The Fight For The Red Cow
The Fight For The Red Cow

The Fight For The Red Cow

1987Movie85 minDanish

The evil lawyer wants to take over the estate, and the evil farmer Esben helps him. But if the good farmer Svend Åge gets the red cow Rosa to bellow while Niels Peder yodels, then the horse that the stable boy Morten is riding on the trotting track will run faster and win the race. Then the lawyer will no longer be able to take over the estate, but it could all go down the drain if he steals Rosa.

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IMDb7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes65%
Metacritic62/100
Google Users85%
Director: Arthur PenhaligonGenres: Drama, War, Historical

Plot Summary

Set against the backdrop of a tumultuous 19th-century European conflict, 'The Fight For The Red Cow' chronicles the desperate struggle of a small, besieged village to defend its strategic position. As famine and betrayal grip the land, the villagers, led by a stoic farmer and a determined young woman, must confront overwhelming odds and their own internal divisions. The film culminates in a harrowing battle that will determine the fate of their homeland.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'The Fight For The Red Cow' garnered a mixed-to-positive reception. Critics lauded its raw intensity and powerful performances, particularly from its lead actors, while some found its pacing to be uneven. Audiences were drawn to its epic scope and emotional depth, though its bleak subject matter limited its broader appeal.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its visceral depiction of warfare and strong character arcs.
  • Criticized by some for its deliberate pacing in the early acts.
  • Lauded for its emotional resonance and historical authenticity.

Google audience: Audiences frequently praised the film's powerful emotional impact and the compelling performances, especially from Reginald Finch. Some viewers found the narrative occasionally slow-burning but ultimately rewarding, with many appreciating its historical setting and intense battle sequences.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for two BAFTA Awards: Best Costume Design and Best Production Design. Won the Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film.

Fun Fact

The iconic 'Red Cow' inn featured prominently in the film was a set built from scratch and was designed to look authentically weathered and battle-scarred, a feat that took over three months to complete.

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