Movie Review: 'The Kiss"

He really doesn’t have the money, but he does have the drive. The young Anton (Essen Smed) wants a career in the military, enabling him to have a future and return respect to his family name. To achieve these goals, he enlists as a lieutenant in the Danish military training school.

The entrance requirements are that he owns a horse, to have a personal valet, several uniforms and, of course, to have lodgings. With no money for these expenses, he and his mother visit her sister with the hope of her financing his military career. He promises to repay the loan – with interest.

During one of his first training exercises he and his platoon see a man in the distance who’s car is stuck in a country road mud puddle. He orders three companions to accompany him to help move the car out of the mud. The older man is most grateful for their help and apologizes for the mud now covering their uniforms. He drives off and the soldiers return to base.

Later that afternoon Anton receives an invitation to the castle of the Baron Løvenskhold (Lars Mikkelsen). He’s puzzled by the request, but dons his dress uniform and leaves for the castle.

Due to an emergency at the base, he arrives late – dinner is already underway.

Nevertheless, he is warmly welcomed by none other than the man whose car was stuck in the mud. The Baron introduces him to the other guests as his “savior.” Dancing in a large glittery parlor follows the sumptuous meal. The small orchestra is playing waltzes, much to the delight of the guests. After finishing a dance, Anton notices the Baron’s beautiful young daughter Edith (Clara Rosager), sitting at a small table. He appears at her side and introduces himself.

Courtesy requires that he ask her for the next dance. Anxiety and stress appear on her face at his offer. She glances from side to side before finally deciding to rise from her chair. It is an insurmountable ordeal as she has lost the use of her legs in a riding accident.

Using the chair arms for support, she manages to rise to a standing position before collapsing back into the chair. Anton is as shocked and embarrassed by what just happened as she is. He apologizes, flees the room and hurries back to camp. The next day he orders a bouquet of white roses sent to the castle with a note begging her forgiveness.

His floral gift is replied with another invitation to the castle, this time for tea. It is served on a raised platform suspended over a lake on the expansive castle grounds. Edith and Anton share past experiences and dreams for the future. His goals are still for a successful military career and the return of honor to his family name.

She has always wanted to dance and fantasizes a career as a ballerina. Having a lover is not even a consideration. Strolls through the park-like setting increase in number as does the intimacy the two share.

Over time their relationship becomes more intense, finally ending with a kiss. She has quietly fallen in love with the young lieutenant. Anton, surprised by the show of affection, is slowly beginning to wonder if the relationship they share is based on his love for her or pity.

Directed by Bille August (Credits: “The Count of Monte Cristo TV series,” “The Pact”), “The Kiss” runs 116 minutes and is a “see” for a touching love story set in 14th-century Denmark. The story is based on the book “Beware Pity” by Stefan Zweig.