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Reel Norden : Nordic Film & History

Day of Wrath Analysis

Set in 17th Century Denmark, Day of Wrath, depicts the story of Anne, a young woman married to Absalon, an aging priest. The film takes place during the Danish which hunts, and demonstrates the hysteria surrounding these events. Anne discovers she has supernatural powers and wishes Martin, her husband's son from his first marriage, to come to her. They continue their love affair until Anne condemns Absalon to death. Once Absalon dies, Martin questions their affair, and Absalon's mother, who always despised Anne, accuses her of witchcraft. Throughout the film, Anne takes more control of her life and chooses her fate at the end.

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Set in seventeenth century Denmark, the film Day of Wrath tells the story of a young wife of an aging priest who falls in love with her husband’s son amidst the merciless Danish witch-hunts. Through character interactions and dialogue, this film highlights society’s behavior in seventeenth century Scandinavia. Their behaviors emphasized society’s need for blame, reflected typical responses to the horrific witch trials, and displayed the different gender roles present at the time.

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Day of Wrath dvd cover