Jerusalem (1996)
Bille August's sweeping Nordic epic about a devout Swedish congregation who leave everything behind to seek a new life in the Holy Land.
Jerusalem - Movie Information
- Release Year: 1996
- Directed by: Bille August
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 2h 48m
- Original Language: Swedish
- Spoken Languages: Arabic, English, Russian, Swedish
- Release Date (Theatrical): September 6, 1996 (Denmark)
- Production Companies: Det Danske Filminstitut, SVT, Svenska Filminstitutet, SF Studios, Norsk Filminstitutt, NRK, DR, Finnish Film Foundation, RÚV, Metronome Productions
- Production Countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden
Jerusalem - Plot
Members of a devout Christian congregation try to start a new life in Palestine.
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Jerusalem - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Bille August
Main Cast
- Maria Bonnevie
- Ulf Friberg
- Pernilla August
- Lena Endre
- Sven-Bertil Taube
- Reine Brynolfsson
- Max von Sydow
- Olympia Dukakis
- Viveka Seldahl
- Sven Wollter
Writers
- Bille August
- Charlotte Lesche
- Klas Östergren
Producers
- Ingrid Dahlberg
Jerusalem - FAQs
What is Jerusalem (1996) about?
Jerusalem follows a tight-knit Swedish farming community in Dalarna whose faith is tested when a charismatic American preacher arrives and convinces many of them to abandon their homeland and journey to Palestine to build a new life. It's a sweeping story of devotion, sacrifice, and the cost of belief.
Is Jerusalem based on a true story?
Yes, Jerusalem is rooted in real history. It's adapted from Selma Lagerlöf's celebrated novels and draws on the true story of Swedish settlers from Dalarna who emigrated to Jerusalem in the late 19th century as part of the American Colony, a religious community established in the Holy Land.
Where can you watch Jerusalem (1996)?
You can find current streaming and rental options for Jerusalem on JustWatch, which lists all available platforms in your region. Availability may vary depending on your country, so it's worth checking there for the most up-to-date viewing options.
Who are the main actors in Jerusalem?
The cast is genuinely impressive. Maria Bonnevie and Ulf Friberg lead as Gertrud and Ingmar, with Pernilla August, Lena Endre, Sven-Bertil Taube, and Reine Brynolfsson rounding out the ensemble. Legends Max von Sydow and Olympia Dukakis also appear in memorable supporting roles.
Did Jerusalem (1996) win any awards?
Jerusalem earned significant recognition on the international festival circuit. The film was selected as the Swedish entry for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film at the 69th Oscars and received nominations at the European Film Awards, reflecting its status as a major achievement in Nordic cinema.
Who directed Jerusalem and what else has he made?
Bille August directed Jerusalem. The Danish filmmaker is best known for winning the Palme d'Or twice at Cannes — for Pelle the Conqueror (1987) and The Best Intentions (1992) — making him one of the most decorated directors in European cinema history.
Is Jerusalem (1996) worth watching?
Absolutely. Jerusalem is a richly crafted epic with stunning cinematography by Jörgen Persson and deeply felt performances across the board. Fans of European art cinema, Scandinavian storytelling, and films exploring faith and community will find it a rewarding and emotionally resonant experience.
What are some movies similar to Jerusalem?
If Jerusalem resonated with you, try Live and Become (2005), Come Sunday (2018), or Holy Lands (2019) for more stories exploring faith and displacement. Pope Joan (1972) and Hazel's People (1973) also share Jerusalem's interest in devout communities navigating extraordinary circumstances.
More About Jerusalem
Explore further details about Jerusalem on these authoritative resources.