Watch Sir Arne's Treasure

Sir Arne's Treasure is a 1919 Swedish silent film directed by Mauritz Stiller. The film was so popular in Sweden that it was screened for over four months in Stockholm alone and became an instant classic. The cinematic work is based on a novel by the Swedish author Selma Lagerlöf, which tells the tale of a group of Scottish pirates, who attack a small village in Sweden in 1599. The film tells a deeply rooted historic tale, and captures the essence of the prose in Selma Lagerlöf's book.

The film revolves around Sir Arne, a respected and wealthy knight, who lives with his wife and daughter in a grand estate in Sweden. One day, three ruthless Scottish pirates arrive in the small town, causing havoc and creating a stir among the local people. They murder the parish priest along with several others who resist their attempts to raid and pillage the town. But, the pirates meet their match when they try to plunder Sir Arne's estate. Arne thwarts the theft, but not before the pirates murder his wife and daughter. The knight then embarks on a journey to reclaim what is rightfully his, and avenge the death of his loved ones.

The film was Stiller's third collaboration with the legendary actress Greta Garbo, who plays Sir Arne's daughter Elsalill. Despite her limited screen time, Garbo perfectly captured the innocence and vulnerability of the character. Her expressive eyes and delicate features wonderfully complemented the somber tones of the film. Erik Stocklassa played the role of Sir Arne with conviction and strength, capturing the character's lamentations and heroic acts with great depth. The other actors, including Bror Berger and Richard Lund, were equally commendable in their roles.

Stiller's direction was masterful, and the Scandinavian setting of the film is stunningly portrayed with the use of the picturesque countryside and mesmerizing coastlines of Sweden. The film's cinematography is also noteworthy, highlighting Stiller's ability to utilize light and shadows to create a mood of tension and apprehension.

One of the movie's key strengths is its ability to balance different themes, including love, betrayal, revenge, and redemption. While Sir Arne's love for his daughter is palpable, the pirates' actions of wreaking havoc on the peaceful town and causing the death of innocent people are deplorable. The film brilliantly captures the complexity of human emotion, creating a fine balance between despair and hope.

Furthermore, the film does not shy away from highlighting the themes of class and societal hierarchy. Sir Arne's aristocratic status and wealth create a contrast with the brutal nature of the pirates who are from lower classes. The film subtly explores the concept of the "other", highlighting the differences between the Scottish and Swedish cultures while emphasizing the universal aspects of human nature.

In conclusion, Sir Arne's Treasure is a magnificent piece of cinema that is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates the art form. Stiller's direction and Lagerlöf's classic tale will leave an indelible mark on the audience. The film's portrayal of human emotions, societal hierarchy, and the complexity of the human psyche is a testament to the fact that good storytelling is timeless. The movie is a classic both in terms of its cinematic value and its impact on Swedish culture. The film is indeed a treasure worthy of acknowledging, one that deserves its place in the annals of world cinema.

Sir Arne's Treasure is a 1919 history movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 2 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.