A recent social media post spotlighted an unexpected cinematic link: years before playing the Dark Knight and Saruman, Christian Bale and Christopher Lee starred together in the ambitious Soviet-era co-production “Mio in the Land of Faraway” (“Mio min Mio”).
Directed by Russian filmmaker Vladimir Grammatikov and released in 1987, this fantasy epic was a Soviet, Swedish, and Norwegian joint venture. It remains a fascinating “hidden gem” in both actors’ filmographies.
The plot: A journey to the Land of Faraway
Based on Astrid Lindgren’s novel, the story follows a neglected Swedish boy, Bosse, who discovers he is the prince Mio. In the magical Land of Faraway, Mio finds his father, the King, and learns of a dark prophecy. He must venture into the Land of Outside to defeat a villain turning children into stone birds.
Legendary casting
- Nicholas Pickard portrays Mio, the story’s young hero.
- Christian Bale, making his film debut at 12, played Jum-Jum, Mio’s loyal companion.
- Christopher Lee played the menacing Knight Kato, whose iron heart and dark presence foreshadowed his future villainous roles.
- Timothy Bottoms appears as the King, Mio’s long-lost father.
A musical masterpiece
The film is also known for its haunting soundtrack. The main theme, “Mio My Mio,” was composed by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus of ABBA and performed by Gemini. The synth-pop orchestral score captures the film’s whimsical yet melancholy mood.
