Terje Vigen represents a turning point in the history of Swedish cinema and is traditionally considered the opening of the Golden Age that would last until shortly after Sjöström's departure for Hollywood in 1923. It is the first film made according to Charles Magnusson's formula for “quality films” drawn from literary sources. Critics were impressed not only with Sjöström's faithful adaptation of Ibsen's nationalistic poem but also by the stunning land- and seascape photography provided by Julius Jaenzon. Terje, played fabulously by Sjöström, attempts the impossible by rowing through a British blockade of the Norwegian coast during the Napoleonic Wars to secure food for his starving family. Upon his return, he is captured and languishes in prison while his family dies. Terje's bitterness hardens him until his thirst for revenge is quenched by a still greater power.