Søndagsengler

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.

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.

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.