Pelle the Conqueror

Lasse Karlsson and his son Pelle arrive on the Danish island of Bornholm after leaving Skåne following Pelle's mother's death. They struggle to find work because of Lasse's age and Pelle's youth. The two are forced to toil at a large farm where managers treat them poorly.

The workers endure the tyrannical rule of Kongstrup, whose abuses set a harsh tone for daily life. Rud befriends Pelle and helps him learn Danish, opening a path to belonging. This unlikely friendship becomes Pelle's first hope of integration.

Pelle, with Rud's assistance, starts attending school and makes progress in his language and studies. He grows more confident despite ongoing discrimination as a foreigner. The school becomes a counterpoint to the farm's mistreatment.

Erik, a Swedish worker, is harassed for being seen as slothful, which underscores the prejudices they face. He shares with Pelle a dream to visit America, China, and 'Negroland' and to conquer the world. Their conversations reveal a hunger for escape beyond the farm.

Rud runs away after a poor performance at school, breaking with the routine of farm life. Pelle continues to adapt and improve, finding his footing among new challenges. The loss of Rud shifts Pelle's focus toward his own future.

Kongstrup impregnates Miss Sine, the visiting niece of his wife. In response, Mrs. Kongstrup castrates him for his abuses, a brutal act that shocks the household. The event reveals the intimate chaos behind the farm's public tyranny.

Lasse starts an affair with Mrs. Olsen, adding personal turmoil to the already strained relationship dynamics at the farm. This affair intensifies the emotional strain on Pelle and the workers. The secret tests the boundaries of loyalty and survival.

Mrs. Olsen's husband returns from a long voyage, and Lasse falls into depression and alcoholism as the pressures at the farm mount. The house grows more unstable as the lovers' affair becomes harder to hide. The atmosphere thickens with despair.

Pelle receives a promotion at the farm, signaling his growing competence and resilience. The recognition stands in contrast to the ongoing discrimination he faces as a foreigner. This advancement foreshadows a possible escape from the oppressive environment.

Erik attempts to lead a revolt against management and is injured, becoming disabled as a consequence. The incident marks a turning point as somber realities press down on the workers. His injury reshapes how the rest of the community faces resistance.

Following his injury, Erik is forced to leave the farm, removing a rebellious voice from the workers' ranks. Pelle witnesses the expulsion and feels the stakes of staying versus leaving. The loss deepens the sense that resistance comes with a price.

Lasse and Pelle appeal to Kongstrup and others for aid against ongoing harassment. Mrs. Kongstrup offers some support, but Kongstrup remains silent, leaving the men to face problems without relief. The power dynamic at the farm remains unresolved.

Pelle witnesses Erik's forced departure and vows to leave the farm and see the wider world. Lasse initially plans to accompany him but realizes he is too old to travel. He makes a painful choice to let Pelle go ahead alone.

With his father's blessing, Pelle leaves the farm to chart his own course across the wider world. Lasse stays behind in depression and alcoholism, accepting that the next generation must carry on. Pelle steps into an uncertain future, guided by the lessons of hardship.