Hugo och Josefin

I remember first seeing this film in 1968 when it struck me as an important piece of art. I saw it again on UK television in the early 70's and the second viewing confirmed my first judgement.

It is the story of two children of very different classes, one well cared for but sad, the other almost feral, but (mostly) happy. The atmosphere of genuinely enjoyed play on the young actors part, comes through in many of the scenes and I can still smile to myself over some of them, even though I have not seen the film for thirty years.

Now that I have grandchildren myself, I would like it to be available to them and to their parents as a realistic and very moving portrayal of what childhood was and should essentially remain, if only we could cut through the distractions of the 21st Century.

Why can I not find a copy on VHS or DVD? This is a great film of its time and needs to be more widely known about and watched.

A dramatic, fun, and sentimental journey with countryside, sure to capture the attention and sympathy of any fortunate viewer. The film tells the story of 3 characters, Josefin, a little girl who spends her time like a vagabond without any friends to tag along, Hugo, a young boy with a carefree spirit. The 3rd character is the Gardener, their paths cross and are forced to form an unlikely bond. The cinematography is breathtaking, revealing the true beauty and wonder that resides within the Swedish countryside. Likewise, I believe the relationship that develops between Hugo and Josefin to be just as beautiful, portraying two people who want nothing to do with one another, yet, who need each other. There is a deep symbolism present as well, which upon recognition causes the viewer to truly ponder its implications. However, even without the realization of deep allegory, I still believe this film can be considered a gem. The film emphasized the built-in misery Josefin has, that made life for her a grind. There seemed to be something special about her smile that the was able to bring out from her characterization that made her seem better than what she appears be. The beauty of this tale is not in the story itself but in the way it affected the two main characters, Hugo and Josefin. They eventually find something in themselves that they didn't know they had. Though, I must say, the acting by Josefin was grand. Her smile is the reason for seeing the film, along with the fine cinematography. I'm glad the film doesn't suffer from a trite motif in the score unlike other trying too hard to jerk tears. Overall, the film is a heart-warming and bittersweet film that's among the best Sweden has to offer, especially in its child protagonists. 10/10 for the giggles and the smile of Hugo & Josefin and the cycle, kaleidoscope and the dinner sequence.

Saw this enchanting movie 30 odd years ago. Warner Brothers own the rights, but do not offer it commercially.

For those interested, it may be available on VHS from 'Childhood Visions Movie Club' at cost US$ 39.99 plus taxes and postage. 'Childhood Visions Movie Club' also hire it out on VHS.

It was a most appealing movie. Never forgotten. Fredrik Becklen also appeared appeared in 'Hur Marie Traffard Fredrik" 1969. Probably similar movie, which is mentioned on a Russian Internet Site, in Russian language.

I am surprised that 'HMTF' 1969 is not on your movie clubs wanted list.

Yes, I remember seeing it a long time ago and still have in my mind that sunflower "walking" by an open window, still hear the voices with all that intensity of childhood in questions and answers... The camera seems at times to be a partner in the children's games, and to invite us to participate. I also enjoyed the absence of moralizing comments be they verbal or visual. You know it's a great movie when it stays with you for years! We need these movies out there, for others to enjoy and discover. There are a few moments that breathe similar air in "The Steamroller and the Violin" - Andrei Tarkovsky's first movie ( you can find it on Netflix). Any other movies that would dwell in the same area?

I am an optimist, we'll find a DVD copy of it, eventually!

I saw this film in about 1972 on television. My mother recommended it. She knew a lot about movies. I thought it was the most beautiful film about childhood that I'd ever seen. I saw it again at the National Film Theatre in the mid-80s. If anything, I was even more impressed, perhaps because of seeing it on the big screen for the first time. I was so glad to find this on the database as this film seems to have been almost completely forgotten about. At the NFT, it was shown with a black and white short called "The Carp", hailing from somewhere in Scandinavia, which was about a young boy's friendship with a carp fish that his father has bought for Christmas dinner. He takes it and puts it into the swimming pool that his father is the janitor of, explaining to his father that "he wasn't very well in the bath". That also was a magic film. Does anyone out there know anything about it? But back to "Hugo och Josefin": I remember this film so well. Everything about it is perfect. It is the only film I have ever seen that succeeds in re-creating what it actually feels like to be six or seven years old. It should be mandatory viewing in film schools and it should be recognised universally as a classic. Instead, it's completely unavailable anywhere. If anyone has a copy of it, I would be eternally grateful for a chance to buy a dub of it. I don't care how bad the quality is.