10/11/2008

On November 6, Sven Taddicken (director of the award-winning Emma’s Bliss [+see also:
film review
trailer
film profile]) finished shooting on his forthcoming film, Pirates of the Baltic Sea. The title explores the myth of pirates and best friends Klaus Störtebeker and Gödeke Michels in early 15th century Friesland.

The two buccaneers – played by Ronald Zehrfeld and Matthias Schweighöfer (who star alongside Devid Striesow, among others) – are defeated and confronted with a mutiny. Love plays its part, as does a miraculous weapon that enables them to revive their glory. However, in the end they must choose to either live as peasants or die as pirates.

Penned by Matthias Pacht, this compelling film was shot over 40 days on three large period ships in the Schleswig-Holstein region, in Stralsund and the surrounding area, (where medieval Hamburg was reconstructed) and finally in the Danish city of Nyköbing. The crowd scenes required the participation of around 700 extras and 30 specialised stuntmen were hired for the numerous fighting scenes.

For the leads, the film is "a child’s dream come true". Zehrfeld added that he has always wanted to play a pirate and hopes his character captivates viewers. Meanwhile, the director wishes to deliver "an honest Northern German pirate film, which is not just about freedom and adventure but is also a great story of friendship".

According to producers Stefan Schubert and Björn Vosgerau of Wüste Film, Pirates of the Baltic Sea does not merely repeat the legend but is freely inspired by it, creating a new work with modern appeal. The film will be released domestically by Warner Bros next year.

(Translated from French)