Peasant Psalm

Story

Synopsis

The movie follows the turbulent life of Wortel, a deeply devout yet flawed Flemish farmer at the turn of the 20th century. Wortel has an intense bond with his land, but his life is defined by a relentless series of tragic hardships.Throughout his journey, Wortel faces the loss of multiple children, the suicide of his son, and the heartbreaking deaths of his wives, Fien and Frisine. Despite these devastating misfortunes, he is constantly urged by the local village priest to accept this suffering as part of God's grand plan. Mixing heavy melodrama with moments of dark, bittersweet humor, the film portrays Wortel’s fierce survival instinct, human weaknesses, and ultimate search for solace through his faith and hard labor.

Director

Roland Verhavert

Writers

Felix Timmermans, Roland Verhavert

Language

Dutch

Country

Belgium

Release date

16 March 1989

Ensemble

Cast

• Jef Burm

  Pastoor

• 

  Christel Domen

  Frisine

• 

  Matteo Simoni

  Pasgeboren baby

• Ronny Waterschoot

  Wortel

• Magda Lesage

  Fien

• Sabine De Volder

  Amelieke

• 

  Erik Goossens

  Fons

• Jos van Gorp

  Commissaris

• 

  Gerda Marchand

  Weduwe

• Jacky Morel

  Ossekop

• Ugo Prinsen

  Franelle

• 

  Karen van Parijs

  Amelie