In the 1950s, Swedish botanist Nils von Ekelöw (Samuel Fröler) is fighting to save Costa Rica’s rain forests. If only he knew what would happen in the coming 40 years… Here’s a Scandinavian drama with a supporting cast of various international actors; a dispassionate Swedish savior complex collides with a fiery Latino temperament. Fröler and Trine Pallesen are perhaps not colorful enough, but they add credibility and Penélope Cruz passion in her first international role. Sadly, there’s nothing here we haven’t seen before and bland romantic plotting doesn’t help.

1997-Denmark-Sweden. 108 min. Color. Directed by Peter Ringgaard. Cinematography: Dirk Brüel. Cast: Samuel Fröler (Nils von Ekelöw) Trine Pallesen (Anna), John Savage (Fader Louis), Miguel Sandoval, Penélope Cruz, Ramiro Huerta… Lennart Hjulström, Björn Granath. 

Trivia: Original title: Et hjørne af paradis. Alternative title: A Scent of Paradise.

IMDb