Søndagsengler

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

I'd not heard of this film before it appeared on our TV and, going by the extent of feedback to IMDB, it has not been widely seen or appreciated.

The storyline is simple. It concerns a teenage girl growing up in late 1950s Norway, in a strict religious household, with her father the local pastor. She begins to realise that there is more in the world than strict orthodox Christianity. This leads to increasing tensions and her gradual rebellion.

The film is warm and human, and there is enough wit and humour to prevent it becoming tedious, dry, or just another "teenage rebellion" movie. Having had a relatively similar upbringing, I found a great deal of honesty in this film.

The photography, acting, late 1950s musical background and overall quality are excellent, with possibly a nod of recognition to Bergman. As I said in my one-line summary, this film really does deserve more recognition.

Great norwegian movie about a priest's teenaged daughter, who has different views on religion than her father... Great movie. I am proud to be Norwegian when I see this movie...

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.