Kundskabens træ (Tree of Knowledge)

The story takes place in the late 1950’s, and follows the development of a class of intermediate school children. To present a more true-to-life picture, the film has been shot over a two-year period, in which the children’s own development unfolds before the camera. The story has two parallel plots, each reflecting the other. In the one story, the main character is Niels-Ole, the spearhead and male attraction of the class. In the second story, Elin, once the most popular of the girls, is ostracized by the group when she becomes the object of their jealousy. At the end-of-term dance, the conflicts end in an open confrontation. Although the group acknowledges its guilt and malice towards Elin, it is too late - crying, she flees from the dance hall.