Alf Sjöberg has without a doubt together with cinematographer Martin Bodin created a visually stunning movie and the scenes from the midsummer celebrations reminds me of the similar scenes from Sjöberg's Fröken Julie, released the following year.
The movie has other flaws though. Perhaps Eva Dahlbeck in the lead role as Rya-Rya does not have the strength to pull this off. She was in her late 20s at the time and she is not quite convincing as an old woman on her death bed with skin smooth as silk. It is also difficult to understand why she rejects the man she loves to marry a slob with a face that only a mother can love.
Seeing this today, it is a bit comical to see something that is supposed to look like a two people immediately after a date rape when it is obvious that Rya-Rya hasn't taken her clothes off or even has had her hair messed up.
The movie has other flaws though. Perhaps Eva Dahlbeck in the lead role as Rya-Rya does not have the strength to pull this off. She was in her late 20s at the time and she is not quite convincing as an old woman on her death bed with skin smooth as silk. It is also difficult to understand why she rejects the man she loves to marry a slob with a face that only a mother can love.
Seeing this today, it is a bit comical to see something that is supposed to look like a two people immediately after a date rape when it is obvious that Rya-Rya hasn't taken her clothes off or even has had her hair messed up.