You are here:

Mother at War

Name: Mother at War
Director: Henrik Ruben Genz
Released: 2020
Duration: 100 min

Representation Score

7.5/10

Good

2020

Director

Henrik Ruben Genz

Runtime

100 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Mother at War is a character-driven historical drama that challenges traditional gender roles. By placing a woman in a combatant role through identity deception, the film explores the fluidity of gender performance. The film effectively portrays individual ability to act against systemic oppression, particularly the German Empire's military machine. However, the narrative remains limited by the historical homogeneity of its setting, offering little racial or ethnic variety. While the inclusion of a neurodivergent character adds emotional depth, the film's primary impact lies in its critique of institutional authority and its refusal to adhere to conventional war-hero clichés.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Mother at War have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film features Erna adopting a male identity as a survival strategy, highlighting the performance of non-traditional gender roles in a patriarchal military context.

How does Mother at War portray gender?

Excellent

Erna transitions from a domestic role to the front lines, showcasing physical endurance and strategic thinking. She challenges the exclusive masculinity of warfare in a 1918 setting.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Mother at War?

Limited

The story reflects the historical homogeneity of Southern Jutland during WWI. It focuses on ethnic tensions between the local population and the occupying German Empire rather than racial mixing.

How does Mother at War represent religion and culture?

Good

The story critiques the cruelty of conscription and the power of the German Empire. Erna's actions prioritize family over the oppressive mandates of the empire.

Does Mother at War include disability representation?

Fair

Kalle, a simple-minded character, introduces themes of neurodivergence. His vulnerability serves as the catalyst for Erna's journey to save him from certain death.

Present on Screen

Strong subversion of gender norms through Erna's transition from domesticity to combat.
Effective critique of imperialist state structures and the ethics of conscription.
Nuanced portrayal of maternal ability to act and individual resilience against systemic power.

Limited or Absent

Limited racial and ethnic diversity due to the historical setting's homogeneity.
The character of Kalle lacks detailed ability to act despite his central role in the plot.

Official Synopsis

1918. World War I rages in Europe while Erna Jensen tends to her ordinary life at home in Bramstrup, with her simple-minded son, Kalle. One day the village constable comes to enlist Kalle for military service for the German Empire – of which Southern Jutland is a part. If Erna is to save Kalle from certain death, she must follow him through thick and thin. Upon a chance meeting with a deserting solder she trades identities. Now disguised as Private Julius Rasmussen, Erna heads for the front. In her encounters with the other soldiers and in the presence of the war, unknown sides of Erna are awoken. This is the story of a woman who won’t let a war prevent her from fighting for what she loves.

How are these scores produced? →