Søndagsengler

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...

It is the late 1950s in a small village in Norway. Bjørn Sundquist plays Johannes, a priest in the Church of Norway. Johannes has a wife, a son, and two daughters. The story revolves around Johannes, his pretty older teenage daughter Marie (Marie Theisen), and his church organist and assistant Mrs. Tunheim. Oddly we never know the family name of Johannes' family--the only person with a last name is Mrs. Tunheim, and we never know her first name. Johannes is stern and unyielding in his behavior. In the pulpit he is seen promoting the usual Christian pieties; his congregation looks like they are attending a funeral rather than a service. The rule is to look straight forward during a service and the first hint we get of what is to come is Marie's pinching her sister during a service. Johannes is harsh with his family and a prominent theme is the ongoing battle of wills between him and Marie. However, in several scenes we see a human side of Johannes that somewhat soften the initial stereotypical image that we might have of him.

Marie struggles to understand her religion and her burgeoning sexuality. Even in the face of the rigidity of her father's religious positions (or because of them) Marie has questions. As one example of her questioning consider this conversation with Mrs. Tunheim:

Marie: Do you think God did a poor job when he created man?

Mrs.Tunheim: Why do you ask?

Marie: He created us so that we have to ask forgiveness all the time. Isn't that a poor creation?

Or this reflection: "Isn't it just some sort of invention to love and cherish until death do you part? I love meatballs, but I cannot promise God that I will do that for the rest of my life." The movie often mixes humor with its more serious considerations.

Music plays an essential role in the film, ranging from Bach to 50s pop ballads. Music contributes to some exquisitely beautiful scenes like the one where Marie swims naked in the river.

All the actors capably handle the subtle complexities demanded of them, but it is ultimately Marie Theisen who carries the film and raises it above the average. She perfectly captures the questioning innocence at the core of Marie's personality and the stubborn persistence to find her own way in an environment that is trying to impose conformity. Marie is not about to give up on God, she is just looking for her own God--a God of nature, a God of forgiveness, a God who likes us when we are happy. This movie can be seen as a kinder and gentler version of a Bergman film that treats the same themes.

Expect surprises on the way to a definitive final scene.

Hmm I see that this film has been enjoyed all over the world, and I must say I'm a little surprised.. I am a Norweigian and I have seen it a couple of times when it has gone on the TV for some years ago, but I never thought it would reach out to so many people... The funny thing is.... I'm in it. Now a 27 year old man going on 28, its strange seeing that even now, almost eleven years after, it still touches people. My part wasn't big, though I had a few lines, but it is such a strange feeling to have been part of something that still is held so close to the heart that some of the "fans" of the film keep it. I remember being a little embarrassed the first time I saw it on the premiere in Oslo, cause I guess i was hoping for something more exciting. You must remember I was only 16. But now I see it in a different way. I hope you all still will enjoy the film as I enjoyed being part of it..

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.

"Søndagsengler" is a norwegian movie that have all genres: comedy,drama,religion,but about all:love.It's a pity that this movie not won the Oscar,because is most to deserved,in my case,that Kolya.The Academy Awards Jury not choose movies that,really,deserved it.Well,this movie is so sensitive,like all norwegian and scandinavian movie,and entertaining,with beautiful sequences,marvelous screenplay and excellent performances. But,I follow thinking that this movie deserved the Oscar. Now,"The Other Side of Sunday" is one of my favourites films and one of the best of all times. My opinion:You must see this movie.