Søndagsengler

Maria is the teenage daughter of a rigid, authoritarian pastor in a conservative branch of Norway's state church in the early 1960s, and the time is approaching when she is supposed to be confirmed. However, she dreads her upcoming confirmation, because she doesn't want to live the drab, glum life that women in her church seem to lead. She wants to enjoy her youth, but her father even objects to her going to a café for a Coke with her friends.Her mother's serious illness and academic pressures only add to her stress.

Maria befriends a woman who is a member of her church; the two of them are obviously kindred spirits who feel constrained by the strict rules of their community.

What will she decide when the time comes to take her confirmation vows, especially after her life is shaken by bereavement? Almost all the coming of age stories I have seen or read have been about boys or young men. This film is unusual in that it's about a young girl trying to figure out who she is and her place in the world.

Beautiful film for the art to describe the ineffable essence of an age, the subtle desire, the fear of social class, the image of religious vision like strong and necessary shell , the forms of beauty. It is exploration of a special metamorphosis in a delicate way, in kindly images, refined colors, with deep respect for atmosphere's details.

A young girl in an ambiguous war with a rigid world. A father for who the rules are untouchable, hypocritical gestures of a small universe, ethics like masks of general peace, slices of ordinary existence and vagueness of desires, dreams and feelings.

Mary is not a victim or rebel spirit. She is only explorer of her life. Her bold gestures or words, the innocent game, the refuge beyond the family's sphere are not elements of a real fight but steps for self definition.

It is a splendid film for the science to suggest the forms of existence's assume. For the sweet colors and for gentleness of artistic expression. For the discover of emotions like seeds of everyday. For the taste of Sunday.

Enough to put you off organised religion for life, this one.

A Norwegian girl on the cusp of adulthood in the 50's decides she no longer wants to be a Christian. This dismays the local community including her father, who just so happens to be the town priest. But what is boring sermons and staid hymns compared to boys, rock 'n' roll and long, refreshing dips in the nearby stream? No contest, really.

It's impossible to not be on Maria's (our rebellious protagonist) side as her dad never listens, her mother always takes his side and her siblings are under their thumb as much as she is. There's certainly a good way to have faith, but it's not to be found here: where apparently laughing at someone farting at the dinner table or wearing earrings is considered a major sin.

Marie Theisen is fantastic in the main role, alternating between euphoria at her newfound freedom and determination at her family's attempt to quell her uncovered adventurous spirit. She also says 'dog darn' a lot to avoid blasphemy, which makes no sense but is highly amusing.

Probably not one for regular churchgoers, who might find it a 'slur' on their beliefs. But everyone else though, it's an impressive piece of work that might just make you think twice before blindly believing in the hereafter... 7/10

Sondagsengler or The Other side of Sunday had all the elements to become a true classic. The cinematography is astounding. Unlike a lot of films today, the movie, Sondagsengler, had a great plot. I was hooked until I saw the ending credits.

I consider this movie to be outstanding - well worth a 10. It is a totally Norwegian production and therefore doesn't suffer the defects of the Scandinavian co-productions with characters confusingly and variously speaking in Swedish,Danish and Norwegian. The plot is straightforward and the cinematography is excellent. The acting is first class and as a Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation production is up there with the best that the BBC can produce. I am surprised that Marie Theisen has seemingly dropped out of films after a second film which I have been unable to obtain. The present film received a well deserved Oscar nomination. Ms.Theisen now appears to be a film reviewer for Kanal 24 in Norway. Such a pity that she is out of the production side.