This was a typically well-crafted film from Ingmar Bergman--with excellent acting, camera work, etc. Now to many you may find the film a bit too depressing--that's certainly NOT unusual for his films! I watched it because I like unusual films but I also gotta admit I wasn't super-excited about this film due to its depressing plot. I did, however, like the fact that a minister was having so many doubts--it was unique and MUST occur from time to time. However, because the movie just seemed to abruptly end, I felt a little dissatisfied. Yes, I know that tying everything together in the end is a very Hollywood-like thing to do and MANY foreign films avoid this convention. But, I just wanted to see more and see the dilemmas unfold further.
By the way, one poor aspect of the film was the minister's ROTTON counseling session (that seemed to push the Max Von Sydow character over the edge to suicide). Following this suicide, the minister didn't seem that broken up by this or seem to take much responsibility for the suicide. I know he is described as not exactly a people-person in the film, but this was ridiculous!! This really had me hating the man and I doubt if that was Bergman's intention.
By the way, one poor aspect of the film was the minister's ROTTON counseling session (that seemed to push the Max Von Sydow character over the edge to suicide). Following this suicide, the minister didn't seem that broken up by this or seem to take much responsibility for the suicide. I know he is described as not exactly a people-person in the film, but this was ridiculous!! This really had me hating the man and I doubt if that was Bergman's intention.