[1] The story takes place in 1930s Skåne, Sweden, and focuses on Sven, who is hare-lipped and thus can't speak correctly.

The film begins with Sven and a woman, who we later learn is called Anna, driving a Rolls Royce across the landscape.

When Sven's mother died, he was "taken care of" by Höglund (Hans Alfredsson), an evil, rich factory owner who is a member of the local Swedish Nazi party, and lives on a farm.

The Anderssons' farm is thrown in financial crisis, and Höglund's new chauffeur (Gösta Ekman) steals Sven's motorcycle and destroys it.

Attacking Höglund, Sven steals the evil man's car, then picks up Anna on the run, taking her to the deserted house where the movie begins.

A couple of shots are heard, and the film ends with a picture of the sun rising over the southern Swedish landscape.

[2] Stellan also won the Silver Bear for Best Actor at the 32nd Berlin International Film Festival for his role as Sven.

Alfredson has stated in an interview that the character of Sven is loosely based on a real person, named Hans, whom he once knew.