Several years ago, while on a work trip to Denmark, I took a stroll into downtown Copenhagen to take in the sights. I enjoy roaming the cities I visit, hoping to catch a glimpse of something new and interesting or find some delicacy I’ve never tasted.
Denmark is notoriously rainy, but the sun was shining on this day, and the temperatures were unseasonably warm. After some time, I found myself close to the water near Langelinie Pier in Copenhagen Harbor, where tourists and locals took advantage of the stellar conditions.
Copenhagen’s origins as a port date back to the 11th Century, when it was a small fishing village. The name Copenhagen derives from the Danish word København, meaning “merchant’s harbor.”
By the 12th Century, the port began to grow into a key trading hub due to its ideal location between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. During the Middle Ages, Copenhagen became a trade center, connecting Scandinavia with the rest of Europe. By the 20th century, Copenhagen had transitioned into a modern port city. Its deep-water harbor, well-connected rail and road networks, and proximity to European markets ensured its continued prominence in global shipping and trade.
On the day I was perusing the port, I expected a large ship or iconic structure to be the highlight of my walk, but instead, a tiny statue no more than 4 feet tall stopped me in my tracks, unleashing a rush of memories that I never expected.
The statue commemorated the book “The Little Mermaid” and its famed author, Hans Christian Andersen. This small metallic figure is one of the country’s most popular landmarks and a beloved symbol of the city, having drawn millions of visitors since its unveiling over a hundred years ago.
The statue was unveiled on August 23, 1913, by Edvard Eriksen, a famous Danish sculptor. Eriksen’s wife, Eline, served as the model for the mermaid’s face and upper body, while the body was modeled after a ballet dancer named Ellen Price, who starred in the ballet adaptation.
The statue depicts the mermaid sitting on a rock, gazing longingly toward the sea. It embodies the melancholy and yearning central to Andersen’s tale. The figure, made of bronze and granite, stands roughly 4 feet tall and weighs around 385 pounds.
I was fortunate enough to see the statue when it was fully intact. Unfortunately, it has faced several acts of vandalism and political protest over the years, even though it’s not easily accessible from its water-laden perch. The Little Mermaid has been decapitated, painted, and even blown off her rock, but she has been restored each time, with the incidents only adding to her mystique and resilience.
Hans Christian Andersen has long been celebrated as one of Denmark’s literary treasures. While I cannot claim to have read any of his books personally, I do know that a film based on his life had a profound effect on me as a child.
“Hans Christian Andersen,” starring Danny Kaye, was a Hollywood musical released in 1952, and throughout the early years of my life, the film was a holiday staple. The movie portrays Andersen as a cobbler by trade but a storyteller at heart. His famous tales, from “The Little Match Girl” to “Thumbelina,” are highlighted during the film, giving the viewer a glimpse into how his stories evolved. And, of course, the culmination of the movie features a ballet based on his most famous work, “The Little Mermaid.”
The catchiness of the songs, along with Kaye’s masterful interpretation of the main character, made it one of my favorite holiday films. Seeing that statue brought wonderful memories of that film rushing back.
This week’s feature, “Here,” starring Tom Hanks and Robin Wright (based on the acclaimed graphic novel by Richard McGuire), is another example of creative storytelling, except in this case, the plot is unveiled in a uniquely cinematic fashion.
The entire story of “Here” is shot from the same viewpoint. This means the viewer watches the unfolding history of this one particular spot on earth without ever moving. It sounds confusing, but after the first 15 minutes, you start to understand what’s at play.
Of course, uniqueness doesn’t always mean good, and while “Here” is creative and different from most other films, it still fell short as a coherent piece due to the unruly chronology.
Check this one out if you’re interested in watching something different. If you go in with an open mind, you’ll appreciate the effort, even if the story doesn’t add up.
An inimitable “C+” for “Here.” This film is available to rent on Amazon Prime Video and other streaming platforms.
Got a question or comment for Dom? You can email him at [email protected].
