Extradition of the Balts (1970)
A stark Swedish drama recounting the tragic fate of Latvian soldiers who sought asylum in Sweden after World War II, only to be surrendered to Soviet authorities.
Extradition of the Balts - Movie Information
- Original Title: Baltutlämningen
- Release Year: 1970
- Directed by: Johan Bergenstråhle
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 50m
- Original Language: Swedish
- Spoken Languages: Danish, Estonian, Finnish, Russian, Swedish
- Release Date (Theatrical): September 29, 1970 (Sweden - 15)
- Production Companies: SF Studios, Svenska Filminstitutet
- Production Countries: Sweden
Extradition of the Balts - Plot
Latvian soldiers seek political asylum in Sweden after their country falls under Russian control at the end of World War II. They had been forced into military service by the Nazis to fight against the Russians. Fearing reprisals from the Russians for fighting against them, they struggle desperately to stay in Sweden. After a hunger strike, suicides, and political intervention by Sweden fails to keep them from their former enemy, they are ultimately given over to the Russian authorities. The men are sentenced to hard labor in prison camps and later released, and Latvians are plunged into repression by the aftermath of the bloody war. The cycle of political unrest was still apparent more than 50 years after the conflict.
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Extradition of the Balts - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Johan Bergenstråhle
Main Cast
- Bo Brundin
- Yrjö Tähtelä
- Anneli Sauli
- Knut Blom
- Helge Skoog
- Jan Bergquist
- Tore Lord
- Jonny Quantz
Writers
- Johan Bergenstråhle
Producers
- Bengt Forslund
Extradition of the Balts - FAQs
What is Extradition of the Balts about?
Extradition of the Balts follows Latvian soldiers who flee to Sweden seeking asylum after World War II. Forced by the Nazis to fight against the Soviets, they fear brutal reprisals. Despite hunger strikes and political efforts, Sweden ultimately hands them over to Soviet authorities, condemning them to labor camps.
Is Extradition of the Balts based on a true story?
Yes, the film is rooted in real historical events. In 1945 and 1946, Sweden controversially extradited Baltic and German soldiers to the Soviet Union — a decision that sparked widespread protests in Sweden and remains one of the most debated episodes in Swedish postwar history.
Why did Sweden extradite the Baltic soldiers?
Under Soviet pressure and amid complex postwar diplomacy, the Swedish government agreed to hand over Baltic soldiers who had served under German command. The decision was deeply controversial domestically, with many Swedes viewing it as a moral failure and a betrayal of men who had sought refuge.
Who directed Extradition of the Balts?
The film was directed by Johan Bergenstråhle, a Swedish filmmaker known for tackling politically charged and socially urgent subjects. He also wrote the screenplay, bringing a deeply committed authorial vision to this harrowing chapter of Scandinavian and Baltic wartime history.
Who are the main actors in Extradition of the Balts?
The cast features Bo Brundin as Eichfuss, Yrjö Tähtelä as Lapa, Knut Blom as Alksnis, Anneli Sauli, Helge Skoog, Jan Bergquist, Tore Lord as the Vicar, and Jonny Quantz, all contributing to the film's intense, documentary-like portrayal of the events.
What languages are spoken in Extradition of the Balts?
The film is notably multilingual, featuring dialogue in Swedish, Danish, Estonian, Finnish, and Russian. This linguistic diversity reflects the complex, multinational reality of the Baltic refugees and the various political actors involved in their fate during the postwar period.
How was Extradition of the Balts received by critics?
The film earned considerable respect as a bold, politically engaged work of Swedish cinema. Critics praised its unflinching examination of a shameful episode in Swedish history, its documentary aesthetic, and its moral seriousness. It stands as one of the more courageous political films produced in Scandinavia during the 1970s.
What films are similar to Extradition of the Balts?
If Extradition of the Balts resonates with you, consider Ashes in the Snow (2018), which also explores Baltic suffering under Soviet rule, or That Evening Sun (2009) and Hungry Hearts (2015) for similarly intimate, morally complex dramas about individuals caught in forces beyond their control.
More About Extradition of the Balts
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