a good look at your project.

There are a few debatable details.

Especially the variety of laths and the supported wall.

And also your draft for new regulation concerning parallel construction

Yes, I'm aware of that, Professor. You're right.

But as a whole, I must say, Sidenius...

I'm very impressed.

You have a keen understanding and very fresh ideas

about assessing the power of nature, and for how to harness it.

Thank you, Professor.

You really have no idea how much it means to hear that.

Mr. Sidenius,

I do hope the Danish nation knows what a colossal talent you are.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Really.

[indistinct chatter]

[glass clinking]

[clears throat]

Dear, dear friends and honored guests.

This is a very, very special day...

an emotional day for my wife and myself.

We are pleased to announce the engagement of our eldest daughter, Jakobe,

with Pete Sidenius.

[clapping]

And, on a special day like today, naturally, I'd like to say a few words

to the happy couple, who are now officially engaged to be married.

Starting with you, Pete, my future son-in-law.

Now, I never met anyone quite as pig-headed in all my days.

For better or for worse.

Mostly for better.

[all laughing]

Just to think about how steadfast and persistent you were

in wooing Jakobe...

how you fought to make her yours,

and how uncompromising you have been

in pursuit of your public works project.

You left to pursue your studies in Austria with Professor Pfefferkorn,

who has now given his unequivocal seal of approval for Pete's ideas,

praising him as a genius.

Isn't that something?

So, I am pleased to announce that we have now formed a consortium...

of mainstays in our society

who are comfortable supporting your project, Pete.

It's safe to say that, as of right now,

from a financial point of view,

your project is on solid ground.

A fortunate man!

You are now the master of your own future.

-[indistinct chatter] -[blacksmith clanking]

[Peter] Good afternoon, or rather, good evening.

That unpleasant man was here again. He left a note for you this time.

[indistinct chatter]

[murmuring]

All I can offer you is a glass of water.

No, thank you.

How long have you been in Copenhagen, Mother?

When your father died, I had to leave the rectory.

I had nowhere else to go, so I decided to move here,

closer to Eberhardt.

You're wearing such fine clothes.

And obviously your manners are improved, too.

Your brother tells me that you have found a wealthy family,

that they pay for your lifestyle.

Eberhardt and I had decided to spare your father the sorrow...

of knowing you're involved with a woman from a wealthy Jewish family.

"Lucky Pete".

They call you that.

You're the fortunate man, they say?

What is that?

Is this why you asked me to come?

[Mrs. Sidenius] You did not attend your father's funeral.

But until his very last,

he did continue to hope you would find the path to humility

and grace.

He asked that after he was gone, you be given this.

That's why I asked Eberhardt to summon you here.

That was very special to your father.

Let me explain, Peter Andreas...

why, as he lay dying, he insisted you be given that watch.

When he was a boy, your father was leaving for boarding school.

His father demanded the key to his trunk, so he could check what he had packed.

The boy took offence. Your father's pride was wounded.

He went off on his journey without a word.

When he arrived, that same night, at the school,

he opened his little trunk...

to find that watch you're holding in your hand.

And he realized it was a gift...

that it was supposed to be a surprise.

Then he cried his eyes out.

And his heart full of repentance, he walked, through the night, home,

where he threw his arms around his father's neck...

and begged for forgiveness.

That very night,

was when he found humility...

when he found the path to the light,

and peace of mind,

and the Lord God Almighty.

Son, harken to what your father said...

"Hear ye who defy God. Judgment Day shall come."

I think I would like some water now.

[Mrs. Sidenius] There's a small kitchen in the back.

[indistinct chatter]

-[breathes heavily] -[punches fence]

Are you quite certain?

[doctor] Yes, no doubt about it. You're with child.

[pen scratching]

[Ivan] Not finished yet?

Yeah, one minute.

Oh, here. These are from Jakobe.

-She said good luck with the meeting. -I've waited my whole life for this, Ivan.

How many of your father's friends are coming?

[Ivan] He mentioned seven or eight.

What on earth is that? [chuckles]

[Peter] Oh, yeah, it was delivered yesterday.

I had it made in Austria. Good likeness?

Simply amazing.

Just think, in a few hours we'll change the future of Denmark,

and nobody knows it.

The fundamental nature of our country will be altered, Ivan.

[bell tolling]

-It's huge! -It's a quarter to ten! Come on, let's go!

[Peter] ...to bring every corner

of Denmark together, every single province,

to integrate them into a truly modern society,

we have to break with the romantic notions of agricultural bliss,

the so-called blessings of pork and butter.

The peasant class has to get integrated into our nation,

and, as I already said in the preamble, both wind power

and hydroelectric power must be used together.

It's really important.

I can promise, gentlemen, you are making a sound investment.

When Denmark has become an energy self-sufficient nation,

the money will be pouring in.

So, thank you.

Thank you for taking time today to listen to our plans

for Denmark's new public works program.

This consortium,

the independent and private investors who are gathered together here,

have made certain projections, and we have reached the conclusion...

that your project is, from an economic standpoint,

on solid ground.

This is all contingent upon ministerial approval, of course.

Now, Mr. Sidenius, we are also aware that you have been in touch

with a senior government official,

and that this encounter, for personal reasons, let's say,

resulted in a lamentable deadlock.

We've taken the liberty of contacting this person,

and in about a minute he'll be walking through that door...

Mr. Sidenius, may we suggest that you offer him

your most heartfelt and sincere apology.

Go ahead, Isak.

Please...

you can't be serious if you think that I should apologize to him?

For what?

For what? You must know...

I cannot accept any kind of patronage.

I have developed this project all on my own,

without interference or meddling.

I can't allow that to begin now.

As I'm sure you are aware,

without the approval of Chief Engineer Bjerregrav,

your project cannot go forward.

Let me just make it clear that this man was the one who insulted me.

He ridiculed all of my work!

So, he's the one who should apologize.

Now, Mr. Sidenius, you are not going to say you're sorry?

That's right. And I resent being asked to apologize to this power-crazed tyrant

with no vision of his own. This bureaucrat! I will not.

You're quite certain about all this?

I'm certain.

[sighs]

Gentleman, I, uh-- I guess we're finished for today.

The consortium is hereby disbanded.

I assume that none of you have any objections...

as to the outcome of this meeting.

[scoffs]

[chuckles]

[door slams]

Imagine being asked to grovel before that unbending, officious imbecile.

The unbending one was you, Pete.

What, you too now?

To save your project? Really, would a few humble words matter?

Yeah, it matters. It does to me.

And I must say, your attitude surprises me.

You said the ends are more important than the means.

All I can say is that meeting today taught me that government

has a corrupt relationship with the powerful and moneyed classes.

And that goes...

for you too, clearly.

For me too?

I mean, if, uh...

I mean, if you want me to abide by your code of conduct,

we might as well just stop seeing each other.

Have I heard you right?

I can see that you were born with the necessary faculties

to appreciate their traits, which is something I lack.

It's astounding!

I must say we were all very disappointed today.

I mean, not only myself, but all of my partners were offended.

I refuse. I will not be bullied by a cruel, crass tyrant

on such a vital matter.

I am surprised I have to say this to you today, Pete,

but please keep in mind the position that you hold in my family.

From now on, be more judicious in your actions.

Be more dignified!

Have I made myself clear, Pete?

Yes, very.

[stone splashes]

[music playing]

[music continues]

[indistinct chatter, laughter]

[music fades]

[indistinct chatter]

Jakobe?

Have you heard?

Heard what?

Come here. Come sit here with me.

[Peter] Okay...

Is your mother...

Kristine Margrethe?

Yes.

Why do you ask?

She's dead, Pete.

How'd you hear?

[Jakobe] There was an obituary in the paper.

I saw she was the widow of a pastor and I thought of you.

"Our dear mother, Kristine Margrethe Sidenius

has found eternal peace." Signed by "her children".

Didn't anyone come to talk to you?

[Peter] I knew she had taken sick...

but not that it was serious.

[Jakobe] What a life she lived...

So many children.

And with a husband who was so terribly difficult.

In such poverty.

Yet she never complained.

I remember you told me she once said,

"Take no pity on me.

Take pity on my babies and my husband."

Well, what's finished is finished.

Let's talk about something else.

Let's talk about you.

Let's go on a trip, Pete.

All right?

To England.

Just you and I.

Make it, sort of, a lovers' journey.

We'll live together every day...

so we can plan our wedding on our own time.

I have good news, something I've been wanting to say.

Come to our summer house, Pete. You shouldn't be alone tonight.

Take the guest room, it's free.

We should be together to tell my parents that your mother passed away.

We owe it to them.

-We owe them? -We're practically family.

I owe them nothing. Nothing except money, naturally.

That isn't what I meant. It isn't a question of money.

Well, I do think about it, Jakobe. And I...

I want to be debt free, independent, unattached.

I don't mean from you, but from all of your family's... wealth.

But if the money's not a problem for them,

why should the money be a problem for you, Pete?

Yeah, but I just don't want to be indebted to your family.

[man] This is reception. How may I help you?

Yes...

Hello, there. I'm here to see Senior Clerk Sidenius.

Yes. Upstairs, forth door on the right.

Thank you.

[knocking on door]

Yes, come in.

[door opens, closes]

I saw the obituary.

[Eberhardt] Yes.

I thought you were in Austria.

[Peter] How did Mother die?

Signe was in her room that morning combing her hair.

Mother was impatient for her to finish.

Then...

she just closed her eyes and passed away peacefully.

She had written a letter to each of her children.

I have yours here.

There's a parcel for you as well.

She will, naturally, be buried next to Father in Jutland.

Tomorrow morning her remains are being shipped there.

Should be arriving tomorrow afternoon.

Before the funeral, the family will be gathering

for a ceremony around her coffin.

Now that we know you're in Denmark,

naturally, we would be sorry if you didn't attend.

For various reasons, it's probably best that I stay away.

My fiancée would no doubt like to attend but she'd probably feel out of place...

and unwelcome.

Yes, you're right.

Peter Andreas?

My duties prevent me

from accompanying Mother on her final journey.

I was hoping that you could see your way clear

to putting aside your resentment just this once,

and for Mother, out of respect,

accompany her on her final journey over the ocean.

I think you know my answer.

[Mrs. Sidenius] "To Peter Andreas...

in the name of our blessed Lord Jesus Christ.

I write to you, my son...

one last time before I close my eyes for good...

to try to reach your heart.

I know that you do not follow the path of God...

but it is my dearest wish that in your lifetime

you may find humility and selfless love for your fellow man."

[indistinct chatter]

-[seagulls cry] -[fog horn blares]

Uh, could I have a piece of paper and a pencil, please?

Here.

[bell ringing]

[priest] Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

From earth you have come...

and unto earth you shall return. Amen.

[bell tolling]

-[wind blowing] -[birds singing]

[birds squawking]

-[Johannes] What a pleasant surprise. -Yes, well, after the funeral...

[inhales deeply] ...I had to get some fresh air,

a bit of calm.

I could think of no more beautiful place than here in the neighboring parish.

And how long are you planning to stay?

A couple of days, and so then I'll go back.

Back to the grind, as they say.

Anyway, I wanted to thank the vicar for his kind words at the funeral.

[Johannes] No need to thank me.

Your mother was one of the more conscientious and modest people

I've ever known. Toward God and her fellow man.

I'll remember her that way, surely.

I can't claim to have known your parents well.

I only met them once in a while.

We were merely neighbors.

Master Sidenius and I had very different ideas

about the role of the Church.

But I had great respect for him. He was a very dedicated man.

So, how do you feel about being back?

[Peter] I have mixed emotions. I fled this life long ago.

The natural beauty is really striking.

I guess I'm, sort of, in awe.

Yes, it's a wonder how much wisdom is to be found in nature.

Oh, we read the announcement in the Copenhagen paper

when you were engaged.

-Sidenius is fairly unusual name. -Yes.

And I believe that your father-in-law is a very wealthy and influential man.

Marrying into money, huh?

I guess that's got to be better

-than working for a living. -Father!

-[priest chuckles]

[Peter] The money never entered into it, honestly.

And my-- my work as an engineer pays enough

to support a family.

[Johannes] Tell me something.

This marriage, and I only ask out of professional curiosity,

seeing as it links a Jewish woman to a pastor's son-- What?

[Mrs. Blomberg] No, Johannes,

you're going too far. You must not interrogate our guest that way.

Would you like some home-made cake? Our Inger's had a busy day. [chuckles]

Do taste them. Don't be shy.

Go ahead, help yourself.

Come on.

Yes, well...

Thanks.

Mmm!

Jakobe, do you know when Pete will be returning from Jutland?

Just think, he sent a short telegram before he left and that was it.

But is there any idea as to when he will return?

Not before the funeral, I'd say.

Yes, well, we must come to a frank understanding

on financial matters before the wedding.

Yes, I understand.

[Phillip] I'm glad.

It's done me so much good to get away.

Life can really get... complicated in the city. It's such a struggle.

Whereas here...

Have you ever been to Copenhagen?

No, never, but I'd like to see the big city someday.

-Mm. -See all the...

all the fancy people you know there.

-Can I hold those? -Thank you.

I guess that your fiancée is not only very rich, but also very beautiful.

[indistinct chatter]

[wind blowing]

[Peter clears his throat]

Excuse me, I didn't mean to startle you.

-Well, so you're back? -I had some errands to run

and, oh, I uh...

I-- I found these. [chuckles] Your gloves.

They were, uh, in my pocket.

Thank you.

I've been looking for them all day, thanks.

So, uh, you want to go for a walk?

Sure.

Mm-hmm.

...and the correct depth can be ensured by locks, in order to allow

even ocean-going vessels to navigate inland.

-Am I boring you? -Not at all.

All of a sudden, you look so serious.

I do?

Well, I imagine you're thinking about your fiancée in Copenhagen?

No, actually I...

It's being back here.

Away from it all. I'm, sort of, nostalgic.

-But there's joy in it, yes. -Is there no joy in Copenhagen?

Sure there is. And everything that I've labored for...

I really have labored, that's for sure. And now...

I've sampled misfortune.

Yeah, well...

I better start heading back.

[sighs]

Can't sleep?

Good morning, Reverend. No,

-I can't. -Is it the spirit or the flesh?

It's the spirit.

Locked out or locked in?

A little of both.

[sighs] Come along, then. Let's take a walk.

Let's talk.

[Peter] Mostly, I just feel trapped.

I can't sleep because of all these thoughts.

These contradictions.

And, uh, I'm tense.

Like I'm being put to the test.

Or like I'm being punished...

for my life.

Is God judging me for the way I've been living?

Is that why I feel so forlorn?

Or is it homesickness?

Or did my father put a curse on me, is that why I've been unsettled?

Mr. Sidenius...

don't drive yourself mad with self-destructive thinking.

Don't you see that fear is a jail of its own?

You're locked in your own prison. Forget about it. God is with you.

Father, bless me!

I've forsaken my mother and father!

[cries]

And I've forsaken Ivan.

And I've forsaken Jakobe. I want to stop hurting everybody.

Enough. All right, stand up, Mr. Sidenius.

[Peter I deserve to be punished.

-I deserve to be punished. -Listen, listen.

Losing your pride is the first step to getting free.

You have set foot on the path to your soul's peace and quiet.

Stay here for a while after I leave.

Cry if you feel the need to.

Now I'm going to leave.

[wind blowing]

[indistinct chatter]

[sighs]

[birds singing]

Mr. Sidenius, how are you?

My parents have gone out this morning, they shouldn't be long.

Want some coffee?

[breathes heavily]

[Inger] No...

You're engaged.

Don't you see?

[Peter] Say it, you want to be mine.

[breathes heavily]

I'm so glad you're back now, Pete. I missed you so much when you were away.

I made quite a case for coming home early and cutting our summer short,

just to be here when you got home.

But you know Father and his vacation time.

-Will you come over tonight? -Okay, sure.

Oh, that's where they're making my wedding dress.

FASHION

But the rest is secret. All I can say is it'll be something simple and elegant.

I went and bought tickets to England too.

[music playing]

First, the morning train to Esbjerg, then we get the boat to Harwich.

Just the two of us.

Like a fiancé honeymoon. I'm so excited, aren't you?

Aren't you even a bit curious to learn the news I promised to tell you?

Or we could take it slowly.

Look, are you still upset about your mother's funeral?

-Yes, of course I am, Jakobe... -What?

-I have something to say. -Oh, if it's about the wedding,

Father wanted to talk to you when you got back.

He was most anxious for you to make an appoint with the solicitor.

Yes.

-Thank you. -Thanks.

No, it's...

more serious.

Jakobe, you're the...

most perfect person I've ever known.

You mean so much to me.

And-- And nobody's ever meant so incredibly much to me.

But we're at a crossroads now.

We're at a momentous crossroads. And, so lately, I've been thinking...

I've been wondering whether...

If it's right for us to be together.

If we ever really...

belonged together.

Or if, perhaps, it was my false idea from the start.

-Your false idea? -[Peter] Yes.

I mean, maybe it was all wrong,

and it happened only because I was so insistent.

And lately, I've been thinking that we're...

different in very crucial ways.

And, well...

perhaps, in the long run, we could never be happy together.

That's what you think?

I wonder.

Right, so that's why I think it's probably best

that we end it right now...

before someone gets seriously hurt.

Our engagement is over, you say?

Jakobe, I'm really, very sorry.

Really? How can you say that? [gasps, sniffles]

How can you say this was all your little mistake? [sniffles]

That all of this has only been your fantasy?

[sniffles]

As though my love didn't exist?

For that love, I very nearly perished.

[sobs] I longed for you so much, I was willing to sacrifice anything.

But after all, you don't even really know what it is to love somebody else.

For you, perhaps, passion is only...

the negative forces that it can summon.

The obsession, the self-importance.

Yeah, well, that's the thing.

We're different, yes.

Right?

[Jakobe] Why don't you come out and say it?

Come on, please?

At least have the honesty.

Have you met someone else?

You-- You said-- You said that we are different,

-and I'm-- -Tell me the truth, Pete!

Have the decency to be honest, for once. And say it, if only out of self-respect...

that you're in love with someone else. Say it!

[whispering]

I guess that runs in the Sidenius family.

You bury your innermost feelings under that vestal earnestness,

that solemn facade.

A loin cloth for your...

vanity.

And your immaturity.

[Jakobe cries]

You're very angry, Jakobe.

I understand that, and it's, uh...

Ending it this way is truly regrettable.

It is.

At least I won't have to take that barbaric name of yours now.

Please do convey to your father

that I most assuredly intend to repay every last kroner...

of the money he lent me.

But naturally, with interest.

-Hanna? -Yes?

Would you please have these delivered to Mr. Sidenius.

Yes, of course, Miss.

Oh, Ivan, would you please have this notice published

in the Berlingske Gazette.

"Philip Salomon regrettably must announce that his daughter, Jakobe's...

engagement to the engineer Peter Sidenius is now cancelled." [laughs]

-Is this some joke? -No, it's very serious.

[Ivan] Why wasn't I told?

Well, it's not as if we were ever particularly fond

-of the young man. -But what about his project?

We're heavily invested!

Well, he signed a contract

and the conditions for repayment are stipulated very clearly in it.

To secure the loan, Mr. Hesselager,

I am prepared to offer the patents for my inventions.

Both the water and wind machines.

And I would appreciate it, if possible,

if the funds were made available to me without delay.

I have not been made aware of your patents' true value, sir.

But regarding the loan, I must also take into account

that I have recently become aware

that you've broken your engagement to Miss Salomon.

[exhales] Yeah, but that's why I suggested--

And as a rule, our banking principles

preclude us from getting involved in any...

unprotected or unsecured lending.

So, Mr. Sidenius, I'm afraid I cannot grant your request.

[coins rattling]

Mother?

[clock chiming]

Yes, my sweet?

Do you remember that I mentioned to you that I might want to visit my good friend,

Rebekka, in Breslau?

[Lea] Yes.

I want to go visit her now.

But I need money to get there. Could you ask Father for some?

When were you thinking of traveling?

As soon as possible. Maybe tomorrow.

[chair scrapes]

So, that's why it's been so hard to talk to you lately.

Has it?

I'm so sorry, Mother.

Have you told anybody else?

Like your sister or Ivan?

I only confided in Rebekka.

-I see. -And she knows a good doctor.

Right.

Don't trouble Father with this.

I'll get you the money to travel and for whatever it costs.

And make sure to rest afterwards. Hmm?

If anyone asks,

we'll say you needed a change of scenery after Pete broke off the engagement.

[banker] How on Earth do you expect to carry out your project now?

Without Salomon?

Without the support of the manufacturers and the larger banks?

And what about Bjerregrav?

[chuckles] Are you deranged, man?

Or perhaps I might have a more modest loan?

And what would be the purpose of that?

To honor a debt to Salomon

and so I can afford to be married in Jutland.

[banker chuckles] I'm not going to lend you any money.

When I learned that you were no longer Philip Salomon's son-in-law,

I couldn't believe it.

How could an ambitious young man like yourself

turn his back on opportunity?

Honestly, it still makes no sense to me.

[indistinct chatter]

Jakobe?

Jakobe?

First, allow me to humbly offer you the apology that I once refused to make,

Mr. Bjerregrav.

I'm sorry.

But obviously, I-- I'm in sort of a... tight spot, financially,

and I hope you can understand. I hope you can find it in your heart

to perhaps, once again,

consider shepherding my project.

With your wisdom and generous guidance, you could introduce me to investors, or...

somehow raise funds to get me an advance?

Yes, I'm afraid it's too late for all that, Sidenius.

Thank you for coming.

Remember me? I came here when I was penniless. [chuckles]

Times have changed, huh? Ah, but anyway, so...

you just never know, right? As it turns out, I'm leaving.

I'm getting married to a baroness from Jutland.

So, I-- I thought I'd just get rid of some of these things that I no longer need.

Let's see, oh!

Oh, this. This is made of the very finest Italian wool.

I'll give you three kroner for it.

Oh, and the bust is part of the deal.

The artist is a very well-known Austrian named--

[shop owner] Right, but I can't sell it.

No one here speaks German, so no one's gonna want those books either.

Uh, what about these drawings?

-Naturally, they are included as well. -I can't sell used paper either.

Right.

And the road to God is fraught with struggle.

I don't know what you're talking about. Three kroner.

Do you know who you're speaking to here? Do you, my good man?

No, no, no, you don't. No you don't. Let me inform you.

I am God's own genius. A-- a-- a genius!

That, which in darkness, is begotten and is bred,

shall be revealed and shall be judged in the light! Keep your money!

But beware! Yes, beware his unwavering curse upon your head.

[grunts]

[grunts]

[pants]

[music playing]

Well, if it isn't Sidenius, the young engineer.

Been a while.

Are you in need of assistance?

Could you ask Jakobe to come downstairs?

She's out of town...

and she will be for a while, I'm afraid.

My heavens. Look what a state you're in.

What did we once say?

Fortune favors fools and success is the father of regret.

Well...

pride goes before a fall.

[birds singing]

Go see mother.

Lise.

Fine. Hagbarth?

Turn around.

Hold still. Straighten up. Straighten up.

Fine. No, wait, nails! Come here.

Right. The other hand.

Good. That's it. Don't slouch.

Get your jacket on, Hagbarth.

-[Hagbarth] Yes, Father. -Arms up.

Let us receive these blessings as the apostles received them.

And may the grace of our lord Jesus Christ

and of God, the Father and of the Holy Spirit

be now as ever upon you all. Amen.

[wind blowing]

-Hello, Jakobe. -Eybert.

-How nice to see you. -Yes, long time.

I heard you were away.

Yes, yeah. We opened an office in Neustadt.

-My daughters are fluent in German. -Ah.

They say hi.

That's very nice. Do send them my love as well.

I will. Sorry if this is presumptuous,

but I wanted to say that I'm over the disappointment.

Time heals all wounds, as they say.

It's all said and done.

You'll forgive me if this is awkward, but, it's obvious.

Things did change.

I've been wanting to ask, assuming that it's convenient, that is,

if I could take you out to tea some day?

Or else to dinner, if you like.

Just you and I.

Dear Eybert.

You are an ever so good and compassionate soul.

So considerate to me.

Give it one more chance, Jakobe.

You would have made the kindest of husbands to me, Eybert,

of that I'm sure.

But an unhappy one all the same.

I don't love you.

[chuckles]

[insects buzzing]

[cockerel crows]

Never a second to think!

First of all, Pete...

how's your project for the future going?

I'm glad you asked.

I'm just finishing the drawings

for my harbor reconstruction plan in Esbjerg.

The idea is to create a hub, you see,

sort of a central point of entry for shipping traffic

with docks and warehouse facilities.

Oh, and how exactly would you achieve that?

Yeah. [chuckles]

For the moment, yes, there is a lot of red tape.

-Well, I have a-- -Right, right. I understand.

So, what else do you do,

when you're not working on your great vision for the future?

Well, I do help with the chores.

Or else I-- I take time to think about things.

Well, you know, it is true, Pete.

That a small household like yours with Inger and three children

requires money, don't you agree?

The bills come due and they're not being paid.

If it's a matter of how to pay--

I want to be frank here, I am unable to support you,

see, my modest wages aren't enough.

So, listen, Pete. I've come to find a solution.

You are obviously strapped for money.

I will not be having any kind of patronage from you in any form.

I can't stomach the interference.

I will not be having any more

of that manner or tone of voice, if you don't mind.

I've come here to try to help you.

To find a way to meet your responsibilities.

Listen, Pete.

The other day I was speaking to a young estate owner, Brück.

He's heard about your prowess as an engineer.

He has some water management issues to work out this spring,

regarding streams on his property. I suggested he contact you.

[Peter] Whoa.

Hi.

-Welcome, Mr. Sidenius. Welcome. -Thank you.

My wife, Inger. But you two know each other, right?

Yes, yes. Ever since grammar school.

-Yes. Yes, welcome, Inger. -Thank you.

It's really nice to be back here.

-Should we take a walk? -Sure. Could you grab this?

Yes. Of course.

I imagine a simple drainage system for an engineer of your caliber

isn't much of a-- of a challenge, I guess.

Well, I enjoy being of service to the local community.

So, any solution, Mr. Sidenius?

Yes, of course. With a few minor changes to the bed of the stream,

we can lower the ground-water level, making all of this arable land.

We'll need some heavy pumps near the dams...

powered by windmills.

One pump per mill should probably be enough to run it.

I forgot the meadow goes all the way down to the lake.

Mr. Brück, how would you feel if, one day, I brought the children along?

[Brück] Oh, yes. Of course.

They could swim and go fishing as much as they like.

Or row boats. We have some here. [chuckles]

[indistinct chatter]

[coughing]

[child crying]

Hi there.

Have you been here all day?

Are you cold?

You have lovely yellow hair.

Did you braid it yourself?

[woman] Here you go. Enjoy.

[Jakobe] Can I help?

[woman] Yes, thank you. You can give the children bread.

Here you go.

[woman] There. Enjoy.

Enjoy.

[woman] There you are.

Excuse me, have we met?

I was passing by. My name is Jakobe Salomon.

Do you know who we are, Miss Salomon?

-No, I don't, actually. -A Christian charity, you know?

Well, I'm sure you understand

that we can't have people of your faith here.

My faith?

It's the YWCA, a Christian group.

-Here you are. -[woman] Enjoy.

Yes, very sorry.

I understand.

[woman] Here you go.

Here you are.

So, this is how it turns around.

It keeps turning, regardless of the wind direction.

Wind hits the blades and it starts to rotate.

Turns around like this, and that produces an electric current.

And that current can be used to power machines.

-Mm-hmm. -Do you understand?

-[Hagbarth] Mm-hmm. -[Peter] Right here.

No, no, no! Hey! Hey! Hey, don't!

Hagbarth, what are you doing? You broke it!

What's wrong with you? That's enough. How can you be such a clod?

Apologize to your father.

I said, apologize to your father!

Apologize to your father.

Hagbarth! Come back here and say you're sorry right now!

Are the children asleep?

Yes, Ingeborg and Lise are fast asleep.

Hagbarth says he has a stomach-ache.

He's...

so very tired.

Could you please not be so... harsh when you scold him?

He's such a-- a vulnerable thing.

Sure.

[Inger] He's a clever little boy in need of his father.

Are you coming to bed?

No, I want to finish reading the paper.

-Goodnight, my dear. -[Peter] Goodnight.

I've failed to give you grandchildren and I know you've been disappointed.

But I would like to honor our family tradition and...

help the less fortunate.

So, I have resolved to open a charity school here in Copenhagen.

This will require almost every last penny of what I was meant to inherit.

But since I'll have no one to leave it to...

I can think of no better way of spending that money.

-[journalist] Miss Salomon, we're ready. -All right, children. Come this way.

Come on! Line up here.

Smallest in front. Turn around. Scoot over a little. Face front.

-I think we're ready. -[journalist] Good, let's go.

See the little black box there? Look right into it.

Keep your eyes on the little circle there. Circle is right here.

Now, everyone hold still.

One one-thousand, two one-thousand, three one-thousand. Well done!

The children who come here hardly ever get to see their parents

who are mostly at work all day.

Ordinary schools are so wretched, they usually most resemble penal colonies.

And if some kids break the law, the police are typically heavy handed.

Striking them, packing them off to a workhouse.

And the only person who's supposed to teach wisdom and patience, the priest,

talks only about burning in hell.

So, how are they supposed to learn the Golden Rule and Christian charity,

how to be decent human beings?

In time, I want to return to our founding principles

to make an alternative school...

a sanctuary, a place of refuge.

I've seen close up how a bad childhood leaves scars that can ruin a man's life.

It's a vicious circle I'm determined to try to break so that somehow...

we provide them with a true way out.

[Peter] Come in, Hagbarth.

[Hagbarth] Mother told me to say goodnight.

Yes. Come on.

I made this because I broke the other one.

Thank you.

[Hagbarth sighs]

Are you afraid of your father?

You know you can always talk to me.

[Inger] Should I go?

[Peter] Why?

If you want to just be alone for a while...

I know it's been hard for you, Pete. Perhaps you can speak to my father?

Maybe he can help you find some solace in God.

Wherever I've searched for Him, I've only found myself.

God is superfluous when you have found yourself.

[Inger] What's the matter, Pete?

[exhales deeply]

Certain men...

are made for misfortune.

Some just need hopelessness and solitude to find redemption.

What are you saying, Pete?

I sometimes think it would be better for you and for the family

if I disappeared.

Promise you won't get dragged down with me, Inger.

[birds singing]

[Mrs. Blomberg] There he is! The birthday boy!

[Johannes] Don't you look handsome.

[Mrs. Blomberg] Bow and say thank you, Hagbarth.

-And this is from me. -Bow and say thank you, Hagbarth.

Thank you.

-Ah, hello. -[Johannes] Hi.

Uh, h-- happy birthday, Hagbarth.

-Many happy returns. -[Inger] Thank you.

[Peter] Bow and say thank you.

[Brück] Thanks for the invitation.

-We are so glad you could come. -[Lise] Are we gonna eat now?

-Soon, dear. -Inside now. Go ahead.

-Come on inside, everyone. -There we go.

-[Inger chuckles] Atta girl. -[Johannes] Now, here we are.

-[Inger laughs] -[Brück] What a great party this is.

[Mrs. Blomberg] I couldn't possibly have all that.

And here comes the birthday cake!

[Inger] How do you like that, Hagbarth?

-[Mrs. Blomberg] My mouth is watering. -[Inger] Can you help yourself?

If you can't, then Mr. Brück can help you.

[Mrs. Blomberg chuckling]

[Brück] I put the boat in the water.

[Inger] Thank you very much.

[Brück] Maybe you'd like to come over and try it out, Hagbarth?

-[Inger] Would you like that, Hagbarth? -Who would like some coffee?

[Mrs. Blomberg] Oh, I would.

-[Inger laughing] -[Brück] Could you pass the plates down?

[Mrs. Blomberg] Oh, yes. Pass them down. Pass them!

Happy birthday. Here's to you.

-[Brück] Skål, Hagbarth. -[Inger] Careful you don't spill that.

-[Johannes] Happy birthday! -[Brück] Many happy returns of the day.

[Johannes] That's delicious.

[Johannes] You must have been a good boy all year

to get such a sunny day.

-[all laughing] -He has been.

-I'm very proud of-- -Inger?

I'm going to have to leave now. There's something I forgot to tell

-the man at the locks. Very important. -You have to leave now?

It's Hagbarth's birthday. Can't it wait?

I'll be back soon. Don't worry.

[wind blowing]

That enough?

VICAR JP SIDENIUS

JAKOBE SALOMON HAS OPENED CHARITY SCHOOL IN COPENHAGEN

[all singing] S-O, I say "so"

-S-E-E, I say "see" -Miss Salomon?

I have a letter for you.

Thank you kindly.

[singing continues] ...I say "low" G-O, I say "go"

H-O, I say "ho"...

[train whistle blows]

You came after all.

It's been so long.

So, this is how you live.

Man in the wilderness.

I was so...

alienated.

I had been so...

so detached...

all my life.

But out here...

I feel I've finally found my true self.

In this ungodly solitude.

Before this, Jakobe, I had only been...

half a person.

And always a Sidenius. Always that.

Now I feel liberated.

I've inquired about you now and then.

I knew you were sick, but I had no idea it was so serious.

Yeah, it's cancer.

-Yes. -The doctor said

I don't have long to live.

-I have some coffee, would you like a cup? -Mm.

[grunts]

[Peter] Talk to me of Copenhagen.

We often speak of you, Pete.

Through all that pain and scandal,

my father and Ivan agree that you did the right thing.

And one day, Pete, I'm sure the world will recognize

the grandeur of your vision for Denmark's public works.

[Peter] There's something I've wanted to ask you, Jakobe.

[exhales]

Would you put the model of my project on display at your school?

So it might inspire someone.

Yes, of course I will.

Yes, of course. That's a good idea.

[Peter] And the real reason I wrote to you and asked you to come...

was to give you this.

It's my last will and testament.

Your school is the sole beneficiary. Right here, see?

It's all right there. Twelve thousand six-hundred kroner.

I know it's not a lot,

but it's all I managed to save up over the years.

And I wanted to ask you...

if you can find it in your heart to accept it.

Why shouldn't I accept your gift?

We're so different. I must admit that no matter how I've tried,

I'm not sure I ever really understood you.

All the more reason, then, to be grateful now.

I hurt you badly, didn't I?

If I could do it all again, I'd change nothing, Pete.

In fact, I feel very lucky to have known you.

All the joy and sorrow you brought me...

gave meaning to my life.

This school I've put my heart into...

it now exists because of your struggle, as much as mine.

Maybe, in a way, all those children belong to us.

[sniffs]

Thank you.