One of those films that I'm embarrased to say I haven't seen until recently. Not because I knew that I should have seen it long ago, or that it was one of Ingmar Bergman's self-proclaimed favorites, but because once I saw it I realized it's timeless and powerful qualities and wished I had been watching for the tenth time rather than the first.
The performances by the entire cast, especially Max von Sydow, Bibi Andersson, and Nils Poppe, was something you see in only a few films per decade. Jons was a character with a vast amount of metaphors and similes streaming forth constantly, and nearly all had to do with love and his unexplained despising of it. This, along with a plot devoted to asking some of the most intense questions of man (e.g. life, death, the existence of god and the devil, faith), leads to one of the most emotionally-involving films I have ever seen. Always seeming to involve Jof and his family (for reasons I will not divulge so as to spare spoiling it for those who haven't seen it), the small pieces of the film with at least somewhat upbeat events keep the viewer from wanting to break down and cry. The bleak qualities of the rest of the film complement the equally bleak questions being asked and the answers being given.
Great quote from the film: "Is it so terribly inconceivable to comprehend God with one's senses? Why does he hide in a cloud of half-promises and unseen miracles? How can we believe in the faithful when we lack faith? What will happen to us who want to believe, but can not? What about those who neither want to nor can believe? Why can't I kill God in me? Why does He live on in me in a humiliating way - despite my wanting to evict Him from my heart? Why is He, despite all, a mocking reality I can't be rid of? "
The film itself starts, ends, and is filled with metaphors. Most are carried out really well, with a few a little overdone. I enjoyed almost everything about this film (when I say enjoy I mean enjoy the cinematic qualities of the film, with the content it was hard to say I was in a good mood while watching). The characters are timeless, the acting, directing, and score are great, and overall the film was excellent. Highly recommended.
9 out of 10
