Recent viewings

The Virgin Spring (1959). An atmospheric black-and-white tale of tragedy, revenge, and redemption, directed by Ingmar Bergman. The medieval Scandinavian setting is believably portrayed. This isn't the fantasy-world of cardboard castles and glittering polyester costumes portrayed by many "medieval" Hollywood movies. It's a harsh world of isolated, fortified log-cabin farmsteads surrounded by untrodden mountains and forests, a world where going to the nearest village, or to church, involves a day-long trek along muddy paths and unbridged streams. It's a world where the harsh pagan religion of Odin vies with the new religion of Christ. A world where strangers with suspicious pasts can make a new life for themselves if they resettle themselves far enough away from the scene of their crimes (but woe betide if they confide in the wrong person!) A world where strangers met in a forest might be intriguing sources of trade, entertainment and news, or murderous brigands. And it's a world where petty family disputes turn all the more bitter because of people's constant close contact with each other.

Where an aggrieved, scorned girl's plea for her god to smite her sister may have unforeseen consequences; and a family's vengeance can be terrible both to its targets and its enactor.

An excellent film. The production values may be a bit clunky next to modern productions, but the great acting, the beautiful visuals, and the palpable atmosphere carry the story.