bachi_2805

Most scenes are memorable and the acting is great. But the film could have benefitted with editing out many pointless scenes and placing some new ones (I know, I'm asking for too much).

It's subtle, as are all of Bergman films, but it has its moments of brilliance (which are also subtle).

The main character is a lovely old man, yet he is the villain (this is also subtle).

Personally, I would have the guys going to Italy simply go to Italy without ever stepping on this film. They crack some laughs, but they are totally off topic and steal too much screen time.

Black and white is properly utilised, creating some memorable scenes. But some compositions were as bland as any other boring stretched out 50s road trip flick.

To summarise, I liked the opening and closing scenes (subtly great), the middle could have done with some editing.

Many times we've seen the fireworks, the mud, the tears. But when the subject matter is serious, are them respectful enough?

The whole film is a train of beautiful compositions. Of sounds that manage to escape.

There is a plot, the plot is you expect a plot and instead get an accurate depiction of the order of events. Because the boring minds of those that can adjust to horror and execute it with ease, will naturally lead boring lives, lacking the imagination for a life without envy and hate.

As a foreigner to the country, I've always wondered what the German mindset was during that time. This film achieves in showing what it would've been like. Though the director asks the viewer to infer certain aspects of the characters.

There's plenty of shots and scenes making the film worth watching.

Performances are on point. The two leads are great.

It's a slow burn.