Land of Mine 2016
Directed by
Martin Zandvliet
Made by
Sony Pictures Classics
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Land of Mine (2016). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Following the conclusion of World War II in Europe, and with Denmark liberated from German occupation in May 1945, the Wehrmacht and SS occupiers found themselves as prisoners of war. A cohort of young German detainees is dispatched to the west coast, where they are trained to clear the landmines that their compatriots had previously buried in the sand using only their hands. Under the stern command of Danish Sergeant Carl Leopold Rasmussen, the boys are held to a grueling standard: if each of them can defuse six mines per hour for a total of 45,000, they may return home in three months.
One of the prisoners, Sebastian Schumann, clings to hope as they share dreams of returning home. The post-war food shortages make their situation dire, leading to severe malnutrition. In attempts to alleviate this, Ernst befriends a local girl to pilfer bread for sustenance. Tragedy strikes when Wilhelm suffers a catastrophic accident while disarming a mine, losing both arms, and eventually succumbs in a field hospital. Most of the boys fall ill after consuming grain tainted with rat feces they found on a nearby farm, prompting a harsh treatment regimen from Rasmussen, who forces them to purge using seawater. Yet, as time progresses, Rasmussen softens somewhat, secretly pilfering provisions from his own supplies to boost the boys’ morale, even allowing them to utilize a device created by Sebastian to enhance their efficiency.
Rumors of Rasmussen’s clandestine generosity reach his superior, Captain Ebbe Jensen, who brings along British troops to intimidate the young Germans. Although Rasmussen intervenes to protect his charges from abuse, he faces scrutiny from Jensen for allegedly exhibiting sympathy toward the boys. Further heartache ensues when Werner encounters a deadly cluster of landmines, resulting in devastation for his twin brother, Ernst.
After an innocuous game of football, Rasmussen’s dog tragically dies when it wanders into a supposedly safe area. Devastated, Rasmussen’s anger resurfaces, and his treatment of the boys deteriorates again. He forces them into perilous marches to verify the safety of the beach, disregarding their lives. When a young local girl inadvertently strays into an uncleared section, the mother’s frantic search for Rasmussen yields no fruit as he is absent. Responding with bravery, the boys step forward to rescue her: Ernst ventures into the minefield to calm the girl while Sebastian meticulously clears a path. They succeed in saving the child, but Ernst, unable to bear the thought of life without his brother, tragically chooses to end his own life by stepping into the uncleared area.
Witnessing this act of altruism profoundly impacts Rasmussen, leading him to become more compassionate towards the remaining boys. He comforts a heartbroken Sebastian, assuring him that freedom is near. As four boys continue their arduous task of clearing the beach alongside Rasmussen, others are sent to load unexploded mines onto a truck. In a dreadful moment of carelessness, one boy tosses an improperly defused mine onto the truck, resulting in a catastrophic explosion that claims multiple lives, leaving only Sebastian, Ludwig, Helmut, and Rodolf alive.
Though the boys had been promised liberation upon completing their mission, unbeknownst to Rasmussen, Jensen plans to dispatch the last survivors to another hazardous area. In a desperate bid to save them, Rasmussen pleads for Jensen to reverse his decision but is met with resistance. Ultimately, he decides to act, transporting the boys close to the German border, offering them a desperate chance at freedom.
Timeline
Track the key events of Land of Mine (2016) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Post-War Germany
Following the end of World War II in Europe in May 1945, German soldiers are captured and become prisoners of war in Denmark. The atmosphere is tense as the Wehrmacht and SS occupiers are now subjugated and must confront the consequences of their actions during the war.
Training Begins
A group of young German detainees is sent to the west coast of Denmark to undergo intensive training in mine clearance. Under the stern command of Sergeant Carl Leopold Rasmussen, each boy is pushed to defuse six mines per hour, with the prospect of going home in three months if they succeed.
Dreams and Despair
As the boys begin their grueling work, one of the prisoners, Sebastian Schumann, clings to hope for the future. The dire food shortages contribute to their physical decline, leading to severe malnutrition among the young detainees.
A Friend in Need
In a desperate attempt to alleviate their hunger, Ernst befriends a local girl who helps him steal bread. This act of friendship stands in stark contrast to the harsh reality the boys face while working under such brutal conditions.
Tragedy Strikes
The harsh realities of mine clearance result in a catastrophic accident when Wilhelm loses both arms while attempting to disarm a mine. Tragically, Wilhelm later succumbs to his injuries in a field hospital, highlighting the dangers the boys face daily.
Severe Illness
The boys suffer collectively after consuming contaminated grain, leading to severe illness. In response, Sergeant Rasmussen enforces a harsh treatment regimen, forcing them to purge with seawater, which only exacerbates their suffering.
A Glimmer of Hope
Despite his harsh exterior, Rasmussen begins to show signs of compassion as he secretly provides the boys with extra provisions. He allows Sebastian to utilize a device he created to improve their efficiency, fostering a sense of camaraderie.
Intimidation Tactics
Rasmussen's kindness does not go unnoticed, as Captain Ebbe Jensen brings British troops to intimidate the boys. Although Rasmussen tries to protect the prisoners from abuse, he faces scrutiny from Jensen for showing sympathy towards them.
A Brother's Grief
Werner's unfortunate encounter with a deadly cluster of landmines results in devastating consequences for his twin brother, Ernst. This tragedy deepens the emotional scars on the group of young boys already struggling with trauma from the war.
Loss of a Companion
Rasmussen's beloved dog tragically dies after wandering into a supposedly safe area, reigniting his anger and causing him to withdraw support from the boys. This change signals a return to harsh treatment, placing the boys under greater strain.
Brave Rescue
When a local girl unknowingly ventures into an uncleared minefield, the boys bravely step forward to save her. Ernst enters the perilous area to comfort her, while Sebastian methodically clears a path, demonstrating remarkable courage under danger.
A Tragic Choice
After the rescue, Ernst, unable to cope with the grief of losing his brother, chooses to end his life by stepping into an uncleared field. This heartbreaking moment profoundly impacts the remaining boys and brings Rasmussen to reevaluate his treatment of them.
Change of Heart
Following Ernst's tragic death, Rasmussen begins to show more compassion towards the remaining boys. He comforts Sebastian, assuring him that freedom is near, which shifts the dynamic of their relationship amid ongoing challenges.
A Catastrophic Mistake
While clearing the beach, a devastating explosion occurs when a boy carelessly tosses an improperly defused mine onto a truck. This tragic mistake results in multiple casualties among the boys, leaving only a few survivors.
A Desperate Plea
Despite completing their mission, the boys learn they may be sent to another dangerous area. In a bid to protect them, Rasmussen pleads with Captain Jensen, ultimately opting to transport the boys close to the German border for a final chance at liberation.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Land of Mine (2016) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Carl Leopold Rasmussen (Mikkel Boe Følsgaard)
Sergeant Rasmussen is a complex character who grapples with his duty to command the young German prisoners while facing his own inner conflict about their suffering. Initially harsh and unsympathetic, he evolves into a more compassionate figure as he witnesses the boys' resilience and tragedy. His character embodies the challenge of reconciling past hostilities with the humanity he discovers in his charges.
Sebastian Schumann (Joel Basman)
Sebastian is a hopeful and resilient young German soldier who remains determined to survive and return home, representing the innocence lost due to war. His character undergoes significant development, from a naive boy to a young man faced with the harsh realities of life in captivity and the loss of friends. His drive to protect others and adapt highlights his strong moral compass.
Ernst (Louis Hofmann)
Ernst is deeply connected to his twin brother, showcasing a profound bond that is critically tested throughout the film. His character illustrates themes of sacrifice and tragedy, as he struggles with the emotional weight of survival amid loss. Ultimately, his heartbreak leads to a devastating decision, representing the deep scars left by war.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Land of Mine (2016), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
May 1945
The story unfolds in May 1945, just after World War II in Europe. This period marked the end of German occupation in Denmark and reflected the chaos and devastation left behind. It was a time of rebuilding and grappling with the horrors of war, as former soldiers now found themselves as prisoners, facing the consequences of their actions.
Location
Denmark, West Coast
The film is set along the picturesque yet treacherous west coast of Denmark, a location that carries the scars of war. Known for its sandy beaches, this region became a battleground against the hidden threats of landmines, symbolizing the tragic aftermath of World War II. The stark contrast between the beauty of the landscape and the grim task of demining highlights the challenges faced by the young protagonists.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Land of Mine (2016). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Compassion
Compassion emerges as a critical theme in the movie, especially through the character of Sergeant Rasmussen. Initially stern and detached, he gradually develops empathy for the young prisoners as he witnesses their suffering and sacrifices. This theme emphasizes the humanity that can blossom even in the direst circumstances, highlighting the potential for understanding and kindness amidst past atrocities.
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Danger of War
The film profoundly explores the dangers of war, particularly the hidden horrors of landmines. The plight of the young German soldiers serves as a reminder of the indiscriminate violence and destruction that ensue from conflict, and the emotional toll it takes on individuals. This theme underscores the tragic irony of their situation, as the boys are tasked with dismantling dangers they had once imposed.
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Loss
Loss is poignantly depicted throughout the narrative, encapsulating the fragility of life during and after wartime. The film portrays multiple heartbreaking moments, including the tragic fate of Wilhelm and the emotional impact on Sebastian and Ernst. Through their story, the audience is confronted with the inevitable sadness that permeates the lives of those affected by the conflict.
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