O Boi

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.

Other reviewers have done a good job at outlining the plot, so I don't want to be redundant. I loved the movie! I saw this movie at least 14 yrs ago, but I still I remember it well. and I don't usually remember most movies I see, the next day.It was filmed in black and white which added to the somberness of the location. . It consisted of the conflict between friends and neighbors, husband and wife and the religious implications which determined the outcome. . I totally recommend this movie for sentimental people who like a serious movie and especially those who are fans of Ingmar Bergmann movies, If someone has a DVD of this film I would be willing to purchase it for up to $25.00 contact: shalimar2020@yahoo.com

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.

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.