Watch The Passion of Anna For Free

Pretty Good

Good story, Not enough for a whole film

Beautiful, moving film.

Ok... Let's be honest. It cannot be the best movie but is quite enjoyable. The movie has the potential to develop a great plot for future movies

A characteristic of Igmar Bergman's films is an exploration of faith and spirituality. That is present throughout this film.Bergman also explored relationships: with ourselves and others. This film is the final of four made in the 60s in that theme: The Passion of Anna, Shame, Hour of the Wolf, and Persona.It stars Bergman regulars: Max von Sydow as Andreas Winkelman, Liv Ullmann as Anna Fromm, Bibi Andersson as Eva Vergerus, and Erland Josephson as Elis Vergerus.One feature, which Bergman reported regretted latter, was having the actors step out and comment on the film. One particularly great segment was Ullman commenting on religion and the difficulty believers have because they expect everyone else to believe as they do.Religion, spirituality, animal welfare, and madness are only a few themes in this complex and enjoyable film.One of Bergman's very best.

Even with Bergman's star actors, all three or four, it's a question whether the "psychological turmoil" they undergo is interesting enough. It seems like another Bergman drama involving people with deep problems caused by traumatic events in their lives which no doubt is more than anyone can handle yet they involve each other yet it doesn't help anyone because the scars are too deep where they can't help the other damaged person in coming to some kind of a healing but even causes more harm than good. Add to that random cruelties in an isolated area and you have the makings of a Bergman film. Outstanding photography, and beautiful Liv Ulman, and Bibi Andersson in the prime of their careers make it a worthwhile experience.

Since the day Andreas Winkelman's wife left him he has devoted himself to his own suffering and gradually lost contact with his own identity. Brief conversations with the neighbor he happens to run into now and then is his only communication with the outside world, but one hot afternoon, without prior notice, he is visited by a woman who needs to make a call.The fear of being a failure, of being humiliated, of breaking free from one's self chosen isolation, of experiencing tragedy and of being a genuine human being, are only some of the obstacles that Bergman's main character Andreas Winkelman tries to overcome in this grave investigation of human beings psychical and disturbing states after having gone through break-ups. His central theme is the irrational nature of human beings, and in his existentialistic reflection of the reasons why human beings act the way they do, he creates dark and unattainable images of the souls of the four central characters which are interpreted with distinctive credibility by Max Von Sydow, Liv Ullmann, Bibi Andersson and Erland Josephson."The Passion of Anna", Ingmar Bergman's 32nd feature film, was shot on Faroe Island during 45 days in the spring of 1968 and occurs on a desert Island where isolated and sealed people contrasts the open landscapes which surrounds them. Bergman is here as in most of his films more interested in revealing the closed rooms within his characters inner landscapes than allowing them to shine in the free and accessible landscapes which are right in front of their eyes. Human beings are complex creatures in Ingmar Bergman's universe, but they are also ascribed a naturalness which makes them relatable. The shots are long, the close-ups are frequent, the mentality is melancholic and this rigorous chamber drama proceeds in line with the films eerie atmosphere.Ingmar Bergman (1918-2007) was awarded as Best Director at the National Society of Film Critics Awards in 1971 for this in-depth character drama where the directing, the narrative and Sven Nykvist's scenic cinematography is close to perfection.

In re-watching all the Bergman films, this one was a bit more elusive. There are so many secrets here with layer upon layer put over them. Then we have the subplot of the animal torturer and killer on the island. Probably most interesting beyond the story itself is a quick analysis of each character by each of the actors who leaves his or her role for a moment. They discuss how they view their people with a great deal of depth and insight. I wonder if they were prompted or it was extemporaneous. I would guess the latter. As with most Bergman characters, the people are doomed to their suffering and offer little comfort because they are so full of angst themselves. The living Andreas is a complex bundle of nerves. If he hadn't seen the animal killer and rescued the dog, I might have seen him as unbalanced enough to do these things, himself. Of course, the story never makes point, but the thought occurred to me. Anna is a royal mess but is able to keep her composure with those tight lips and that half smile. Pushed, she becomes a powder keg. As is usually the case, their personal problems are never solved and we wonder what the next frame in the film will be. It's quite a thoughtful and frightening film.