The First Division

The First Division

1941. Sweden. Directed by Hasse Ekman. Första divisionen (The First Division). 1941. Sweden. Directed by Hasse Ekman. Screenplay by Ekman, Alvar Zacke. With Ekman, Lars Hanson, Stig Järrel. Set on a Swedish air force base, The First Division follows the pilots’ personal lives and the dangers they face in the air. With exceptional aerial cinematography and a creeping sense of dread, the film more than holds its own with contemporary “preparedness” dramas from Hollywood and Britain. Because of Sweden’s policy of neutrality during World War II, no other nations are mentioned by name, as required by national censorship rules. In Swedish; English subtitles.. 92 min.