Watch Black Pimpernel

Black Pimpernel is a powerful and poignant film based on the true story of Swedish diplomat Harald Edelstam, who served as a hero during Chile's 1973 military coup. The movie stars Michael Nyqvist as Edelstam, Lumi Cavazos as Carmen Castillo, Kate del Castillo as Lena and Patrick Bergin as Captain Robert Schenck. The movie takes place in Chile, during the time of the military dictatorship led by General Augusto Pinochet. It tells the story of Harald Edelstam, a Swedish diplomat who is serving in Chile when the military coup takes place. As the military government begins to round up and torture citizens who were perceived as opposing the new regime, Edelstam takes it upon himself to save as many people as he can.

The film paints a vivid picture of the brutal nature of the coup and the atrocities committed by the military government. The scenes of torture and violence are graphic and disturbing, but they are also delivered with a powerful sense of realism that makes them all the more impactful.

As the movie progresses, we see how Edelstam begins to establish a network of safe havens for those being targeted by the regime. He shelters them in the Swedish embassy, in his own home, and in other locations that he manages to keep hidden from the military police.

Throughout the film, Michael Nyqvist delivers a tour-de-force performance as Edelstam. He embodies the diplomat's bravery and compassion, while also conveying the enormous emotional toll that performing such a dangerous and thankless task had on him. Nyqvist's portrayal is nuanced and subtle, imbuing the character with a depth and complexity that makes him relatable and easy to empathize with.

The rest of the cast also do an excellent job, particularly Lumi Cavazos and Kate del Castillo, who play women whom Edelstam saves from torture multiple times. Their portrayals of the desperation and fear felt by those living under the military regime give the film an emotional depth that goes beyond the technicalities of Edelstam's heroism.

The movie also does an excellent job of highlighting the ways in which Edelstam's work was often at odds with the policies of his own government. His fellow diplomats are often portrayed as being more concerned with maintaining diplomatic ties than with standing up for human rights, and there is a palpable sense of frustration that Edelstam feels as he attempts to navigate the complex political landscape of Chile.

Overall, Black Pimpernel is a powerful and deeply moving film that provides a haunting and insightful look into one of the darkest periods of Chilean history. With an incredible cast and a powerful script by Bille August, the movie does an excellent job of honoring the legacy of Harald Edelstam and his selfless dedication to saving the lives of countless people during a time of great darkness and despair.