Films with intrigues related to death and passion usually enable character actors/actresses to show their talent in full - even if the plot leaves to be desired. This is also the case here, with Stockholm Östra, where Mikael Persbrandt and Iben Hjejle, above all, give convincing and profound performances. The script, however, has questionable moments, even when considering the events happening in modern world with Internet and yellow press included; behaviours of characters are logical, but expected, paving the way for trivial ending. General mood is oppressive and hectic, thus the film is not for everyone, but those fond of Persbrandt and Hjejle do not feel disappointed, although their roles here are not among the best ones.
8 Reviews
Slow moving - interesting plot.
paulron-584494 April 2024
Swedish cinema has largely dipped over the previous 20 years due to the expansion of several internationally successful TV series, stars and directors heading for Hollywood, along with a certain identity crisis following the passing of Ingmar Bergman.
This short, slightly Bergmanesque movie from 2011 has recently been pushed on Netflix so I gave it a watch. Despite no recognisable stars, limited location shooting and a slow, darkish feel the film does work on a basic level. It's the storyline that was always going to cause problems for the viewing public. Some may find it somewhat taboo, weird or even disturbing and disgusting, others, boring or unrealistic. Whatever your views, on one level this is a tragic love story which I personally believe is not entirely unrealistic; on another, it does pose some questions about morality, a certain emotional emptiness and sparseness of direction.
It cannot be classed as an Arthouse film, although it sometimes would like to swing in that direction. The two main characters, Anna and Johann are two ordinary people plunged into a nightmare situation that they both try to deal with in their own, individual way. They are both vulnerable, depressed and with other partners. This is a slow burning relationship that develops organically - but obviously heading for disaster from the start.
The movie is slow, dark and depressive at times, despite some almost forced happy scenes between the couple. This overall black mood is in line with the script, however, some of the acting is fairly amateurish at times. Worth a watch for the individualistic script.
This short, slightly Bergmanesque movie from 2011 has recently been pushed on Netflix so I gave it a watch. Despite no recognisable stars, limited location shooting and a slow, darkish feel the film does work on a basic level. It's the storyline that was always going to cause problems for the viewing public. Some may find it somewhat taboo, weird or even disturbing and disgusting, others, boring or unrealistic. Whatever your views, on one level this is a tragic love story which I personally believe is not entirely unrealistic; on another, it does pose some questions about morality, a certain emotional emptiness and sparseness of direction.
It cannot be classed as an Arthouse film, although it sometimes would like to swing in that direction. The two main characters, Anna and Johann are two ordinary people plunged into a nightmare situation that they both try to deal with in their own, individual way. They are both vulnerable, depressed and with other partners. This is a slow burning relationship that develops organically - but obviously heading for disaster from the start.
The movie is slow, dark and depressive at times, despite some almost forced happy scenes between the couple. This overall black mood is in line with the script, however, some of the acting is fairly amateurish at times. Worth a watch for the individualistic script.
Disturbing plot
konbirbili21 February 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I found the protagonists as a representation of pure evil. The plot unhuman and deeply disturbing. I really cannot bring myself to relate with these people. I wish that I had never seen the movie.
Spoilers ahead
A grieving mother falls in love with another man.
Then she also becomes pregnant with his child.
The man has lied about his true identity. He is the one who killed her child.
Nevertheless she forgives him, betrays her husbant and in the end they live happily ever after.
Soul Food for A Broken Heart
jsrobinson13217 September 2014
Warning: Spoilers
When I first read the synopsis for this film in the movie guide, I was intrigued but sceptical, wondering how something this profound could even be possible: "A year after Johan accidentally killed Anna's daughter, they meet in a Stockholm East train station. She doesn't recognise him and the two begin a passionate relationship built on solace." Yet as the storyline unfolded, I could feel myself empathising with the main characters. Anna and Johan would quite probably never have met in normal circumstances but because of a split second moment in time neither of them should ever have had to experience – an event neither of them had any control over – their destinies were already intensely linked. I could sympathise with Anna's lies – the only way to keep harsh reality from her door and that dream alive after her husband's refusal to speak of what happened – and understand Johan's silence after her first revelation – that overwhelming desire to be there and somehow make it up to her when anyone else in his position would have run the other way. I found myself walking in their shoes over and over again and could fully understand why they felt drawn to one another – and why such a scenario was even possible. The dialogue at both the beginning and the end was a delightful silhouette of Johan's thoughts whilst he was processing that dreadful guilt. Watching it unfold, I found the chemistry between them was almost tangible and being a true romantic and a published writer of contemporary women's novels based along similar tragic story lines, I found my heart crying out for them both during those two separate monumental choices each was faced with towards the end of the film. I thought it was a gentle film showing two people with deep-seated hurts finding solace in a tender friendship that took them down a road to love and eventual healing. I could only ever rate it as a 10 after coming away with an ache in my heart and a deep-seated satisfaction in my soul.
Well paced with sympathetic acting and direction..
PeterS4719 February 2021
I enjoyed both the acting, which was under-played and empathetic from the leads and the direction which was in no hurry but, nevertheless, was far from languid. It was an interesting tale that explored the human condition and its many contradictions, especially where love and loss are involved.
Disappointed
sofioflatte17 December 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I tried to like this movie but I couldn't. The music was fine. Same with the performances but the storyline was really bad. I mean.... It's so unrealistic. There's no way the mother forgave the man who killed her daughter so fast. And not only that but she decides to disrespect her husband be pregnant with this man's baby ! Like what ? I couldn't believe it... also the fact that the man followed the grieving mother everywhere trying to "accidentally" meet her was seriously creepy.
I felt so bad for the man's partner too.
In conclusion, I wouldn't recommend the movie. It's really slow with a bad and unrealistic ending.
I felt so bad for the man's partner too.
In conclusion, I wouldn't recommend the movie. It's really slow with a bad and unrealistic ending.
A lovely film
Vindelander27 December 2021
Very interesting storyline which makes this an intriguing and sensitive film. Strong cast with excellent performances by all four of the main characters with direction and script to match. I found the whole production very moving.
Glad I saw it and will watch again.
Glad I saw it and will watch again.
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