The Reluctant Sadist

Synopsis

The Reluctant Sadist (original Danish title: Jeg - en marki), directed by Erik Balling and starring Buster Larsen, is a 1967 Danish comedy that combines elements of satire and absurd humor. The film centers on a mild-mannered nobleman who, despite his genteel demeanor, finds himself embroiled in a series of unconventional and outrageous adventures that challenge societal norms and expose the eccentricities of high society. With witty dialogue and a quirky storyline, the movie explores themes of identity, hypocrisy, and the contrast between appearance and reality in 1960s Denmark. The Reluctant Sadist offers a uniquely Danish perspective on comedy, marked by its dry wit and offbeat characters.

Cast

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  Buster Larsen

  Sagfører

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  Karl Stegger

  Direktør Mikkelsen

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  Tove Maës

  Vibeke Poulsen

• 

  Klaus Pagh

  Bankfuldmægtig

• 

  Gabriel Axel

  Marcel de Sade

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  Elsa Prawitz

  Fru Mikkelsen

Reviews

Critical reception of The Reluctant Sadist has been mixed, reflecting the film's niche appeal and stylistic quirks. IMDb rates the movie at 4.8/10 based on viewer scores, indicating generally lukewarm opinions. Some reviewers have praised its distinctive humor and Buster Larsen's performance, appreciating the film's attempt to subvert conventional comedy tropes. For example, classic film enthusiasts have noted the "charming offbeat style" and the clever social commentary embedded in the narrative. However, many critics on forums and review aggregators feel the movie's humor may not translate well to contemporary audiences or to those unfamiliar with Danish culture of the era. Some have described it as "dated" and "uneven," critiquing the pacing and occasionally surreal plot elements. Unlike mainstream successes, The Reluctant Sadist does not have a consensus on Rotten Tomatoes or Metacritic, underscoring its status as a cult or obscure title rather than a widely acclaimed classic. Overall, the film remains a curiosity and a piece of Danish cinematic history that will appeal primarily to fans of vintage European comedies and the work of Buster Larsen.