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Wild Strawberries [DVD] [Criterion Collection Essential Art House]

1 disc
Region 1 USA/CA (info)

WILD STRAWBERRIES is among Ingmar Bergman's most rich and contemplative films, a lyrical reflection on guilt and disappointment in the form of a spiritual journey. The movie stars Victor Sjstrm as Professor Isak Borg, an elderly academic who takes a trip by car from Stockholm to Lund to receive an honorary university degree, accompanied by his daughter-in-law (Ingrid Thulin). Along the way, they meet various passengers who seem to be weighed down by unresolved ethical dilemmas. Meanwhile, Borg's own existential crisis is triggered by dreams and memories in which he is confronted with past disappointments, missed opportunities, and troubled personal relationships with those close to him--his son (Gunnar Bjrnstrand), his mother (Naima Wifstrand), and his late wife (Gertrud Fridh). The film features stunning imagery, most notably in the flashback, dream, and nightmare sequences, as well as an outstanding final film performance by Sjstrm (who is also a famed Swedish director of the silent era).

This film was released soon after THE SEVENTH SEAL, which had earned Bergman accolades from film critics and moviegoers the world over. Though similarly challenging and philosophically complex, WILD STRAWBERRIES is often considered the more accessible of the two movies because of its ultimate warmth and affirmation of life.
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Additional Info

Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): EAH005
Credits

Victor Sjostrom, Victor Seastrom, Victor Sjstrm, Bibi Andersson, Birgitta Andersson, Ingrid Thulin, Max Von Sydow, Max von Sydow, Gunnar Bjornstrand, Gunnar Bjrnstrand
Critic Reviews

""...A film of great melancholy and introspection....A true classic..."
Los Angeles Times
"...Among the Swedish master's most accessible movies..."
USA Today
"...Achingly wise....A film that goes where many others have gone but with a subtlety few have dreamed of..."
Entertainment Weekly
"[A] 1957 road movie laced with symbolism, philosophical musing and sly humour..."
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