Oxen

atmosphere. story. the tension. the links between characters. the religious axis. the cast. each as part of a beautiful - in special form - film about redemption. it reminds Ingmar Bergman's filmography but that is only the first sigh impression. because it has different rhythm and a form of delicate presentation of story. because it is , like Dostoievski's work, more generous and hopeful. because it is a parable in right colors. all is impressive - the simplicity of facts, the respiration of a community, the Christian virtues. and the acting because the Bergman's actors transforms the old roles level in inspired manner, in new forms, in delicate and precise manner. see it ! because it could be more than a beautiful film.

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.

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.

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.