The Day Will Come (2016) User Reviews

A harrowing film with brilliant performances

[mattrochman · 9/10 · 31 December 2016]

This is a sad film. The conclusion indicates that it was based on a number of orphanages in Denmark and you could sense that certain acts and situations arose from real life stories.

The actor playing the headmaster gave a powerhouse performance that swells the viewer with hatred and disdain for him. The sympathetic female teacher was also played with stunning dramatic effect. The two boys seemed fairly young, but managed to carry the intensity and sorrow of the film with amazing maturity and brilliant execution.

This is hardly a film for casual Friday night viewing. It is about two brothers who are sent to a home for boys because their very sick mother is unable to care for them. Within the home, they experience violent and cold abuse from both teachers and friends. It is so sad to think that such an era really existed (and probably still does in some parts of the world).

It's the sort of film that deserves critical acclaim and awards. The sorrow arising from the film will stay with me for some time.

A difficult watch...

[brenswee · 8/10 · 6 January 2019]

...but a good movie nonetheless. The performances were fantastic here. Lars Mikkelson has never made me hate "him" before! He's so cold and angry in this and he sure did the job well. Sofie Grabol is always reliable. The content had me shaking my head so many times. Industrial schools like this were run in my country too and I can't fathom why a human being would inflict these things on another human. These stories must be told though. The portrayals capture the horror all too well, but the movie did have a number of lighter moments too.

One Step Back For Mankind

[mg3331 · 9/10 · 3 June 2017]

I was watching through gritted teeth and such a feeling of revulsion. I would say that many of the worst types in prison would not treat kids in such a manner. The way that headmaster and his cronies try to justify their actions makes you want to throw up. Just shows you how badly society failed those children and to this day it still does. Top marks to those wonderful brothers for enduring for so long which is testimony to their character and their determination never to be broken. Grim viewing but at the same time a quite heartwarming experience.

Just want to say wow

[giangtn-33447 · 10/10 · 13 August 2018]

I watched this movie in last 5 minute. I cried 2 time when i seen Elmer standing on street alone and when he flying. Actor 10/10. Acting 10/10. Everyone is great, i like principal acting too, when he angry in the dinning room exactly like Hitler did. Idk why this could be 7,8/10 imdb to now, this must to be 9/10 and more. Sr my bad english.

Yes - its a most see.

[prebenbroe1969 · 10/10 · 19 September 2018]

This movie should bee an international succes in every Way.

Celebrating the Art of Survival

[miramania-65312 · 10/10 · 15 February 2017]

(This review may contain spoilers): this was an emotionally charged and intense movie about two brothers - Erik and Elmer - who are sent to an orphanage when their widowed mother falls sick and is rendered, by the state, incapable of caring for them. The cruelty of abandonment is heightened by the brutality of the merciless Headmaster and his assistants and attendants, who see the boys in their care as rabid, uncontrollable and in need of strict discipline and a professional craft. Creativity, ambition and dreams are not rewarded; rather, they are ridiculed. The brothers, along with other in-mates, form a bond of sympathetic but mute camaraderie that sets them apart from their abusers. They are able to retain a hint of sympathy for each other, despite being unable to stand up for each other out of fear of violent retribution. They maintain a code of conduct whereby they exist as "ghosts" in order to survive their ordeal. The viewer, however, is made aware of another group of boys, some older, who grew hostile and aggressive, and whose ability to sympathise dissolves in the anger and bitterness of being subjected to longer years of abuse.

The development of the character and human relationships around it are likely the theme at the centre of the plot, with the two protagonists going through character changes that are weaved in subtly and craftily to suggest a maturity that is arrived at through selflessness and compassion.

It is a beautiful movie that highlights the plight of regressing humanity, which is absolutely relevant in this day and age of forced migration.

Hearthbreaking

[spartanben-00183 · 10/10 · 13 November 2016]

This movie is so sad, but it was a real history, this movie makes me think in the society we are living, everybody is fool and this movie let us to see that in the past the things were the same, this world never change, you have to make things to changed it, this movie is sad, but with a good message, you have to see this movie it will change your life.

STORY 10/10 ACTING 10/10 EFFECTS: i don't give a damn the effects, this story is the best that i have ever seen in a movie this year

I don't want to spoiler this incredible movie, but you have to see it and please don't see the trailer, only the movie.

Duped

[joejacksonwrestler · 6/10 · 6 June 2017]

Worth the watch, though what I make an objection about is that the film says "based on actual events" but then at the very end you find out it's actually a collection of events that happened at orphanages in Denmark and so the veracity of the experiences of those two brothers loses its credibility. It borders on being corny in the standard narrative of overcoming adversity.

Surprising and Meaningful

[naythanf · 10/10 · 27 June 2020]

I will be completely honest, I just clicked this movie for background noise while I plaid a game on my computer and after it the movie ended, I realized not only did I not touch the game, I didn't do anything else but focus on this movie.

I was adopted along with my older brother and did go through foster homes and group homes so this is part reason it touched me so much however when writing reviews I like to be bias with my opinion so it is only fair to state this fact about me.

As for the movie, what amazing writing, directing and acting done here. The level of emotion from simple expressions made this feel like I was there. For all of the actors to be able to display that magnificence then this shows how good of a movie this is.

I recommend everyone to watch this movie because it will enlighten you and reading my review, I hope that after watching this movie you realize how many older children are out there living in institutions/group homes that need a family, a home and support. There is no excuse for letting a children suffer and be alone, no justification at all. All these children need a community and a family.

So if you are in any position emotionally and financially, reach out and find a kid who will finish their childhood in a group home or institution and save them from the hell of growing up alone, give them the chance that every child deserves.

This is everywhere, I hope this movie goes viral and starts a movement that is by far, way more important then most movements that is about selfish people and greed!

Exceptional

[yiotinaki12 · 10/10 · 20 April 2019]

Exceptional movie with dramatic plot! Based on true events, makes my heart break with those boys' struggle in the orphanage. Music was great and plot kept my interest till the end.at the end there are plenty of emotions until you cry out of joy for the way justice finds its way and the boys are finally free from that place.... I cry every time...

Good luck finding decent subtitles

[nonox19 · 5/10 · 6 October 2020]

Rather miserable story featuring two brothers stuck in a harsh and abusive orphanage. I'm not sure why any actor would want to portray such grotesque roles as several did here, as the headmaster and one teacher (pedophile). Eventually a somewhat "happy" ending.

Cruel Intentions & cover ups

[moveebuff1953 · 9/10 · 25 June 2017]

/another heartbreaking story about abuse of boys in an orphanage. What those poor boys went through is unimaginable. How any human can treat a child so brutally is beyond belief. Physical (rape) & mental abuse day after day would be enough to turn a any child into a angry hating & mentally unstable one. We are never told at the end if any of the abusers were brought to trial and punished.

Deplorable circumstances, like in Oliver Twist, yet a different approach focusing on personal developments of two boys who carry the story. Two hours seem long but well spent

[JvH48 · 8/10 · 22 May 2017]

Of course, like in Dickens' novel Oliver Twist, the circumstances in such institutions are horrible and deplorable. No one seems to care as long as no complaints are registered and nothing of the abuse and slavery comes out in the open. The story in this movie is different, however, due to demonstrating that not only management and teaching staff have their faults, but also the boys themselves maintain some sort of hierarchy. For example, we see "lower" boys tasked with e.g. collecting cigarette-ends and being bullied when set targets are not met. As such we see a self-contained ecosystem, where survival of the fittest is the norm, alongside with evading visibility (playing "ghosts") and not attracting attention. Painful scenes are intermixed with moving moments, as could be expected.

The developments take their time, but that does not mean that the whole movie is boring in any way. Each time you think that you can predict the outcome, you are proved wrong. That is why this drama needs its nearly 2 hours running time to develop in full, and to explore all sides of the problem. Contrary to every description I've read about head master Heck, as being sadistic, the impression left behind is that he means well, in spite of his harsh methods. In other words, removing all sharp edges of inherently uncontrollable boys, is his way to harden and prepare them for the outside world. All of this is best illustrated by him asking, begging nearly, after having signed the dearly -wanted letter that confirms the boy is discharged, whether he (the boy) is prepared to speak out that the school has done him a lot of good, after all.

All in all, casting of main protagonists is perfect and all of them perform very well. A special mention is needed for the two boys who carry the story from start to finish. We also see how difficult it is to interest TPTB for the problems at the orphanage. Interesting and unexpected developments succeed in keeping the viewer interested all along.

Watch it!

[wildlauren · 10/10 · 29 July 2017]

You need to watch this it is amazing, but it can be gross sometimes (there is blood) but it's totally inspiring. After I watched all three episodes it was so good that I had to do research on this event seriously you need to watch this please. You will totally fall in love with this one. Trust me.

Child Torture

[wendelsitka-1 · 8/10 · 4 January 2023]

I'm only going to mention what other reviews haven't, and the topic is: Did the movie exaggerate the mistreat of children? The answer is no, and here is the factual explanation why:

Note the following excerpt of a public apology presented by BBC News, dated August 13, 2019-

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has officially said sorry to hundreds of victims of historical abuse in state-run homes. From 1945 to 1976 children were sexually abused, beaten and drugged at the homes, an official inquiry found.

This stunning acknowledgement validates everything we see in this excellent movie. As such, it is a documentary presented in drama format.

Moral Outrage

[dfwenigma · 10/10 · 4 June 2017]

This is an excellent movie. You hold back tears and your humanity is tested as you watch these children in the most horrifying situations as the adults around them fail them at every single turn. The filmmaker seems to capture our souls as the vignettes build. Still you can't help but feel a sense of Oliver Twist with a modern day Lord of the Flies as you watch the movie. You see this socialist state more or less abandon these children well into the 1970's. In this story we focus on two boys but the fact is that many, many more were abused. I'm not spoiling anything for the viewer because you will not believe the horrors visited upon these children. But yet you're drawn to it, drawn because you wonder whether or not there's a silver lining. This is a fictional story. The bad guys are in fact an amalgam - there is no one-to-one between the story-line and the actual events. But imagine the worst acts that could take place in an adult prison - they're worse at this place. And imagine bad luck and then multiply it by 100 as these two little boys go from bad to worse. But the outrage really comes when you realize that even "bad" boys will band together once they recognize that they themselves aren't the problem but the adults and the system they face.

Children in this day and age were told they were bad. Told they were evil. Thousands of years of upbringing informed the modern day practices in this incredible montage. Yet even when our heroes leave the isolation of this children's community the world outside isn't much better.

I wish dear reader that I could tell you that something turned out well. It didn't. The horrors visited upon these children - and they would range in age now from about 40 to about 70 or 80 - is pretty horrendous. The level of proof demanded by Sweden's socialist government created a bar so high that definitely no child could meet it. Few adults could.

And today - still today - the government of Sweden has not acknowledged what happened in these children's homes - and I'm quite certain this was not unique. Similar to the Catholic church the government of Sweden will not admit there was any wrong doing and did not punish the perpetrators. And the perps by the way were every bit as bad as the priest of the Catholic church.

Watch this movie even if you feel your gut has been punched by the strongest bully possible and then act. Post. Get involved. Because society cannot abandon the least among us. And when we do - heaven help us the hell that will be visited on our societies.

Great display of different kinds of POWER!

[rob-broekhof-1 · 10/10 · 29 April 2018]

This film gives form to destructive power and constructive temporary power in a penetrating way. Destructive in the form of the behavior of the head of the school (Forstander Frederik Heck played by Lars Mikkelsen). The constructive temporary power in the form of the behavior of one of the pupils (Elmer played by Harald Kaiser Hermann). Elmer looks for HELP at a crucial moment and gets that and that is the reason for that power. This power also leads to the fact that ultimately another student asks for HELP and therefore in principle also receives a form of temporary power. (Tøger played by Laurids Skovgaard Andersen).

Statement: "A (powerful) leader does not need a massive amount of followers or supporters, but enough helpers!"

Can't say enough. You have to experience the series

[jesseb-43372 · 10/10 · 2 May 2022]

Just watched the 3 episodes on Netflix. It was intense, brutal, and savage. But there is an element of hope. The 2 boys were phenomenal. Their plight was not pleasant to say the least. They stuck together throughout every scene no matter their dire circumstances. This show was flawless. Anyone with a soul would rate this as outstanding. I was completely enthralled in their plight throughout their harrowing experiences. It's well worth your time if you can stand brutality inflicted upon children . And I must add That's a big if. This is not a pretty show. It is gut wrenching for the most part, but these boys also inspire. The script is excellent, performances fantastic. The mini series pulled me into their world and I forgot I was watching a TV show. I was more of an eye witness. This is how great a production it is. A def 10!

Very touching and great acting

[husseinghosson-90109 · 10/10 · 31 March 2021]

Everyone in this film did their job perfectly, even the kids were amazing. We have witnessed such kind of torture in homes after the WW2 in a lot of countries, and it cant be more real. I give this a well deserved 10.

the day will come

[u-32187 · 8/10 · 13 June 2020]

There is more than light in the world, there is darkness under the light. As for the evils of human nature and the problems of the system, it goes without saying that there are few in the movie. What I want to talk about here is assimilation. You can think of the adoption home as a micro society. We are always silent like ghosts. Such a person, who has self-thinking and sticks to challenge the rules? How much is silent? Too silent to assimilate alternatives.

10/10 without any hesitation.

[ahmadfrie · 10/10 · 30 August 2020]

Really emotional series hit so good, i do want more of this. Simply it's as it should made, without any filling, so direct and bold presentation. Really recommend this one.

Well worth watching, but not to feel good.

[scrubber · 9/10 · 10 January 2024]

This is the story of Erik, albert Rudbeck Lindhardt, and his younger brother Elmer, Harald Kaiser Hermann, who are sent to an orphanage/school when their mother is taken ill and can't look after them.

It is late sixties Denmark and has constant references to the American space programme and moon landings, which Elmer is obsessed with. However, the story is about the terrible cruelty and violence, including sexual, that the boys suffered while there.

The head is played by Lars Mikkelson who approves and partakes in the violence, but it is all done for their own good. Of course it is.

The only teacher with an ounce of compassion is played by Sophie Grabal, who is shocked by what she see's but finds it difficult to give real help due to feeling isolated as a woman among many men. Incidentally this teams Grabal and Mikkelson again, who were both in the excellent 'the killing' a few years earlier.

Well worth watching, excellently acted but definitely not a feel good movie. It's what I would have expected from Victorian Britain not Denmark in the swinging sixties.

That was difficult to watch. But. . .

[nmcgregor1990 · 10/10 · 9 September 2023]

The overall subject matter is somewhat difficult to approach but this was very well delivered and incredibly acted by all.

Despite the troubling subjects. The film is well paced and keeps you gripped throughout. Guides you nicely to an understanding what's going on without being too blatant on screen which hits you emotionally like a tonne of bricks and adds to the hatred you feel towards the oppressors.

You also really route for the boys to find an escape even if their were a couple of failed attempts.

It is awful to think that so many had to put up with the abuse these evil people dished out.

Humans really can be evil.

One of the best dramas I've seen

[mitsubishizero · 9/10 · 24 January 2022]

Based on a true story. This miniseries had some of the best acting I've ever seen. The two boys really carried this story from beginning to end. It's really sad reading what happened to the actual victims and I dare to say this movie captures the fear and oppression that was common at that horrendous orphanage.

You really feel for this kids, particularly the leads Erik and Elmer. I definitely recommend you check this miniseries out.

my english paragraph, i got a full mark btw

[ilyjulnar · 9/10 · 13 October 2021]

The day will come, is a danish drama movie released in 2016 the movie circles around two inseparable brothers, 10-year-old Elmer and 13-year-old Erik, who were placed in an orphanage. Here, misbehaving boys become obedient members of society at any cost. And by "any cost", they'll have to suffer the abuse in the orphanage till they reach the age of 16.

Personally, i really enjoyed the movie. There wasn't a single moment where i felt bored while watching it, and it was a very emotional movie.

I would highly recommend the movie for those who like to see miserable people suffer, not in a psychopathic way though.