Original subtitles

Inspired by the diary kept by pastor Peder Olsen

"Something incomprehensible lies within every human being."

Minister President Quisling addresses the nation.

Men and women of Norway…

a few days ago, the world received the news

that Adolf Hitler,

the Führer and chancellor of the German Reich,

had died, as befitting a hero, at his command post in Berlin

during his heroic effort to prevent

the Bolshevik destruction of his country and of Europe.

With Adolf Hitler's passing,

we have lost a historic character

capable of creating an era in the history of humankind.

If Europe does not go under,

surely the future will acknowledge

that the salvation of the European cultural civilization

was due to Adolf Hitler.

His National Socialism made Germany into a mighty bulwark

capable of breaking the red wave of Bolshevism.

His life's greatest tragedy

was that he, despite all his efforts,

was unable to bring about peace between England and Germany.

Such an alliance would have ensured world peace

and neutralized Bolshevism.

I will not betray our cause.

Nor will I let it succumb to lawlessness and Bolshevism.

Thank you.

Did you listen?

To my speech?

It sounds like we have capitulated.

Not at all.

Berlin won't abandon us.

I'm trying to negotiate with Nygaardsvold in London

about an interim government.

And if that doesn't work out?

I won't tolerate talk of defeat or capitulation!

You will achieve what you want.

You are Captain Quisling.

You will succeed.

We have 30,000 men at our disposal, they have 4000.

We can still fight.

Vidkun!

I was at the dentist. He rushed me here afterwards.

He's going to the train station.

He's fleeing the country, bringing nothing.

My God.

You said they wouldn't capitulate!

- Don't panic. - What are they doing here?

It might be a good idea to pack a bag with the bare necessities.

- Just in case. - Pack?

What about London and the negotiations?

Calm down, Maria. Please.

Have the kitchen prepare some food. This may take a while.

And old tales which night, in falling

Brings as dreams to earth

Christ, all hell's breaking loose.

- We should have just left. - What do you mean?

They're running around like headless chickens, shouting.

A group of drunken German seamen were firing their sub-machine guns,

shooting like crazy.

I barely got away unscathed.

- No one has talked to the Resistance. - Did we walk straight into a trap?

There seems to be a power struggle between the Resistance and the police.

The new national police chief is insane.

Capitulation begins at midnight.

We just heard it on the radio.

In that case…

…there's not much more we can do.

Nonsense. I'm going down there myself.

I would advise against that.

It's dangerous out there.

They're shooting.

You can't go anywhere without a promise of safe passage.

I doubt the police will grant you that.

Surely there are still some civilized people left in this country!

Yes, hello.

Vidkun Quisling, the Minister President.

Thank you for taking the time, Arntzen.

No, we're contacting you to clear up some misunderstandings regarding...

Right.

Yes.

Absolutely.

Listen, we're discussing matters with the military authorities,

this could turn into...

No.

I see.

But the fact that you don't know Foss is your problem.

He came to see me and offered me internment in Holmenkollen.

He could guarantee...

I see.

Yes.

You calling me a criminal I find very...

I've worked so hard for this country.

I have no...

Fine.

Right.

Yes.

Hello?

He gave us until six o'clock tomorrow morning.

And if we refuse?

They will come at us with force.

They…

…will come at us with force.

I heard you, Vidkun, on the phone with the police chief.

It's over.

No, I'm going to the police station to clear this up.

- I have to go. They're waiting. - Stop.

Please state your name.

Where is Police Chief Arntzen?

State your personal details.

- I demand to talk to Arntzen. - Your hat, please.

Occupation?

- Your occupation? - I just need to check your pockets.

Wait a minute. I'm not being arrested.

I have made an agreement with the police chief

that I am to stay in a house in Holmenkollen.

Your wedding ring, please.

- What? - Could I have your wedding ring?

No. Is that really necessary?

Yes. I have to take it.

Let me remind you that I've been Norway's head of state for five years.

I expect to be treated with respect and not like a criminal.

This way, please.

Mr. Olsen, his Grace will see you now.

Right. Sorry.

Thank you.

Peder Olsen.

- It's been a long time. - Indeed. How are you?

I must thank you.

Without your efforts, this war could have been a lot darker.

Let's put the war behind us.

I'm more interested in the peace.

Take a seat.

I've been told you are an excellent judge of character.

I don't know about that.

Vidkun Quisling.

Yes?

He's in his cell at Mollergata 19, awaiting his trial.

Which will be highly necessary.

Would you consider serving as his pastor?

- Me? For Quisling? - Yes.

But isn't Mr. Traaen prison chaplain over there?

He's made a decent effort so far, but with the trial coming up,

they don't seem to get along.

Quisling is, perhaps not surprisingly, a very complex human being.

- In what way? - How should I put this?

During the war, he threatened me with execution.

Now, he wants me to be his pastor.

- Can he make such demands? - I politely declined.

However, I think it is crucial that the Church is involved.

In what way?

We are a broken country.

People are calling for the death penalty. More bad blood, more hatred.

In the worst case, we make him a martyr.

If we could help him realize his actions,

it can start a process of reconciliation, for the rest of us as well,

no matter the outcome of the trial.

To start with.

I'm not sure I'm the right man for such a task.

I… I'm a hospital chaplain.

I have no experience with criminals.

Reconciliation is neither simple nor pleasant.

Anyone taking such a thing lightly is not sincere.

You having doubts only counts in your favor.

Here is your prison pass and other documents.

And you must keep this to yourself, for security reasons.

What about my wife? Can I discuss this with her?

Like I said, Olsen, we keep this to ourselves.

Oops!

Let's see.

That wasn't very smart.

Try not to laugh so much.

I think we need to pull here. Like that.

- You got it straight away. - There you go.

There's only static there. We need to go to...

Isn't there a...

Quisling denied ever having improper contact with the Germans.

He had been in Copenhagen from April 5 to 6…

- It's from the magistrates' court. - They won't release him before the trial?

…his rescinding

of the Norwegian government's mobilization order.

He said he'd acted in the best interests of the Norwegian people.

"In the best interests"? The man is stark raving mad.

"I'm a martyr," Quisling shouted.

"I've found myself in a terrible situation where I've..."

- What? - I've had enough of him.

What's a martyr?

Why don't you go and play outside?

He executed Norwegians to save himself, and now he's a martyr?

He's just defending himself.

He seems proud of what he's done.

He's mad. A monster.

Heidi, we are all mere humans, we are all God's children.

Could you lay off the preaching for a second?

Preaching?

- Am I not allowed to be angry? - Sure you are.

But I don't think it's productive.

He's worse than the Germans. He knew what he was doing.

He was one of us.

The children and I were dodging bombs while he was welcoming our enemies.

He traded our freedom for his power.

I want him on his knees.

With his hands over his head, begging for forgiveness.

If not, they might as well shoot him.

Yeah. I'll go and get the coffee.

I can hardly believe it's true.

For so long, I've had this knot in my stomach.

Fearing that something could go wrong at any moment.

I feel like if I allow myself to let go…

…the air raid sirens will wail or the Gestapo will come.

- Or a nurse will tell me... - Please.

All those things are behind us now.

Right?

It's over.

I know.

I do know that.

You're allowed to be happy now. You deserve to be.

Dad?

But those two will never leave us in peace.

- Follow me, please. - Thank you.

Go through that door, across the courtyard and into the prison.

- Up the stairs. - Thank you.

The cell door must be left open.

If he hangs himself, we can't shoot the bastard.

Excuse me?

Hello, my name is Peder Olsen. I'm the hospital...

No, I'm a pastor.

I asked for Berggrav.

Yes, I'm afraid he was indisposed.

"Indisposed?" Right.

I've brought the New Testament.

Thanks. The last fellow already gave me one.

- So, no thanks. - I see.

There can never be too much of a good thing.

I was just joking.

You bring humor into this place?

I don't mean to be rude… Mr. Olsen.

But I am in no need of a pastor.

- Yet you wanted to talk to Berggrav? - Exactly, and you're not him.

No, I'm here representing the Church.

Many people in your situation would like someone to talk to.

I could perhaps help you clear your mind and find peace.

Find peace.

- Yes, if you want. - No thanks. You know why? I am innocent.

I have no unfinished business with the Church, God or country.

If you'd be so kind as to tell Berggrav

that I have matters to discuss with him regarding my case

and not my soul, I would greatly appreciate that.

Excuse me, but do you know

the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector?

Luke 18:9-14.

Every child knows that one.

But the message is valid, right?

It's about humility, being able to see one's own faults.

The Pharisee, the righteous, looks down upon the other man,

since he's a lowly tax collector,

an ordinary man with a dirty job...

"God, I thank thee that I'm not as other men are,

extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector."

Exactly, the Pharisee brags about his virtue.

While the tax collector...

Pounds his chest and leads, "God, be merciful to me, a sinner."

What do you think he meant?

- Are you asking me? - Yes.

I thought you were the pastor.

Yes.

It's not just that the tax collector asks God to forgive him his sins.

He doesn't take forgiveness for granted.

He does what we find so difficult, he realizes what he has done.

Regrets it.

He… confesses this to God.

Which is why he is absolved.

That's why the tax collector is closest to God of the two of them.

Yes. So the question is, which one of us do you think

is the Pharisee and which is the tax collector?

What do you think?

I think you're here on a mission.

An assignment from that reputable Berggrav,

who can't be bothered to come himself,

to demand that I show guilt and regret.

Am I right?

So you and the church you represent can clear your conscience.

If that's not pride worthy of a Pharisee, I don't know what is.

But I have no regrets and won't confess to anything.

Not to you or your Sunday school theology, even if you drag me to Golgotha!

Everyone has something to answer for.

Fine, then!

What do you have to confess, pastor?

Well, I don't think we're here to talk about me.

If you would excuse me…

- …I have work to do. - Yes.

The Pharisees were actually great scholars.

The history books have given them a poor and undeserved reputation.

They were idealists, just like you, Olsen.

Well, that went bloody well!

Peder!

Sorry to bother you at work.

Perfect timing, actually.

I was just about to have lunch. We're going inside.

- Okay. - Let me see your permit.

- Easy now. - Lift them up!

There's a lot of pent-up rage.

What's it like coming here now that the tables are turned?

When the prison guards have become prisoners?

There's less paperwork, and…

It's nice not having SS with me in the cell when I'm working.

It's Quisling, isn't it?

Of course. He asked you first.

I… just couldn't do it.

Not after four years of spiritual guidance for those sentenced to death here.

I keep in touch with the families of the people executed by the Germans.

That's why it just didn't feel right.

- So, I recommended you. - Should I thank you, then?

I thought you were the right man for the job.

I have no experience with criminals or people sentenced to death.

I tried the Pharisee and the Tax Collector.

I think I offended him.

He was born into a family that had four generations of clergymen.

He was totally…

He became very…

You once told me that spiritual guidance is just a conversation.

- It should be a dialogue. - I don't think Quisling would agree.

Listen to what he has to say. Keep the conversation going.

If that doesn't work, threaten him with clamps or a baton.

Every single man can walk away from this fight…

…with a clear conscience.

It's such fine work.

Making something like this in that dark little room.

It was good that you gave them knitting supplies.

I'm sure that calmed their nerves.

I don't know.

We never asked.

We didn't take the time to get to know them.

We helped them hide.

We did what we could.

These labor camps in Germany they write about…

They say several thousands have died.

We don't know if they ended up there.

They were two elderly people.

What good would they be in a labor camp?

They've probably been in internment.

Do you really think they took age into account?

The Red Cross are getting people home all the time.

I think it will take time to get the complete picture.

Where do you get all that optimism from?

Hey…

Heidi.

I have a good friend up there.

You never have doubts?

I choose to believe.

We have to.

Mr. Quisling?

I didn't mean to disturb you.

Well, it's you and me again.

I thought I'd made myself clear.

We got off on the wrong foot and I'm sorry about that.

My wife made butter cookies.

I believe the food here is bland.

The food is just fine.

Herring and potatoes. Wholesome food.

And they treat you well?

Yes. Perfectly fine.

Yes.

You look a bit pale.

Please, help yourself.

Are you trying to be my friend?

Judging by the mood out there, you don't seem to have too many.

- You're trying to be witty again. - Yes.

Have you been able to see your wife?

Not since I got arrested.

That must be hard on you.

I can handle it, but I'm worried about her.

If I hadn't been able to talk to my wife Heidi,

I would've gone mad.

What do you mean? I'm completely sane.

Yes, yes. I'm not saying you're not.

Psychiatrists seriously consider everyone in our movement

to be permanently mentally impaired.

At least, impaired.

These so-called investigators…

…who want me to admit to being some sort of opportunist.

A spineless Peer Gynt character with only self-interest in mind.

But that's not you.

I fought for my country.

For five long years.

Day and night.

Well, well. You don't believe me.

Yes, I do think you mean what you say.

Absolutely.

But… I'm sure you enjoyed some benefits during the occupation.

Exactly. So, you think I only fought for riches, titles…

…salutes, stuff and nonsense?

The armor of an insecure man.

I couldn't care less.

Just ask my wife.

I have acted according to my convictions.

For that, I feel no shame.

May I sit?

You met with Hitler, didn't you?

What do you mean?

What was he like?

As a person?

A passionate man.

You can always question the outcome, but he believed in something.

- You can't say that about everyone. - Is that something you admire?

Belief?

Of course.

But I value certainty even more.

- Certainty? - You can't, like Hitler did,

base your politics on…belief.

You need to know.

Spend time finding the sources.

To know.

I've worked all my life on my philosophy.

Universism.

The actual truth.

I've given myself the mission of lighting a candle for humankind.

To find the true philosophy of life.

In accordance with both science and empiricism.

I can't expect that you…

…a simple prison chaplain, will be able to understand.

I'm sure Universism is very interesting.

But what we really should aspire to are the words and deeds of Christ.

Love.

Universism is the same thing, just greater.

- It concerns... - Mr. Quisling, greater than love?

What is greater than love?

Would you be so kind, Pastor, as to go and see Maria, my wife?

Just to make sure she's all right.

Of course.

Thank you.

And if you could bring some writing paper.

I'm about to run out.

Next time you come here.

I'll see you then.

- Here you go. - Thanks.

Are you all right?

- Did you get him to apologize yet? - What?

Did you get him to say he's sorry?

Does he have any regrets?

It's all I was allowed to bring.

It's my whole life now.

Must be quite a change.

If it hadn't been for Mrs. Prydz' flat, I'd be out on the street.

How is he?

He's doing fine, considering…

- Sorry, would you like one? - No, thank you. I don't drink.

Is there something you would like to tell him?

I could pass it on, if you want me to.

Tell him that I'm doing fine.

That I'm strong.

Strong and optimistic.

I'm not interested in politics.

Have a drink with me.

How did you meet?

What have you heard?

No, I'm just asking.

We met in Ukraine.

My homeland.

He was very famous: Captain Quisling.

He saved thousands of lives during the great famine.

Did you know?

No.

Look.

Look at that.

Ukraine.

Russia.

Thousands. Jews, as well.

Did he work for Nansen?

Nansen…

Nansen did not get his hands dirty.

Vidkun, on the other hand…

I saw him for the first time through my office window.

I could tell straight away that this man could achieve anything.

He was to be my destiny.

I left everything behind for him. My mother…

SS VICTIMS BURIED AT TRANDUM

Hi.

I started to get worried about you.

Oh, yeah?

- Are you hungry? - Yes.

- I saved some for you. - Thanks.

- Have you been drinking? - Just half a glass.

We had a little celebration at the hospital.

With the nurses?

No, a peace drink with a doctor.

- A peace drink? - Yes.

It's not the end of the world.

I was at the hospital.

Could you tell me where we are going?

At least tell me where we're going.

OSLO POLICE

They can't be Norwegians.

They're as Norwegian as you and me.

This is murder. Of defenseless people, Mr. Quisling.

This is part of what you are being charged with.

- How many did you find here? - Six, so far.

- And over there? - Eight, we think. It's hard to tell.

Riisnaes?

Führer?

Arvid?

Hello?

Would you kindly switch off the light, please?

Thank you.

Having trouble sleeping?

No, it's…

The light…

You want me to tell you why you can't sleep?

This place is haunted.

Those boys you killed at Trandum…

Listen.

Can you hear that?

It's my brother.

They're coming.

Vidkun…

Vidkun…

The trial is not far off.

They want you transferred to Akershus prison.

Okay.

Hold on. Hold on.

Henrik Bergh, Quisling's defense lawyer.

Why was I not informed about this move?

- For security. Closer to the courthouse. - Unacceptable.

My client's health is poor, and it's cold and damp in there.

- It's fine. - Could I have a word?

Could I have a word with my client?

Could I have a word with my client?

By all means.

- It's only for a few weeks. - Right.

The psychiatrists have found you to be of sound mind.

Yes, of course.

But they haven't carried out a thorough assessment.

The conclusion was already given, so I think we should appeal.

- What for? - Things should be done correctly.

You do understand that you risk getting the death penalty?

It's in your best interests to claim that you may have lost your mind at times.

That wasn't the case. I never lost my mind.

I see.

But the difference between your perception of reality

and that of the court is problematic.

So madness is a better defense strategy than the truth?

I've made my evaluations based on my competence,

knowledge and strategic assessment.

Surely we can make the court understand that?

It's your job!

Goddammit!

By the way, I'm in excellent shape.

I feel great!

I've never felt stronger!

No touching.

No.

You look well.

You have to tell Bergh to let me testify.

- I don't understand why I can't. - It was my choice.

I won’t put you through that.

No touching!

I told you.

- Didn't you hear me? - Yes, you told me.

Your friend is here.

Is it you?

Are you going to give me a shave?

No, I'm not.

I just wanted to wish you good luck.

It's a… big day.

I look like a bum.

Not at all.

It's a nice suit.

Tell me. Do you also think I'm crazy?

No, you actually seem remarkably clear-headed, Mr. Quisling.

Considering the circumstances.

Good morning. May I see your pass?

Proceed.

- Good morning. Proceed. - Very well.

The court is in session.

Vidkun Abraham Quisling.

The indictment has been drafted by acting Public Prosecutor Anneus Schodt

by order of the Director of Public Prosecution.

It reads as follows…

…"Major Vidkun Abraham Quisling, born the 18th of July 1887,

is hereby indicted at the Eidsivating High Court

for the crimes on the following three counts.

One. Attempting to deliver Norwegian or Allied troops into enemy hands.

Two. Attempting to deliver fortifications or defense structures into enemy hands

or destroying or disabling them.

Three. Luring Norwegian or Allied soldiers to join the enemy

or inciting them to commit mutiny or other treacherous acts."

Will the defendant please rise?

Do you plead guilty to any or all counts listed in the indictment?

I plead not guilty.

On all counts.

The only thing I wanted…

…was to protect my people against Bolshevism.

That's right, you went to Russia.

My beloved Russia was transformed into hell on hearth.

People were starving.

Mothers would…

…eat their own children.

It was… a betrayal against their own people.

Back home, responsible figures in the government were applauding.

It spread like a cancer.

I saw it as my calling to put an end to it.

- You regarded it as a calling? - Yes.

As a pastor, you should understand what I mean.

Well, it's not quite the same, is it?

Why not?

It was a mission from God.

You think you have been called by God?

The prosecution can prove

that the defendant committed treason before 9 April 1940.

He conspired with Hitler,

his foreign policy advisor Rosenberg,

and Germany's Admiral of the Fleet, Raeder.

The plan was to topple the government with the promise of the King's acceptance.

The coup d'état of 9 April was part of a plan

driven by cynical opportunism.

As a lawmaker during the occupation, he is responsible for oppression,

censorship, dictatorship and The Führer Principle.

He is also responsible for the murder of Chief Superintendent Eilifsen,

who was sentenced to death

according to a law drafted by the defendant.

As well as 14 Norwegian patriots who were executed in reprisals

for the assassination of State Police Chief Martinsen in '44.

Quisling's culpability in the fate of Norwegian Jews

also appears to be greater than previously thought.

Finally, I would like the court to note the charges of theft,

embezzlement, receiving and the misappropriation of goods.

The defendant claims these are legitimate arrangements as head of state.

To that our reply is that Vidkun Quisling

never has been head of state in Norway, in accordance with Norwegian law.

Would you like to make a statement?

For five years, I fought for Norway's interests,

for the Norwegian people, Norwegian values and neutrality,

caught in between the gruesome Germans and Terboven,

and Nygaardsvold, who urged good Norwegians to commit acts of terror.

Trandum was atrocious,

but no one would have had to die if people had worked together!

But you did sign the death sentences.

You could have pardoned them.

This is the premise of war, the monstrosity of war.

The Germans had to be given something. To save ten…

…one had to be sacrificed.

Like horse trading?

Call it what you want.

It's no secret that I thought England was threatening Norwegian neutrality,

which would have resulted in Germany invading Norway,

causing a bloodbath on Norwegian soil.

I wanted to avoid Norway ending up like Poland.

I am Norway's savior.

You might not see that now, but maybe in the future.

How could the Germans save us without an occupation?

The idea was a peace operation with Hitler's blessing.

He wanted to save Norway's neutrality.

To save Norway,

you wanted Germany to preempt England and occupy us?

- No, not like that. I left that to fate. - Fate?

It is surely an act of fate that I became Norway's savior.

This is not only my cause.

It concerns the entire Norwegian population,

as the future will show.

No one can take away my belief in my cause.

I know I have saved Norway and the Nordic countries!

We will not be getting anywhere

if you keep repeating that you are a savior.

President of the court, could we ask for a short break, please?

To be honest, I find it difficult to understand him.

Yes.

No one knows my husband.

No?

You have sworn an oath of confidentiality, right?

Yes.

We're not married.

- What? - Not officially.

Vidkun was married to someone else when we met.

Don't look at me like that.

I didn't know.

- What happened? - She refused to get divorced.

So, no one would marry us.

We tried many places, in Russia, the legation in Paris.

In Norway, she had…

…already met the family.

It was terrible.

Yet you ended up together.

Vidkun thought we could live together, the three of us.

We could raise her as our foster daughter.

Okay. The woman he was married to?

She was just a child, 17 years old, far too young for him.

And you accepted this? It was alright with you?

I was in love.

But it didn't work. He sent her off to…Paris.

What did his family have to say?

He explained that it was a formality.

- He had to save her. - Save? But he betrayed her?

Russia was hell on earth back then.

He got her out of there.

Right. So he betrayed his wife, calling it a rescue mission.

Just like he's doing now with Norway.

You went to school with Mr. Quisling?

That's right. We were close back in upper secondary school.

What was your impression of him?

It was very good.

I think highly of him as a person.

He was a faithful friend.

He was good at school.

He was highly receptive.

He had interests that were unusual for boys that age.

He was particularly good at math.

And he was kind.

He would help us out with our homework.

We looked up to him, we all did.

- He was a good friend? - Yes, he was.

And I speak for all of his classmates back then.

But there was one particular characteristic

I would like to address.

One that may be of interest to the psychologist,

is that deep down Vidkun is very shy.

To a degree that was painful.

He was often alone, and it was obvious that he had…

…an inferiority complex,

even though he was such an educated person.

With us, in private, he was at ease.

But in the company of strangers, he would be silent and withdrawn.

A loner, I would say.

I made it an asset.

- An asset? - I was determined to be the best.

I didn't go to parties.

I didn't go out with girls.

I graduated with the best grades the school had ever witnessed.

So, you…

Instead of making friends, you beat them at school?

I had friends,

but my mind was occupied with other matters.

Such as being number one?

Are you mocking me?

- No. - I can tell what you're after.

You want to put me in my place.

Write me off as a megalomaniac.

Truth be told, I made sacrifices for others, not myself.

I'm sure you understand what it's like to have something to fight for.

To be doing good.

That may be, but many people don't see the good in what you've done.

That's obvious.

History is written by the victors.

That doesn't diminish the suffering.

Norway was a peaceful, neutral country who was attacked.

A free nation forced into dictatorship.

Weren't you responsible for this?

I shouldered my responsibilities. I tried to avoid a bloodbath.

Stalin was at our border.

When the Germans came, we had no other option.

But to stage a coup?

- To oust... - They ran away!

All of them! Left their people!

Flew the coop, like chickens!

Someone had to take charge!

I ran into him later on, right before the war broke out.

We had dinner, which was nice.

Then we began talking about Norway's position,

and everything had changed.

I feared he'd lost his senses.

He had these delusions

about armed communist forces within our borders.

Bolshevik cells waiting for the signal to start a revolution.

He claimed that several governmental officials

were on the Russian payroll to finance this revolution in Norway.

To be honest…

…I thought he had gone mad.

At any rate, he was a changed man.

Right. Thank you.

I followed… my inner compass.

They want to blame me for events…

…beyond my control.

To brand me as a scapegoat, responsible for this miserable war.

But my intentions were good.

Do you understand?

Yes.

Shouldn't that amount to something in this final reckoning?

That I did what I thought was right.

What else could I do?

What would you have done?

I have no way of knowing.

It's foul…

…to accuse me of persecuting the Jews!

I who have done such extensive humanitarian work.

I am bold enough to say I've helped more Jews than anyone else in Norway.

Excuse me, could you repeat that?

You heard me, I have helped more Jews than anyone else in Norway.

Yet in various accounts you claim that Judaism

is to blame for everything.

And that the "Jewish troll" must be conquered.

All right.

What part did you play in the deportation of Norwegian Jews, Mr. Quisling?

I knew nothing.

You knew nothing?

As head of the police, you knew nothing of the nature of this mission?

There was talk of them being sent to Poland.

- That's all I knew. - You must have known something.

You've said, on record, that you visited the camps where thousands of Jews

were sent in 1942.

Yes, and they appeared to be regular labor camps, workplaces.

Nothing out of the ordinary.

Nothing that left an impression on me.

No, "nothing left an impression" on you.

Who knows what he must have seen?

Hello.

Where are the children?

Something wrong?

I pressed your trousers.

Yes?

I found your pass.

To the prison.

Heidi, I wanted to tell you, but…

- It was confidential information. - Rubbish!

You could have just told me who it was. I mean, Quisling!

It was to protect your safety, yours and the children.

Safety.

Peder, please!

Yes. Berggrav felt it was for the best.

Of course he did.

Of course the bishop doesn't think "the little lady" needs to know.

But you and I, we talk to each other.

It is my duty as a pastor.

What about your duties as a husband?

I went to their old flat.

Heidi…

What else could I do? The Red Cross doesn't know a thing.

Apart from the fact that they were on board that ship.

I found these in a drawer.

You went through their things?

I was just trying to find out what had happened.

There's word of organized extermination.

People being gassed and thrown into mass graves.

- You mustn't believe all the rumors. - Why not?

All the things we never expected came true.

- Quisling let it happen. - You don't know that.

- Are you defending him? - No, but he hasn't been convicted.

I… You need…

The world is not as black or white as you'd like it to be.

You need to…

What if the Abrahamsens never return?

I don't want to hear such a thing.

It must have crossed your mind that God might punish us?

That's enough!

- I need to talk about it. - Let it go.

We have to move on!

And if they don't return?

- If we sent them to their death... - They'll be back!

They are labor camps, where they work. There's nothing sinister!

Please state your full name and profession.

Leo Eitinger.

Date of birth, 12 December 1912.

I am a medical doctor, and was granted a license in 1940.

Your witness, Schodt.

You continued to practice medicine until 16 May 1942, correct?

Yes.

Were you arrested for being a Jew?

I don't know, there was no interrogation.

- Where were you taken? - First, to Molde.

Then on to Falstad and Bredtvet.

Then, in February 1943, I was taken to Germany

on the freighter Gotenland.

And then I was sent on to Auschwitz.

- Were the passengers mixed in sex and age? - Yes.

The oldest was a man who was 80,

and the youngest was one and half years old.

What happened when you came to Auschwitz?

Some of the young women were selected,

and the other women along with children and the elderly,

were taken away in lorries.

Only later did we find out what happened to them.

And what happened to them?

All the women and children were taken to the gas chamber,

where they were killed with hydrogen cyanide and cremated.

- When did this take place? - 1943.

Describe the process.

Well, in the early days, the gas chambers were primitive.

A simple barrack lined with sheet metal to seal in the gas.

The people were told to undress outdoors.

Then they were pushed inside and the doors were locked.

The canisters of gas were dropped through a skylight.

Later on, the chambers were large underground facilities.

They had a dressing room that looked like one at a bath house.

They were under the impression that they were to shower, and undressed.

They entered without knowing what awaited them.

It wasn't uncommon for one group to be gassed

while the next undressed and waited their turn naked,

while they heard what was going on.

How many were led to the gas chambers?

I'm not certain,

but anyone who couldn't work was killed immediately.

Men between the ages of 20 to 45 were considered able.

Were people mistreated in other ways?

Yes.

Enough to kill them?

Yes.

Did you see this yourself?

Yes, I saw people being beaten to death.

Do you know if Jews in other camps were treated in the same manner?

Yes. I know that for certain.

Did many people commit suicide?

Yes.

The most common way was to step out of line

when marching to and from work.

You'd be shot on sight.

Do you know how many Norwegian Jews were sent to Germany?

I think it was about 950 or 1000.

The exact numbers are unknown.

How many have returned home?

Twelve.

Did you say twelve?

Yes.

So, we can assume the rest are dead?

Yes.

Thank you.

May I say something in closing?

I recently read in the papers that…

…Quisling stated that he knew nothing about the persecution of Jews.

That he wanted to help them.

But after the Donau sailed, Quisling held a speech in Trondheim,

where he defended these actions.

So how can he say that he knew nothing?

Do you remember this speech?

Yes, I held a speech in Trondheim.

It was probably a lecture.

I lectured a lot in those days.

You know when you're finding your way by the sun out in the woods,

and it gets dark, and you don't know where you are,

where you're going, or what time it is?

No, I…

I wonder if I'm losing my mind.

You've always had a more…

…interesting inner life than me.

When I think of these camps,

the evil that prevailed…

The worst thing is that I almost started to like him.

When he talks about his cause, he seems so dedicated to doing good.

- Like you. - No, nothing like me.

He twists right into wrong, and truth into lies.

Even worse, the concepts of right and wrong cease to be objective.

He draws you into his sense of logic, and you think you've got it wrong.

Is being right so important?

There's a difference between the two.

He calls himself a Christian, but he lacks humility.

That's the Nazi in him, the leadership ideal.

The strong man who never has doubts.

Nothing Christian about that.

You can only show him the way.

You can't force him to take it.

But what if I don't know the way?

Are you afraid of losing your faith?

It's only human to have doubts, Peder.

It's human to lose your way.

We make mistakes. That's something we just have to accept.

Are you asleep?

They're dead.

Aren't they?

Rosa and Elias Abrahamsen?

They're all dead.

Good afternoon, or whatever time of day it may be.

How can you…

How can you say that you knew nothing?

But that's your approach,

rewriting the story to fit your twisted world view.

It doesn't matter to you

who gets sacrificed along the way, who dies.

Are you referring to the deportations?

Of course I am! You knew!

You held a fiery speech about the "Jewish problem"

shortly after the Donau left Oslo.

- You defended your actions! - The issue was complex.

Much more complicated than that. First, I didn't know everything.

You were Minister President!

Under great political pressure!

Innocent people were murdered! That is indefensible!

War has other rules!

People die in wars!

The Bolsheviks were much worse.

I have proof, I've seen it with my own eyes!

- Everything... - I spent eight years

up to my knees in dead bodies!

Mothers who ate their own children!

Who are you to teach me about suffering?

I've seen it up close!

So how far was it all right to go for "the greater good"?

How many lives is your "calling" worth?

Has it gone to your head?

You had Hitler's ear, you were the King of Gimle.

That was nice, wasn't it? To finally have a voice, to be heard?

Vidkun Quisling, the aid worker overshadowed by Dr. Nansen,

a politician unable to capture the public.

And when the opportunity presented itself, for your tiny party…

…you chose to get in bed with the enemy!

Because there was a greater enemy!

Had it not been for my efforts...

Maybe you actually believe that, but you don't know for sure!

You don't!

How could you even think you knew what Norway needed?

You don't know a thing about people.

You chose to exclude them.

- I didn't chose... - Just like you cast the truth aside.

History will show that I was right!

That I acted in the best interests of Norway and its people.

That I did know what Norway needed.

People can say whatever they please.

I can handle it!

"The strongest man in the world is he who stands alone."

Is that what you want? To stand alone? Be my guest.

We're done, you and I.

How are you doing?

Do you think…

…a person can be mistaken about their calling?

Yes, I do.

What happens then?

Are you afraid that you were mistaken?

If everything I have done was wrong…

…then I could no longer live with myself.

There is forgiveness to be had.

I don't know…

I…

Could you stay a little longer?

It would be nice to not be alone right now.

TAILOR GULSRUD CONFECTIONER

It is not easy for us to understand Vidkun Quisling.

There is a huge difference

between his perception of reality and that of others.

Yet it is the duty of this court to try to comprehend his personality.

Because even his extent of subjective guilt must be proven

if he is to be convicted.

It happens that one cannot understand

or even imagine the inner life and feelings of another person,

and in this case, we face such a riddle.

We have tried to solve the riddle that is Quisling

with the simplified explanation that he is driven by self-glorification,

the lust for power or money.

If you maintain that this is the key to Quisling's mindset,

you know very little about this man.

So, I raise the question, what would explain

how the man who excelled during Nansen's rescue operation

in Ukraine and Armenia,

and was regarded as being a first-class person,

is now in this court of law being tried for heinous crimes?

As his defense attorney, it is my duty

to ensure that the defendant's entire personality comes to light.

The court needs to realize that we are indeed faced with a riddle.

- How are you doing today? - They gave me this pencil.

But no sharpener, no knife.

How am I to defend myself

when I can't even put my thoughts in writing?

- What do you want to say? - To explain my motives.

What shaped me, my upbringing in Fyresdal.

My patriotism.

My time at the Military Academy. My political efforts.

Maybe it ought to be more about what you could have done differently?

Am I not to defend myself?

You will be convicted regardless of your explanations.

The court requires atonement.

- Atonement? - That's right, humility.

Humility. I cannot waver in court! I need to be clear and concise.

No one likes to admit they were wrong, but if it could save your life?

You humbled yourself before me.

Humility…

You have a powerful way with words. You'll figure it out.

Till next time.

Till next time.

Thank you.

Thank you very much.

You're very quiet.

Your attorney Bergh asked me to urge you to show humility.

He wants you to say you're sorry.

- What do you think? - Me?

Do not bow down to them.

You hear me?

Do not let those barbarians break you.

There's no one as strong as you.

I knew that as soon as I laid eyes on you.

There is a man who will not be broken!

That's what I thought.

You are Captain Quisling.

My Captain Quisling.

They will understand.

Isn't that right?

You will make them understand.

That I, who faithfully served my country,

should be accused of treason,

while those who are truly responsible for this misfortune…

…who sabotaged the armed forces, who drove us into the war, go free.

They may rejoice and say "Hah!

We got him in the end!"

I aimed to do good.

My actions…

…have been solely for the good of my own people,

and for the advancement of the Kingdom of God on Earth

that Jesus Christ came to establish.

I am not aware of doing anything to harm the people of Norway.

But I have done my utmost to keep

the Nordic countries from becoming a theatre of war.

Which is exactly what I am accused of here.

I have prevented a civil war,

tried to remedy the invasion and occupation,

the enormous misfortunes they caused the Norwegian people.

Do you have children?

Neither do I.

A verdict is ready for disclosure.

Vidkun Abraham Lauritz Quisling

is hereby sentenced to death for crimes against the Military Penal Code,

section 80, numbers 1, 2, and 3.

Compare section 9, number 1 and the Civil Penal Code 12…

Section 80 of the Military Penal Code is as follows,

"A person is charged with treason…"

Do you understand the verdict?

Yes.

The High Court has come to its conclusion.

You may petition the Supreme Court should you deem the verdict too harsh,

in the event of unjust process,

or that the law has been incorrectly applied.

You may request an appeal now, or take some time to think it over.

I wish to file an appeal before the Supreme Court.

That concludes this session.

Court adjourned.

- Mrs. Quisling… - Do not disturb me.

Have you heard the verdict?

Of course, but I cannot accept it.

I am a fighter, Mr. Olsen.

It's what one does. To the last bullet.

I've tried to call our friends, but they are all in prison.

So, I'm writing letters instead. Here, I'm writing to…

I'm writing to Gerhardsen. I'm writing to General Ruge.

To Stalin. Stalin.

- Stalin? - Yes.

He's a countryman of mine, he valued our efforts in Ukraine.

What do you think he can do?

I'm asking for mercy.

Someone must be capable of mercy even after a war.

They mustn't shoot him.

I can't lose him.

I was nothing before I met him.

A penniless secretary from a country without a future.

A nobody.

But in his eyes, I was someone.

I was Maria Pasek, a descendant of Vikings.

The Minister President's wife.

What am I to do without him? I am nothing!

Don't you understand? A lie…

There are many who support you.

I've received letters.

And I've written to Prime Minister Gerhardsen.

With a plea for you.

And General Ruge.

And the King.

You wrote to the King?

We've met, when you were Minister for Defense.

That was long ago, in 1932.

I even danced with him.

He liked you.

Really?

There must be something more I can do.

There must be!

What exactly am I supposed to let go of?

My guilty conscience?

God?

Is that it?

Is that what you do?

I can't see it like that.

Then…

If I opened that door, I wouldn't know where I'd end up.

Here, perhaps.

Where I am.

But my job is to instill hope in others.

If I lose hope myself, then…

Here we have a man who is condemned to die.

He is lost, damned.

But if I can get through to him, find a flicker of light, or hope…

Your faith will be restored?

I just want to help him to be at peace.

It's a lovely thought, Peder.

But how can you help others, if you're not at peace yourself?

You write such lovely letters.

"We are as one. That's how it was, and how it will be.

Never allow yourself to believe it is otherwise.

And should I be asleep or have passed to the other side…

…the part of me that never dies will always be with you…

…my eternal and immortal beloved."

I would…

I wish…

…you could say this.

What you wrote.

These words…

That you would look at me and say them.

So I could tell that you meant it.

I…

I…

Please?

Just this one time?

Could you please do it?

- Tell me you love me! - I do…

Please!

Maria…

I…

I…

- Maria, it would only sound absurd. - Absurd?

What's holding you back?

I mean everything I wrote.

- I put it all in writing for you. - No.

Do you want me to help him?

Because I don't know if I can do it all alone.

Heidi. I... I need you.

Thank you.

Yes, of course.

Pardon has been denied. So…

I have to go to him.

The Pharisee and the Tax Collector.

That's where the Bible opened.

Any word?

Unfortunately, your pardon was denied.

Neither the King, the Prime Minister, nor any others wish to pardon you.

So, a decision was reached.

How much time do I have?

It will take place tonight.

Tonight?

I'll stay here with you as long as you wish.

I assume this must be happening for a reason.

Maria…

Will you promise to look after Maria for me?

Yes.

She appreciates the conversations you've had.

Would you like us to read something together?

I don't know…

Would you like to take communion?

No, no. Not that…

It's good to have one's sins forgiven.

You don't understand, I am…

…innocent.

I have nothing to confess.

Everyone has something to confess.

Remember when we discussed the Pharisee and the Tax Collector?

You dismissed it as "Sunday School theology".

And I felt foolish.

But it's a parable for children because it happens to be a simple truth.

He who is closest to God, is he who…

…can admit his wrongdoings.

His weaknesses.

His humanity.

I have no regrets.

None.

But you told me…

You wondered if you had been wrong.

About your calling.

Yes.

Yes.

I was blinded by my love for Norway.

I should have dedicated myself to weightier pursuits.

This might not be the time to focus on what might have been.

Had I only been more active on the political scene…

…I could have averted the war, I saw it coming.

Please, you don't have to defend yourself to me.

It's in the scriptures.

"Whoever hates me, hates my father as well.

If I had not done among them the works no one else did,

they would not be guilty of sin.

But now they have seen the deeds and hated both me and my father.

But this happened that the word might be fulfilled

which is written in their law. They hated me without a cause.

They hated me without a cause..."

Vidkun.

God doesn't hate.

God is love.

The Jews rejected Jesus Christ for Barabbas, a robber.

The same choice the world faces today.

Many would prefer a Barabbas to a Messiah any day.

I cannot accept such a thing.

I need to fight!

To the very end.

I'll be more dangerous after my death.

You're no Messiah, Vidkun.

You're a human being. A sinner, just like the rest of us.

- It's time for you to go. - No, I'm not going anywhere.

Not until you make your peace with God.

I want to be alone.

- No, I'm staying. - Go now!

- Do you hear me? - Please...

- Get out of here! - Please listen to me.

Go now!

I am the Pharisee.

What was that?

You asked which one of us was the tax collector or the Pharisee.

You were right.

I…

I haven't taken an honest look at myself.

An elderly Jewish couple stayed with us, in hiding.

Rosa and Elias Abrahamsen.

We… kept a crate of apples in there.

And one night…

…our daughter Liv sneaked upstairs to get one and she saw them.

She was terrified, thought they were trolls.

I calmed her down and told her it was just a dream.

But I couldn't stop thinking

that she might mention these "trolls" to some…

…classmate at school.

So, I had them committed to Lovisenberg as being infectious.

Hoping… that would trick the police.

But they were caught.

Dragged away, begging and pleading for mercy.

Heidi saw it all from our kitchen window.

They died in Auschwitz.

You did what you had to do.

No, I made a choice.

I could have saved them, but…

I chose to protect myself and my family before helping two people in need.

Anyone would have done the same in your situation.

That's what I've been telling myself, that I had the best intentions.

But nevertheless, my choice cost them their lives.

Why are you telling me this?

Because I acted in the same way as you, by defending my actions.

All because I was afraid, because I lost my way…

I lost faith that God would be there to save me.

I didn't trust in the Lord, I almost lost my faith.

Vidkun…

…do you have the courage to trust in the Lord?

Do you trust me?

Then you should ask the Lord to forgive your sins.

Then you must do as the tax collector.

Say, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner."

Say it to God.

Don't be afraid to say it.

God will not forsake you.

I will not forsake you.

Lord, show mercy and forgive me.

God, forgive my sins.

My sins…

The body of Christ.

The blood of Christ.

The body of Christ.

The blood of Christ.

Christ, crucified and risen again,

offered us his body and blood, that he gave to atone for our sins.

To strengthen us and keep us strong, as we maintain the belief of eternal life.

Peace be with you.

Excuse me.

Your wife came by and dropped this off.

I see.

My wife says hello.

Right.

Thanks.

Real coffee?

With a kick like gunpowder.

More of your humor?

What? No, I didn't mean...

"A kick like gunpowder?"

"A kick like gunpowder…"

Well then.

I will most certainly go to sleep tonight.

I've been told to make you ready.

May I take over?

It's time.

"The hour is come.

Behold…

…the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners."

"And the soldiers led him away…

…into the castle... and they called together the whole band of guards.

And they clothed him with purple…

…and plaited a crown of thorns which they put about his head."

And led me out to crucify me.

And they brought me unto the place Golgotha.

It was the third hour, and they crucified me.

"And at the ninth hour, Jesus cried with a loud voice…

…'My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?'"

"Father…

…forgive them…

…for they know not what they do."

Mr. Quisling.

The time has come.

Goodbye.

I wish to look death in the eye.

I wish to look death in the eye!

These are the rules.

Peder…

I am innocent!

You are about to shoot an innocent man!

Vidkun Quisling was arrested on 9 May and executed on 24 October 1945.

Maria Quisling lived a secluded life as "Mrs. Bang" and died in 1980.

Peder Olsen came to be an authority in his fields,

both psychiatry and ministry.

Peder Olsen died in 1977.

This film was partly inspired by the diaries of Peder and Heidi Olsen.

Quisling: The Final Days is based on several diaries,

witnesses and historical interpretations.

The movie is based on real events, but it's not a documentary.

It shows one truth. There might be other truths out there.