Der Ochse

In desperation, Helge Roos (Stellan Skarsgård) kills one of his employer's oxen to feed his starving wife and baby. He soon regrets it. After covering up his crime successfully, he is convinced by the local clergyman (Max von Sydow) to confess, creating unexpected results. The clergyman, with the help of the employer's wife (Liv Ullman), then try to convince the employer, who claims to have been fond of Helge (but obviously not enough to help him) to forgive Helge. The mood is sombre and sad with many very tender moments. Many of the characters, out of desperation, act out of conflicting motives. The screenplay, cinematography, direction and acting are superb.

I saw this this on TV back in the 90's on either A&E or Bravo when they used to show more foreign language films. Longtime Ingmar Bergman Cinematographer Sven Nyqvist Directs and also does his own Cinematography as well as co-writes this fine film. Two of the more internationally known and acclaimed actors from Scandanavia, Liv Ullman and Max Von Sydow, who were also mentored by Bergman are in the excellent cast. Stellan Skarsgård, who is still very active in both Scandanavian and American cinema and popular Scandanavian cinema stars Ewa Fröling and Lennart Hjulström round out the cast. This film was Sweden's official submission for and was nominated by the Academy Awards for 1991 in Best Foreign Language Film but lost to the popular Italian submission Mediteranno. This has the somber, dark and coldness found in films by Bergman and incorporates a good story with good acting. I would give this an 8.5 of a possible 10 and recommend it.

the feeling to discover a religious story remains long time after the end of credits. the sin, the trust, the confession, the punishment, the freedom. and the new punishment. like a story from an old tradition about the meaning of life and about the force of rules. or, maybe, for the presence of Max van Sydow and Erland Josephson, a film keeping the mark of Ingmar Bergman. but this is only an impression. the essence - the courage to be yourself. to do the right thing in the crisis time. and to accept the answer of the others. to admit sufferance as the price to become again part of community. and to discover the reality as the only answer to yours expectations. sure, it is a parable. but , more important, a realistic portrait about a family, a community and their priest.

Set during the times of famine, a peasant kills his master's ox to feed his starving family, for which he is slapped a life sentence in a prison under rigorous labor, which is far harsher than what one imagined. Beautifully picturized and acted, the film touches a human theme on survival and plays much on the emotions. There is much to feel and admire in the short plot it moves with. The only flaw I felt was the starving characters were shown a bit well dressed and healthy.

Rating: 2 stars out of 4.

This is a sad, but important, film. If you expect a Hollywood ending, look elsewhere. If you want to see beautiful cinematography, great acting and a story that really challenges, look no further.