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Poster for The Emigrants

The Emigrants

Seen it?

1971 | 191 min | Drama, History, Western

Friday Night Flickearly rating

Why it’s a Friday Night Flick

Critics loved it (94% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it drew serious awards attention. Make plans for this one.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Aimed squarely at anyone who likes corsets, castles and court intrigue and anyone who likes stories from the past brought to life. The costumes and settings are a feast on their own. Sits nicely alongside Train Dreams or Dances with Wolves. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Long and immersive, at 3 hr 11 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated PG. Worth a look first if you have very young kids.
  • It's long: 3 hr 11 min.
  • It's in Swedish, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Made in 1971: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

Karl and Kristina Nilsson work on a farm in a cold and desolate area of 19th century rural Sweden. Growing privations, combined with increasing social and religious persecution, motivate the Nilssons and many of their neighbors to strike out for the United States. Following a treacherous ocean crossing and an equally grueling land passage, the emigrants find themselves in seemingly idyllic Minnesota.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    94% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    Our audience score: 63%

  • AwardsStrong

    Won 2 Golden Globes: Golden Globe Awards: Best Foreign Language Film, Golden Globe Awards: Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama. Also nominated for 5 Oscars. Plus 3 other awards.

  • Reach & staying powerWeak

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far

  • Buzz & cultural impactBelow par

    About 24K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Jan Troell

  • Max von SydowKarl Oskar
  • Liv UllmannKristina
  • Eddie AxbergRobert
  • Sven-Olof BernNils
  • Aina AlfredssonMärta
  • Allan EdwallDanjel
  • Monica ZetterlundUlrika
  • Pierre LindstedtArvid
  • Hans AlfredsonJonas Petter
  • Ulla SmidjeInga-Lena