Per Fly Plejdrup stands as one of the most important figures in Danish film. His work is blunt, raw, and deeply human. Per Fly’s career has been defined by his ability to capture class struggles, morality, and the consequences of personal choices. Through his trilogy, international films, and television projects, Fly has established his reputation for being an uncompromising storyteller. His commitment to realism has made his films resonate beyond Denmark.
Early Life and Influences
Fly was born in Skive, Denmark, on January 14, 1960. His early experiences observing human struggle and resilience became central themes in his work. In pursuit of filmmaking, he completed his education in 1993 at the National Film School of Denmark, where he produced his graduation film Room 17.
In the following years, Per Fly directed several short films, including Sofaholdet and Kalder Kathrine in 1994, The Little Knight in 1997, and Liftarflickan in 1998. He also transitioned into television, directing three episodes of the television show Taxa in 1998 for TV network DR.
Highlights of Per Fly’s Cinematic Journey
The Trilogy and Breakthrough Success
Fly’s feature film debut, The Bench (Bænken), in 2000, was the first in his acclaimed trilogy. It focused on the lower class, setting the tone for Fly’s sharp social commentary. This was followed by The Inheritance (Arven) in 2003, which examined Denmark’s upper class, and Manslaughter in 2005, which tackled the middle-class intellectual elite.
The trilogy defined Fly’s career. The Bench won the FIPRESCI Prize at the San Sebastián International Film Festival. The Inheritance (Arven) earned multiple awards and widespread recognition. Manslaughter took home the Bodil Award for Best Danish Film. In 2005, Fly received the Crown Prince Couple’s Culture Prize for his contribution to cinema.
Exploring International Frontiers
After cementing his legacy in Danish film, Fly expanded into the international scene. He directed The Woman That Dreamed About a Man in 2010, a psychological drama. He followed this with Waltz for Monica, a Swedish biopic about jazz singer Monica Zetterlund. The film won Best Swedish Film at the Guldbagge Awards and reinforced Fly’s ability to tell compelling stories outside Denmark.
Fly’s television work also gained global recognition. He directed six episodes of the TV series Performances (Forestillinger) in 2007, which aired on Danmarks Radio (DR). He later directed the financial crime thriller Follow the Money, which was broadcast in over 100 countries.
The Evolution of His Storytelling in Films
In 2018, Fly directed Backstabbing for Beginners, a movie set in the murky world of political corruption at the United Nations. It reflected his growing interest in global issues and explored themes of ethics, greed, and power.
A Brief Filmography
Fly’s career includes a list of successful films and TV series, including:
- Prop og Berta (2001) – a 2001 Per Fly animated film.
- The Woman That Dreamed About a Man (2010) – a psychological thriller.
- Backstabbing for Beginners (2018) – a political thriller.
A full filmography of Fly’s works is available on IMDb. Many of his films can also be found on DVD.
Collaboration and Influence
As a producer and director, Per Fly collaborates with notable actors, including Jesper Christensen. His ability to bring out intense performances has been a defining feature of his career. The total number of awards and nominations he has received reflects his impact on cinema.
Conclusion and FAQs About Per Fly
Conclusion
Fly’s films simply hit hard because they play with real, human experiences. Whether tackling upper, middle, or lower class struggles, he maintains an unflinching focus on authenticity. His influence in Danish film and international cinema remains unmatched.
Summary
- Class-focused storytelling: Per Fly built his career around Denmark’s class structure, tackling lower, upper, and middle-class lives in his critically acclaimed trilogy: The Bench, The Inheritance, and Manslaughter.
- Grounded beginnings: Born in Skive in 1960, Fly’s working-class background shaped his unflinching realism. He graduated from the National Film School of Denmark in 1993 and began with shorts and TV.
- Trilogy impact: The trilogy earned major awards and defined Fly’s reputation for blunt, human storytelling rooted in social observation.
- International expansion: He directed globally resonant films like Waltz for Monica and Backstabbing for Beginners, proving his relevance beyond Danish borders.
- TV success: From Taxa to Follow the Money, Fly has brought his realism to major television, earning wide international distribution and acclaim.
- Still active: Per Fly is a major voice in Danish and international film, known for sharp moral narratives and raw emotional detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Per Fly known for?
Fly is known for his realism and deep exploration of class struggles, particularly in his trilogy.
2. What are the main films in Per Fly’s Denmark Trilogy?
The Bench (Bænken), The Inheritance (Arven), and Manslaughter.
3. Has Per Fly worked on international projects?
Yes, including Waltz for Monica, Backstabbing for Beginners, and the TV series Follow the Money.
4. What themes dominate Per Fly’s storytelling?
Social inequality, moral dilemmas, and human nature.
5. Where did Per Fly receive his film education?
At the National Film School of Denmark, completed his education in 1993.
6. How has Per Fly influenced Danish cinema?
He helped bring Danish film to a wider audience through his trilogy and international projects.
7. What impact did the trilogy have on his career?
It established Fly as a top Danish film director, earning him multiple awards.
8. Has Per Fly worked in television?
Yes, directing episodes of the television show Taxa, the TV series Performances, and Follow the Money.
9. What inspires Per Fly’s films?
Real-life struggles, Scandinavian realism, and class dynamics.
