| Hammarskjöld | |
| Director: | Per Fly |
| Producer: | Patrick Ryborn |
| Starring: | Mikael Persbrandt |
| Music: | Raymond Enoksen |
| Cinematography: | John Christian Rosenlund |
| Editing: | Fredrik Morheden |
| Runtime: | 114 minutes |
| Language: | Swedish |
| Country: | Sweden |
Hammarskjöld is a 2023 Swedish biographical drama film directed by Per Fly.[1] [2] It is based on the final weeks of former UN Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld.[3]
Hammarskjöld had its world premiere at the 53rd International Film Festival Rotterdam in 2024.
Set during the Cold War in 1961, the film follows diplomat and economist Dag Hammarskjöld as he embarks on a critical mission to negotiate a ceasefire. After leading UN troops in their first wartime operation, Hammarskjöld boards a plane in a desperate effort to secure peace amidst mounting tensions with his adversaries.
The film was directed by Per Fly and produced by Patrick Ryborn. The screenplay was written by Ulf Ryberg, who drew inspiration from historical accounts of Hammarskjöld's life and the circumstances surrounding his untimely death. The production sought to recreate the tension and uncertainty of the Cold War period, with meticulous attention to detail in the film's setting and character portrayals.
Upon its release, Hammarskjöld received praise for its compelling narrative and strong performances, particularly in the portrayal of Dag Hammarskjöld.[4] Critics highlighted the film's ability to blend historical drama with suspense, creating a thought-provoking depiction of a significant moment in history.[5] The film also sparked renewed interest in the events leading up to Hammarskjöld's death, with some commentators discussing its implications in the context of modern geopolitics. At the time of its release, the film had an IMDb rating of 6.6/10 from 2000 votes.[6]
The film received negative reviews for glossing over its Congo Crisis controversies.[7]
Dag Hammarskjöld was the second Secretary-General of the United Nations, serving from 1953 until his death in 1961.[8] His tenure was marked by efforts to navigate the complexities of the Cold War, and he played a crucial role in establishing the UN's peacekeeping operations. The film Hammarskjöld touches on these aspects of his career, particularly his involvement in the Congo Crisis, which ultimately led to the mission depicted in the film.