Most Helpful Customer Reviews
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Ingmar Bergman's deeply moving dramatization of his parents' marital conflict, December 8, 2005
This review is from: The Best Intentions [VHS] (VHS Tape)
under the direction of Bille August. Palm D'Or/Best Film winner at Cannes circa 1992, it also won lead actress Pernilla August (then married to the director) Best Actress. I have only seen the truncated 3-hour version (vs. the 6-hour Swedish TV release), and it is deeply moving, and one of my all-time favorite love stories on film. Bergman reportedly hated his preacher father, but actor Sam Froler gives a humane performance portraying a deeply religious, very strict and perhaps not so likable man. Pernilla August is likely best known in the U.S. (especially amongst younger viewers) for her performance as Luke Skywalker's mother in one of the STAR WARS films. One would never know from that movie what a fine actress she is. She has won awards for her stage work (e.g. in HAMLET in the UK) as well. Her poignant performance here will make an lasting impression. Set in Sweden circa 1900, the production is as meticulous as any Bergman film, and fascinating on the aesthetic level alone (the cinematography by the late, great Sven Nykvist is gorgeous). As a portrait of two very different people in love, it is unsurpassed. Bergman's mother is portrayed as a light-hearted young woman from a well-to-do family who marries a poor and rather taciturn young man who does not meet the approval of her parents. One truly feels both the love and certainly the conflict in their marriage. And this drama features one of the most hair-raising scenes (featuring a spooky young orphan taken in by the father) I have ever seen on film. Do not miss this film even if you are not a fan of Bergman (though I am an ardent admirer) -- remember that it is directed by Bille August and is likely one of his best films. Consider purchasing this riveting drama in its 3-hr VHS version, for the wait for DVD could be quite long.
UPDATE: THE BEST INTENTIONS is available in Region 2 DVD format from amazon's UK site (release date: April 26, 2010) -- you can buy a Region-Free DVD player or recode your DVD player to Region 0 to play DVDs from all over the world (at least one site offers DVD player-specific codes to reset your player, for approx. $10.00)
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Heja Ingmar!, February 18, 2000
This review is from: The Best Intentions [VHS] (VHS Tape)
This is an incredibly beautiful film. The acting is absolutely sublime, and the film itself brings back many fond memories of "Fanny och Alexander". Bille August's direction is typically masterful. The sets are wonderful, as are the costumes. The story is the great Ingmar Bergman's gentle recounting of the early days of his parents' courtship and marriage (pre-Ingmar). Those familiar with the films of Bergman will find his familiar themes here, as well as some very satisfyingly familiar faces, e.g., Max Von Sydow, Hasse Alfredson, and Anita Björk (!) A remarkably excellent film.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
If you think the movie is good..., November 20, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: The Best Intentions [VHS] (VHS Tape)
...you should see the six hour television version, alot of stuff was cut out for the movie release. I'm lucky enough to live in Sweden so I could see the complete version.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
|
![[Start the discussion]](http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/x-locale/communities/discussion_boards/start-new-discussion-sec._V192250339_.gif){kind=small}
