This has got to be one of the most realistic, honest, truthful and incisive studies of human relationships ever committed to film. Ingmar Bergman really makes his case here that all you need for a movie are skilled actors and an interesting script. This has got to be one of the best screenplays ever. The level of depth, complexity and nuance to these characters is astonishing, and the performances of Liv Ullmann and Erland Josephson more than match the script. Liv Ullmann in particular, is an acting God, and this is instantly one of my favorite female performances ever. The characters just feel so real and complete, and many times during the film I related so much to their trials and tribulations, to their anguish, their fears, their confusion and longing that sometimes I felt like I saw a big part of myself in these characters. It's that personal and that real. The level of intimacy and minimalism achieved by Bergman and DP Sven Nykvist is awe-inspiring. The 5 hours flew by so quickly that when it was over, I was bummed because I would've been more than eager to spend another 5 hours with these characters.
Just an amazing, incredibly understanding, moving and perceptive masterpiece.
Just an amazing, incredibly understanding, moving and perceptive masterpiece.