Mission to Mars: Review of Veronica Mars

Veronica Mars

Director: Rob Thomas

By Alex Watson

 

Veronica Mars is one of the under-rated jewels of US TV and for three straight seasons, its central story of a teenage girl above her years moonlighting as private investigator in the fictional town of Neptune, California, provided audiences with a exciting and straight talking female with some excellent storylines to boot. But after its cancellation, the show fell under the radar, but the fans never forgot their heroine and when it was announced that the series creator, Rob Thomas was funding a movie via Kickstarter, within hours the project was finally a reality! So here we  are Mars fans- Neptune’s finest returns to our screens and as usual she has some crime solving on her hands in the Veronica Mars Movie

9 years after leaving Neptune and her old life behind, Veronica Mars (Kristen Bell) has graduated from law school in New York and is leaving a happy and prosperous new life with her boyfriend Piz (Chris Lowell). But when her former flame Logan Echolls (Jason Dohring) has been arrested for allegedly murdering pop princess Bonnie DeVille, Veronica is enticed into returning to her old town and her previous crime busting ways. Also it so happens to be her old Neptune High reunion and this will lead to back to her PI father Keith (Enrico Colantoni), her old friends Wallace (Percy Daggs III) and Mac (Tina Majorino) and some old wounds being re-opened.

After all these years, I am delighted to finally see the gang back together on screen and aside from a few missteps, Veronica Mars serves as a perfect reminder of the reasons of why we fell in love with this show. The central story isn’t perfect and the slightly predictable plot of Logan being up on murder charges is nothing really new and although like it predecessor there are turns galore, but this time they don’t quite fit together as perfectly as before and the end result feels a bit thin on the ground. On reflection, this would have been better suited to being a new series rather than a film because the story here would have been improved if it was more drawn out. Plus the montage sequence at the beginning which fills both fans (and potential new fans) of past events feels slightly hoaxy.

But where this movie does shine is in Rob Thomas’ fast paced and razor sharp script which ensures the shows the trademark witty dialogue gets its moment to stand out on the big screen and with plenty of in jokes on hand, Mars maniacs are going to have a ball with this one! But the film is carried forward on the sheer strength of the leading lady and Veronica shows that big city living certainly hasn’t quelched her trouble making instincts and without pausing for breath, she immediately throws herself into clearing Logan’s name and demonstrates the kind of tough yet ladylike qualities that have made her so memorable in the past, and fittingly, almost our most of our beloved recurring characters are given an outing such as biker Weevil (Francis Capra) and certified jerk Dick (Ryan Hansen). Add all this together with an ending that could potential kick start the franchise, and our addiction to show is resumed!

As usual, this is Kristen Bell’s show and she holds the screen with the same determined force as before and demonstrates just what a great actress she can be with the right material and again she brings Veronica to life again on screen! Our supporting follys are once as again excellent with Tina Majorino and Percy Daggs III leading the way with their trademark humour. Though bizarrely unlike before, Jason Dohring’s Logan feels underused and is almost absent throughout. Also watch for a great cameo by James Franco (is there much he isn’t in these days?) and after seeing him in this, I guarantee you will be also trying to find words that rhyme with orange!

Veronica Mars is certain to win unanimous appeal with its die hard fans (such as myself), so go and watch it and fall in love with this character all over again- but this may not be the last we see of our favourite lady PI and seems she may be back sooner than we think! Prepare to become re-hooked to this franchise, because like Veronica “Hello, my name is Alex and I’m addict… Hello Alex!”

Five Great Movie Dads

Atticus Finch (Gregory Peck) – To Kill a Mockingbird

Arguably the greatest on screen Dad ever, Atticus is a man who believes in the word of the law and is willing to defend an innocent black man on trumped up charges, for this his is willing to incur the wrath of the hostile town folk. Meanwhile he’s trying to raise his children single handed and set a positive example for them- through his compassionate actions and his campaigning for justice, Atticus is a father than any child would be proud to call their own, the scene as he exits the courtroom to the respect of African-American town members, you can feel the pride beaming from his daughters face.

Guiseppe Conlon (Pete Postlethwaite)- In the Name of the Father:

Wrongly imprisoned along with his son Gerry (Daniel Day-Lewis) for being one of the alleged Guildford Four bombers, Guiseppe is the very definition of hard working and he is forever appealing for their innocence to be heard despite fighting a terminal illness. Althroughout Gerry scoffs at his wise advise due to his free spirited nature, but before long he begins to realize just how much the old man has sacrificed for him and begins to pick up the fight himself. Guiseppe is the kind of world weary father we can all relate to having and one that we should always listen to because their words may guide us away from trouble.

Henry Jones Sr (Sean Connery) – Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade: 

Ok, as a young man, Indiana Jones probably didn’t have it easy with Henry Jones Sr due to his reclusive nature and his obsession with the Holy Grail. But you would be hard pressed to find a father you finds a more exciting adventure for father and son than this man! But upon reflection- Indy learns whats a good father Henry was when he says “Did I ever tell you to eat up, go to bed, wash your ears, do your homework? No, I respected your privacy and I taught you self reliance.” In Last Crusade, the two men are continually at odds with each other, but underneath the competition lies a deep and binding love. Just watch the relief and joy on Henry’s face when he sees his son alive.

Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) – The Godfather

A fierce believer in the notion of loyalty and the family, Vito Corleone will go to great lengths to ensure the safety of his own family. In business, there is no length to which he will not sink to get what he wants- cue the horse’s head in the producers bed! But although he has blood on his hands from past events, Vito is unwilling to allow his son Michael (Al Pacino) to get involved in his world and yearns for him to break free and become honest. When his son finally kills for the family, his devastation goes all the way to the core. Though compared to his old man, Michael becomes a great deal worse!

George Bailey (James Stewart) – It’s A Wonderful Life

Forever putting his happiness before others, George Bailey to see his family survive has given up many chances for fortune and glory. But despite having a loving family and many equally caring community members, George still wishes they had never existed and that his family would be better off without him! But when George sees what his life would be without his wife or kids, his desire to get them back again is powerful and the finale scene where they reunite is the perfect example of just how far his love for his children goes and his relief at having a chance to see them grow- despite his mid film rant denouncing them!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Kid on the Block: Review of Starred Up

British prison drama are not a common breed of film, but when they are delivered to us, they are forever brutal and uncomfortable viewing. But as Morgan Freeman once narrated “Prison is no fairytale world!” and as movies such as Allan Clark’s 1979 movie Scum demonstrated to us the full horrors of the system and just what inmates are capable of doing behind bars. This year, director David Mackenzie has brought one of the most promising British drama’s in quite some time, about a young man making an early (and very violent) first impression in jail- but this also promised not to be viewing for the faint hearted in his movie, Starred Up.

Young offender Eric Love (Jack O’Connell) is transferred to adult prison from Juvenile Detention, but rather than getting his head down and doing his time quietly- Eric quickly gets into trouble and starts to get a vicious reputation among felons. Despite the best efforts of shrink Oliver (Rupert Friend), the young man refuses to listen to advice. His father Neville (Ben Mendelsohn) is one of the longest serving convicts on the wing, can he get through to his son before it is all too late?

Starred Up is a wonderfully intense and very tenacious prison film which pulges the audience head first into a place of true hell, where violence talks and words fall silent. From the opening sequence, we can see that Eric is going to be a tough customer with his hardened stare and frosty attitude as he is put through the ritual demoralizing prison entrance, behind his eyes is an anger quietly simmering and it doesnt take long to become unleashed and when it does, it is hair-raisingly terrifying! As we watch him cackling with insane joy after his first assault, we feel the face of rebellion is staring at us.

Throughout Mackenzie’s film, it is made clear that Eric is a young man at war with the world and all who occupy it, also he seems able to create mayhem from the most unlike item such as a light bulb, razorblade and a toothbrush- you don’t need a picture to guess what happens next! Volunteer councellor Oliver attempts to stratch the surface of his problems and try and break through his sneers and callous attitude, but Eric is a brick wall to all efforts of psychology. His dad Neville attempts stronger words with his son and makes futile attempts to push him the right way, soon a rather unlikely relationship appears but it still bares a heavy fracture due to past unspoken events.

Refreshingly for a prison movie, there is no trace or redeeming themes of life changing friendships and Mackenzie succeeds in painting a frightenly realistic protayal of prison life. Eric is driving straight into a heap of problems and even though his surrogate brothers in therapy have his best interests at heart, he only succeeds in pushing all who care or wish to help away. Soon there will be no one to aid his cause when the going gets tough! There are some un-neccessary plot divertions, but the central plot is gripping enough to keep us focused throughout.

Jack O’Connell is the driving force of the movie and gives a breakout performance of such raw vigor it is almost uncomfortable to watch! Already an established talent in movies like Harry Brown and as Bobby Charlton in BBC program United, O’Connell is a revalation here and impressively he gives Eric an almost likeable quality in stretches which is noteworthy for a character like this!

Rupert Friend also rings a strong supporting turn as Oliver and gives the perfect impression of a frustrated man trying in vain to make a different but is unwanted by the prison system. Australian actor Ben Mendelsohn is equally brilliant as father Neville, a tough and vigilant man who isn’t afraid to bust heads for his son- ironically the perfect father on the inside but is also aware of his failings in early life that have more than likely led to his son being in the same place!

With its gritty edge and continually tense air, Starred Up is far and away the most impressive British film so far this year and with the talent on display, this could potentially be one of the years best movies. Jack O’Connell is a young man who has now earned a Hollywood shot and likewise David Mackenzie could be going places. But more than anything, there probably won’t be a more awkward family reunion than this one!

 

The Art of Getting By: Review of L’Enfant

Classic from the Vault

L’Enfant (2005)

Directors: Jean-Pierre & Luc Dardenne

By Alex Watson

Normally the birth of a child for any couple is a joyous occasion as we watch our little one grow, our heart fills with happiness and our hair is torn out as we deal with their growing pains. But what happens when foresake this event for our own personal gain? And what are the consequences of such a horrific idea? In 2005, Belgian writer/directors, Jean-Pierre & Luc Dardenne’s Palme D’or winning movie at Cannes asked exactly this question and the result on screen was one of the most intense and emotionally gripping of this century so far in their film, L’Enfant.

Bruno (Jeremie Renier) and Sonia (Deborah Francois) are a financially strapped couple struggling to get by in life and are only partly aided by Bruno’s petty crime efforts. After the birth of their first child, Bruno takes advantage of a chance to make a quick buck by selling their child to a black market adoption agency. Upon witnessing Sonia shock of losing their baby, Bruno buys back the child but this time at double the price and is then swiftly rejected by his lover for selfish act. Faced with severe debts, Bruno is soon on a quick road to ruin and before long has nowhere left to run!

L’Enfant is a powerful effort by the Dardenne brothers and fully merited winning the top prize at Cannes, what makes it such a memorable film, is the simple yet effective message about the choices that we make in life. Bruno is a man driven by desperation and his quick thinking and opportunist approach is what causes the film’s central dilemma. From the moment the film opens, we learn his true character before even gracing eyes upon him as Sonia returns home to an unknown couple subletting their flat and find Bruno in the midst of plotting a crime aided by some juveniles. But although we are infuriated by his selfish thinking, as his problems mount up, we cannot help but feel concerned for his well being and as trouble closes further in- our heart goes into overdrive.

Redemption is another theme that lingers over this movie, but the fascinatingly it also makes us ponder whether Bruno deserves a shot at it? After Sonia throws him out he is faced with life on the streets and family members who have long since turned their backs. In one small moment is world has fallen apart and his attempt to rebuild it just cause further damage! Even though he returns the money and get his child back, the thugs involved aren’t thrilled at the fortune lost and set about shaking him down! His fears and insecurities have already led him a dangerous path and as we view him attempting one final theft with his teenage accomplice, it is hard to resist the urge to shout “WHAT ARE YOU DOING?” at full volume at the screen, and as the pair make a hasty getaway, this is one ending we can sense that will not conclude by riding off into the sunset!

The most skillful aspect of L’Enfant is the camera work by Dardenne’s and interesting rather than going for any kind of extreme close up to effectly demonstrate the pain or anguish our characters face, the camera always hovers on the outside of the scene and slowly glides it way into the scenario at hand, this effect makes us feel like we are witnessing our own friends or family in the midst of a moment happiness or argument. This succeeds in giving the film a more natural feel and aides the sheer range of emotion on display making both an extremely rewarding and equally awkward experience to view on screen and draws us closer into a world that we are terrified of seeing, but we cannot look away!

As the young couple, Jeremie Renier and Deborah Francois make for a wonderful couple on screen and succeed in giving two of the most effortlessly captivating and naturalistic performances of years gone by and together they perfectly sum up the increasingly strained relationship between the two. Renier in particularly both charms and repulses us but against all odds finds a good middle ground to let Bruno’s human side shine on screen!

L’Enfant is not an easy movie to watch by any means, but this is what makes it such a memorable film and its moment of utter beauty and sheer pain just serve to endear us future to the characters on screen and  it is a movie that deserves your full attention is guaranteed to make you think hard about what kind of parent you will want to be in the future.

One Fine Day: Review of Stranger By The Lake

Stranger By The Lake

Director: Alain Guiraudie

By Alex Watson

Meeting a stranger for the first time can be a fascinating experience because there is always the thrill of what could possibly happen mixed with the utter fear of the unknown! Very quickly we can enter into a relationship, but on occasion the things we do not know about the person we are drawn to can be a dangerous thing. French director Alain Guiraudie this week brings us a scintillating look at two male companions thrown into a situation that promised to have fatal consequences in his movie Stranger by the Lake.

Young man Franck (Pierre Deladonchamps) spends his days by a beautiful lake sunbathing at local cruising spot. Almost instantly he meets handsome stranger Michel (Christophe Paou) and the two are immediately smitten and engage in frequent sex! But one day, Franck views from distance his supposed lover commit what appears to a horrific act! Although terrified, Franck continues his liason, all the while aware of this could be one pairing that could be dangerous!

Winner of the Best Director award at Cannes in 2013, Alain Guiraudie’s Stranger By The Lake is one of the most stunning and spurring movies of this year so far! This piece may have made waves for it scenes of graphic male sex, these scenes play an integral part to later parts of the tale and those who stay with this movie will be richly rewarded because this one of the most tense experiences you will have. Although beautifully shot by Claire Mathon and containing perhaps the most beautfiul natural light and pitch black night, there is also a perilous and secretive feeling all around the island- particularly as we see Franck wandering through the bushes!

By limiting the action to the one lakeside location, Guiraudie has the perfect to let his story unfold. Events are slow to build and the early scenes of watching Franck and Michel swimming and making love will no doubt frustrate some and there is a very carefree and lighter feel to the beginning stage. But once Franck views what appears to be a murder in the lake- things are given a massive shakeup! From the story enters a murder mystery type event as Inspector Damroder (Jérome Chappatte) arrives to investigate the murder and Franck’s conscience is continually plagued.

The suspicions and fears that Franck has of Michel are gently raised throughout Stranger By The Lake because his lover becomes gradually more brusque and domineering as events transpire and tends to coldly disregard anyone no longer useful to him. Although given strict warnings from his platonic friend Henri (Patrick d’Assumcao) Franck continues their bizzare relationship. Part of the increasing tenseness comes from the events we cannot fully witness- often as we see Michel commit what appears to be a sinful act, our view is always obsured by trees or bushes and like Franck we fear to let our imagination run wild. But the finale set to the dark of the forest will see many leaving the cinema quietly concerned as we close on one of the most exciting shots of 2014!

However, this movie is much more than just strong sex and murder and alongside this, Guiraudie gives us a movie that perfectly explores humanities desires and longings and most of what it feels like to be lonely. Franck is greatly concerned about the jeopardy faced by loving Michel, but his yearning to be with him vastly outweights his concerns! Likewise divorcee Henri who harbours great desire to be with Franck, but concedes that he will never return his love!

The centre duo of Pierre Deladonchamps and Christophe Paou works wonders as through the cold yet seductive charm of Paou there is a chill brought to proceedings and he is able to bring across exactly the qualities which make Franck willing to risk it all for this one man! Deladonchamps also shines brightly as Franck and is able to convey a terrific sense of youthful naivity in the early scenes as he dumfounded by his luck at find this catch! But skillfully his lust turns to pure horror as his eye being to open to what is happening!

Stranger By The Lake is at times a tough movie to watch and some of its sexual content will make Blue is the Warmest Color look like a tame affair- but it is also a emotionally charged and chest tightening ride and we shall be hard pressed to find a film that draws us in more than this one for some months to come! Alain Guiraudie deserves all the plaudits gained and this movie that deserves a visit- but this will definitely make you think twice about who you approach in future!

Top Five Great Alfred Molina Performances

The London born actor Alfred Molina is a man who deserves far better respect than he currently receives. No matter what role he plays, he has the uncanny ability to raise any movie that he features in. Just look at his appearences in movies such as the Sorcorer’s Apprentice where his cocky menace made him a very compelling villian, without breaking a sweat! As tribute to this man, I have compiled a list of his five finest on screen appearences

1. Frida

As Frida Kahlo’s permanently unfaithful husband Diego Rivera, Molina rang in a career high performance. His Riviera is a man whose painting talents are hindered by his refusal to hinder his communist vision! Through Molina, he brings an explosive quality to the screen and even though Diego has a moral compass facing completely the wrong way, we still pray for him and Frida to patch things up because his steadfastness to his cause is truly rousing! This role was the perfect showcase for Molina’s ability and succeeded in bringing him to the attention of a wider audience!

2. Prick up your Ears

In an early role, Molina made a strong impression of his later talents as the long suffering and ignored Kenneth Halliwell alongside Gary Oldman’s Joe Orton. His sad sack and almost loser quality gives the film its emotional core and thanks to Molina’s fantastic and emotionally repressed performance, we feel the animosity grow between the pair which will bring about a violence climax! But impressively, during his many self indulgent rants, Molina provides some of the movies most unexpected comedic moments “Have a wank? Would be easier to raise the Titanic!”

3. Spiderman 2

This part will probably be the closest we see this man to mainstream success, but his lone Spidey outing was one to remember and his Doc Ock character has still yet to be matched in the villian stakes in this film series! But rather go for the ham factor that we so often see in superhero movies, Molina rises above it and gives a great sense of inner conflict and Otto Octavius jostles with completing his work or ignoring the mechanical arms attached to him!

4. An Education

In a more stripped down part, Molina excels as Jack Mellor, the uptight father of Carey Mulligan’s school girl Jenny. Always worried or concerned and refusing to go out, Jack is the type of father we so often have seen in surburban homes and the frequent squabbles between man and wife are a constant source of laughs. But in his quieter moments, Molina is mesmerising, particular during his confession scene to his daughter he reveals the true reason for his stiff character and that he was only trying to protect her- though slightly failed by letting her hook up with Peter Sarsgaard!

5. Raiders of the Lost Ark

His first ever role on screen, Molina played a part in one of the most famous opening sequences of all time as Indiana Jones’ crooked assistant Satipo. Limited to only a few minutes screen time, he conjures up a lurking sense of danger as he wills Indy forward, only to leave him to die when the going gets rough callously retorting “Adios Amigo!” This was but a taste of what was to come from this great man and lord only knows what he has in store for us next?

Enjoy Your Stay: Review of The Grand Budapest Hotel

The Grand Bupadest Hotel

Director: Wes Anderson

By Alex Watson

 

Wes Anderson’s films are always love or hate affairs, many love the quirkiness he is capable of bringing to the screen and the odd yet strangely charming characters that come with it. Others however, may just seem him as pretentious and believe he tries to a little too hard to be offbeat. But whatever happens, his movies are always worth a visit, if only to see Bill Murray’s regular appearances. His new effort The Grand Budapest Hotel certainly has gotten indie fans tongues wagging and it appears we could see Anderson’s most accomplished movie yet!

Told in flashback, a famous author (Tom Wilkinson) recounts a tale told to a younger version of himself (Jude Law) about when he visited the once celebrated The Grand Budapest Hotel. Whilst staying there he met the proprietor Mr Moustafa (F Murray Abraham) who told him the tale of his days starting out as a lobby boy in the hotel, under the guidance of notorious concierge M.Gustave (Ralph Fiennes) and just how exactly this failing property came into his possession.

The Grand Budapest Hotel  like all his films, is a very Wes Anderson type picture and those who go into this with an open mind will enjoy the ride for the very beginning. With its vivid set design and fine selection of pastel colours, Robert Yeoman’s cinematography brings the fictional nation of Zubrowka alive and this in turn allows Anderson’s creative juices to run wild. In this world we see Nazi type soldiers led by kindly inspector Henckels (Edward Norton) and a nation on the brink of war. The deadpan humour gives the film a great comedic feel and sparks some of the movies finest moments, such as Gustave’s silver tongued attempt to stop Moustafa being harassed on a train ride and a finale shoot-out that gets very OTT! 

When we first meet the noted concierge, we learn of his lady killing habits, including his countless affairs with rich elderly ladies including Madame D (Tilda Swinton), his love of nice smelling perfume and quoting pretty poetic phrases, to most of all- how he runs the hotel like clockwork. In the early stages there is a light and breezy quality to events as Moustafa learns the ropes of the hotel and begins a strange friendship with his slightly sleazy mentor- but things turn on their head when Gustave is accused of murdering D and incurs the wrath of her entire family when he is left the priceless portrait ‘Boy with Apple’ in her will! From there the story kicks into life and becomes a fun game of cat and mouse as the unlikely pair attempt to dodge the authorities and Madame D’s furious son Dmitri (Adrien Brody).

Moustafa and Gustave’s partnership is one that keeps this movie alive, it is not a straight forward friendship and his demanding mentor certainly has his expectations- in one sequence when he breaks out of prison- Gustave berates his friend for forgetting to bring his favourite perfume! But although slightly shaky in places, their friendship keeps one another going. However, it is not just these two who make the movie because we are also introduced to a variety of excellent support character such as Willem Dafoe’s brass knuckled henchman Jopping, the birth marked baker, Agatha (Saoirse Ronan, who serves as both ally and love interest for both men and the mysterious butler Serge (Matthieu Almaric), who’s presence sparks the key point of the storyline. Before you ask, yes Bill Murray does make his usual appearance!

Ralph Fiennes makes for a very able Anderson actor as Gustave and all throughout this he brings a witty yet serious approach to his role and this fits the pace of the film perfectly. To those more accustomed to seeing Fiennes in more serious roles, this may come a surprise, but ever the profession, Fiennes is up to the task! Newcomer Tony Revolori also make a good impression as the young Moustafa and his youthful naivety and awe of his teacher gives his role a much needed sparkle.

Many will be divided on The Grand Budapest Hotel for years to come and like many of Anderson’s works before, you may have to meet this picture halfway to full appreciated it. But its look and story quality cannot be denied and this will by far be one of the indie darlings of 2014- though I do wish a hotel of this quality still existed, it would make for an excellent stay!

Some Memories Are Best Forgotten: Review of Wild Strawberries

Classic from the Vault 

Wild Strawberries (1957)

Director: Ingmar Bergman

By Alex Watson

The cinema of Ingmar Bergman has brought us some of the most iconic imagery of world cinema, such as his often copied chess game between Death and The Knight in The Seventh Seal and his bizarre yet utterly captivating opening sequence to his twisted masterpiece, Persona. But there was one movie he made that was memorable for another reason altogether. His picture Wild Strawberries brought about the tale of one man’s recalling the past and the end result was of heart shattering brilliance and exhibited an emotional depth rarely captured on film!

Grouchy old Professor Isak Borg (Victor Sjostrom) has lived a life with many regrets, all except his work. He is due to receive an honorary degree from Lund University, where he originally graduated. Reluctantly he brings along his daughter in law Marianne (Ingrid Thulin) who has little respect for him or his son who she is married to. As the long journey progresses, Isak is forced to confront life, death and the past events that have shaped him and as he and Ingrid travel they meet young hitch-hiker Sara (Bibi Andersson) who reminds of a past love. Eventually Isak will come face to face with his demons and find peace in the strangest of circumstances.

Wild Strawberries is a true Bergman classic in every sense and aided by Gunnar Fischer’s stunning photography, this one of the most poignant and cordial road movies ever made. Emotional we are taken on a real roller-coaster as Isak one by one encounters events that trigger past memories. The notion of death hovers over the picture and in the very beginning a quintessential Bergman image is born. In a dream sequence, Isak dreams of a coffin falling off a horse drawn carriage and as he looks closer, he realizes it is himself inside it! This well known event serves a catalyst for later events and ultimate triggers Isak to confront the emptiness in his life and gain closure.

As a protagonist, the old professor isn’t likeable to begin with due to his egotistical and sour nature. His life is filled with painful memories and his own son rarely speaks to him, the award he is receiving is the only pleasure he has to look forward to. But along the journey, we start to warm to this man and realize he may be worthy of redemption. One of the stories key elements comes from the various characters who are picked up by the pair- Sara and her two male travelling companions who are both in love with her prompt Isak to reminisce about his own cousin Sara (also Andersson) who was also his fiancée and how he lost her to his his brother. The married couple the Almann’s, who trade such horrible and venomous insults that Marianne throws them out the car, mirror Isaks unhappy and hateful marriage- and no doubt serve as indicator of events for Marianne’s own struggling marriage to his son Evald!

A final test of character for Isak comes when in a dream, he is forced witness haunting events from his past such as his wife’s affairs which cause him great anguish to view but may just explain why he has become such an aloof and bitter character in later life. But as he faces his buried scars, Isak gains a crucial self acceptance and finally seems to let go of the bottled hate inside himself and this makes way to an inner peace. The final scene set to a beautiful seaside picnic demonstrates how far he has come and as we view his face shines with happiness, it is assured our own face will have a smile equally wide!

The late Victor Sjostrom gives a performance of high quality and the well regarded former expressionist actor initially gives Isak and icy chill to begin with but as the movie emotional content increases, so does his performance and Sjostrom gives the man a great sense of warmth and character which endear him to the audience. Sjostrom was dying of cancer as this film was made, so lord only knows how close to home this piece may have struck! As the cheeky young Hitcher Sara, Bergman regular Bibi Andersson is utterly charming and we can see exactly what the two young men and the young Isak are drawn to and we only we wish there one like her in our lives! Also look for Max Von Sydow in an early role as a gas station attendant.

Winner of the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival, Wild Strawberries is a film that is worth discovering and will no doubt make you think back to the events of your youth that still plague you. The Swedish director is one of the most important people in cinematic history and although his pieces may seem dated now, their content is still as mesmerising as before!