Sweden is a pleasant place. Out in the countryside not that much happens. This film is a very good portrayal of this fact, an interesting exploration into the pleasantly peaceful life given interest and 'excitement' by the intelligence and curiosity of youth. It's well filmed and moves at a countryside pace where the eyes can absorb the spectacular scenery. For me, however, the film was wrecked by an almost compulsory 'attention getter' that frequently is found in Swedish films, an infection obviously transmitted during a Hollywood visit. All had been progressing wonderfully until the film is interrupted by a gratuitous serious crime inserted into the plot. A totally meaningless and unrealistic meandering of a 'sod the public' writer who clearly was out of touch with the real crime stats of the era.I almost feel like the film ends after about 60 mins... what follows is just 'packing'. Apart from that the film was interesting and pleasant. I would love to award it more points for the acting,direction,visual presentation, props, all really deserved a better plot. Sometimes, Sweden doesn't recognise it's outstanding beauty and cultural treasure. Things of great worth are found not in the spectacularly dramatic, but in the ordinarily wonderful.
