Simon and the Oaks

It's a warmly done family and personal drama that seems to cover familiar territory, but only up to a point and very much in its own way.

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Simon and the Oaks

An epic drama spanning the years 1939 to 1952, this is the gripping story of Simon (Bill Skarsgaard), who grows up in a loving working class family on the outskirts of Gothenburg but always feels out of place. He finally convinces his father to send him to an upper-class grammar school, where he meets Isak, the son of a wealthy Jewish bookseller who has fled Nazi persecution in Germany. Simon is dazzled by the books, art and music he encounters in the home of Isak's father Ruben (Jan Josef Leifers), which makes Simon long to know more about his own family background. Isak, on the other hand, draws comfort from learning to do something with his hands, helping Simon's dad (Stefan Godicke) make boats. When Isak faces trouble at home, he is taken in by Simon's family and the two households slowly merge, connecting in unexpected ways as war rages all over Europe.
Not Rated
Genre
Drama
Runtime
122
Language
Swedish
Director
Lisa Ohlin
Cast
Bill Skarsgård, Helen Sjöholm
FEATURED REVIEW
Michael O'Sullivan, Washington Post

The stirring, philosophically minded Swedish drama “Simon and the Oaks” covers 13 years, during which the title character grows from a boy, played by Jonatan S. Wachter, to a man, played by Bill Skarsgard. In the process, young Simon Larsson weathers some pretty profound storms, puberty not included ...

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