12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
THROUGH a GLASS, DARKLY, March 7, 2000
"Through a Glass, Darkly" is Ingmar Bergman's pensive chronicle of a young woman's descent into the maelstrom of schizophrenia. This four character study is set on a secluded island off the coast of Sweden, where Karin (Harriet Andersson), upon having just been released from a mental hospital, is brought by her husband, Martin (Max von Sydow). They are joined there by her father, David (Gunnar Bjornstrand), a novelist, and her brother, Minus (Lars Passgard). Karin has reached a pivotal juncture in her life, facing the uncertainties inherent in the nature of her illness. Doctors have advised Martin that she is occupying a middle ground between two worlds, and that the next few days may be crucial in determining the outcome. Will she emerge in the light, or succumb to the darkness of the voices that beckon her from within. Through Bergman's eyes we observe the effects of Karin's situation on each of her loved ones, and how differently each one of them strive to cope with and understand her elusive affliction. This is one of Bergman's finest works, the first of his "Faith" trilogy (followed by "Winter Light" and "The Silence"). "Through a Glass, Darkly" is an absorbing, evocative, and sometimes intense drama that should not be missed. An Oscar winner for Best Foreigh Film of 1961, it firmly establishes Ingmar Bergman as one of Cinema's greatest directors.
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9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
a beautiful, disturbing film, January 24, 1999
By A Customer
Emotionally wrenching mid-period Bergman is also beautifully shot and acted, especially by Harriet Andersson and Max Von Sydow. One of the more accessible of Bergman's movies, should be seen by every film buff.
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4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant, January 15, 2007
Watched this one the day after I watched George Romero's latest zombie gore-fest, `Land of the Dead.' There's no contest which is the most horrifying - THROUGH A GLASS DARKLY, hands down. Don't get me wrong. `Land of the Dead' is a good, smart, entertaining movie, but Romero's flesh foraging stenchers can't begin to approach the emotional weight director Ingmar Bergman throws at you.
The plot is gossamer thin and its outline is brief. Novelist papa (Gunnar Björnstrand) is back, briefly, from overseas. His daughter (Harriet Andersson) is back from a mental institution, enjoying a brittle spell of sanity. Her husband (Max von Sydow) is devoted and doting. Her brother (Lars Passgård) is in many ways her best friend and one true confidante. As is true with most Bergman movies, not a lot happens Out There - it the subtle shifting of characters and relationships, the stuff happening In Here (tapping head and heart) that count.
It helps that Andersson is electrifying in the lead role, while the rest of the cast ably keeps pace with her. The pivot point in this movie is a terrible secret that's revealed, and the effect it has on the family. That's the horrifying stuff, the point when we feel Andersson pulling away as she attempts to process what she's learned. Heartbreaking stuff.
It's always tempting to write about what a movie means - stuff you crib off on-disc special features, commentary tracks, or a book or magazine article - but that fails with Bergman. It means what the viewer - you - decides it means. It doesn't seem right to artificially narrow a reader's focus by saying THROUGH A GLASS DARKLY is, say, a religious allegory. Watch it - I'm serious, WATCH IT - and decide for yourself. A masterwork like this shouldn't be constrained by some stranger's interpretation.
Confession - I'm an action-movie fan. `Land of the Dead' is a lot more my speed than THROUGH A GLASS DARKLY. For some reason I can't account for I drag my heels when invited to watch a Bergman film - too depressing, too slow, too cerebral, distracting subtitles, what have you. I've gone away from every one of his movies I've seen stunned by their beauty and insight. This one is no exception. Highest recommendation.
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