Customer Reviews

The Best Intentions [VHS]

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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)

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.

...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.

A big satisfying story of family and love. This is one of the best films ever. I've watched it three times and I never tire of the story or the richly drawn characters. The acting is superb. If you enjoy foreign films or family sagas, you'll love this film.

This is one of the best movies I have ever seen. If you don't mind subtitled movies in English, this movie is a must-see! The acting is intense, the cinematography is lovely, and the story is simply beautiful.

A beautifully directed film, well told, even through subtitles. The acting is excellent! If you love films, you should see this movie.

i am not a huge fan of either bille august or bergman but this could quite possibly be my most favorite film. Pernilla August is absolutely fabulous in this role. The complexities of the relationship between Henrik and Anna is astounding to me: she manipulates him, he hits her, but because they are doomed to love each other forever, it is as much of a balancing act as it is a true marriage. i must admit that i so wish i could get my hands on the six hour version because i hate wondering what i am missing in this story. but the version i have suits me just fine. Pernilla August will long be remembered for this film alone, more than STAR WARS, she outshines all the others in this film. thanx.

I saw this (the three hour long version), some fifteen years ago. THE BEST INTENTIONS takes an intimate look at the Ingmar Bergman's parents' early years as a young married couple, against the wishes of his mother's (Pernilla August) parents. Her husband is a rather humorless and morose young man (Samuel Froler), and it was hard for me to see why they ended up together, at first. In fact, it was more than hard! Over time, it is revealed why the two came together in this union. Also, keep in mind that if it wasn't for their partnership, the great Swedish director Ingmar Bergman, never would have existed to begin with! So, this pairing was invaluable.

I am not really that familiar with Swedish cinema (other than Bergman's wonderful WILD STRAWBERRIES), but this was a great education for me. Director Billy August's treatment of this story was sensitive and compelling. It was hard for me to suspend me patience for those three hours, but August and his actors made it well worth the time.

A wonderfully-crafted film, stunning performances by Samuel Froler and Pernilla August, excellent supporting cast. Beautiful cinematography by Sven Nykvist. Ingmar Bergman's account of his parents early, troubled years of marriage.

An intelligent, very well made story of love and conflict across a
number of years in early 20th century Sweden.

Written by Ingmar Bergman, based on his parents relationship,
it feels like one of his films, if perhaps slightly less brilliantly realized.

But the complex love and marriage of Henrik and Anna is always
absorbing (if occasionally melodramatic), and these are both
complicated, full individuals (and performances) heartbreaking one
moment, infuriating and selfish the next.

Beautifully shot, acted with honesty and intensity, this 3 hour film
captures just how hard it is for two people to be both themselves and a
couple.

I'd love to see the 6 hour television version, but so far have had no luck
finding it. But even this version, which was cut down for theatrical release,
is a powerful, wonderful film. It survives a 'theatrical cut' just as
'Fanny and Alexander' and 'Scenes from a Marriage' did.