The Other Side of Sunday
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Movie Reviews of The Other Side of Sunday
Movie Review: "Why did God create us so that we must always be asking for his forgiveness?"
Summary: 5 Stars
It's 1959 in Norway, and Maria, daughter of the local priest, is on the cusp of budding young womanhood. But while this lovely film does delve into the awakening of her sexuality, it's even more about her growing awareness of herself as an individual, with thoughts & beliefs of her own. It does so in an understated way, rather than with overwrought melodrama -- the recurring image of the flowing river at twilight is a perfect metaphor here, reflecting Maria's own increasingly restless spirit.
Her only friend & confidante is the older woman who works for the church, Mrs. Tunheim. The two share secrets & laughter, with Mrs. Tunheim revealing herself to be a similar free spirit, one who has been gradually smothered by the pall of shame & guilt & religiosity of her society. Sadly, she feels it's far too late for herself ... but she does her best to encourage & support Maria's own struggling spirit.
Maria's father is strict, but clearly not an evil man. Yet in his adherence to a life-denying worldview, he's created a widening gap between himself & his children. It's heartbreaking to see Maria ask him point blank if he loves her. He takes awhile to answer, and finally responds that of course he does, as God wills. In other words, love as duty & obligation, rather than as something freely given.
Maria's growing rebellion is simple on the surface -- a bit of rock & roll, lipstick, earrings made of milk bottle caps -- but in her private reveries in the forest, her own secret place, she asks difficult questions about the nature of God. And a tragic (but not unexpected) event leads her to make her own choice in a very public way.
There's a good deal of biting humor & painful adolescence here, which anyone remembering the teenaged years will identify with all too ruefully. Maria Theisen is wonderful as Maria, her quiet face filled with emotion. And it's the bittersweet undercurrent that gives the film its real power. Yes, it builds slowly & gradually, but reflects life in doing so -- and the final scene is genuinely life-affirming, in a way that'll leave you smiling. Most highly recommended!
Movie Review: A wonderful movie!
Summary: 5 Stars
This was an incredibly touching video about a girl trying to live how she wants while being smothered by her family's values. It's an intelligent movie, and done extremely well. It is well worth the money for the DVD!I'm not going to summarize this movie, because that's been done, but suffice it to say that if you enjoy dramas, and movies that are based on great plot and charechters, and not millions of dollars in special effects, you will love this movie.
Movie Review: Maria Theisen is a Norwegian princess
Summary: 5 Stars
The story was nice, not spectacular, but because of the pretty Norske girl, I give this movie a 5 star rating. Scandinavian films with Scandinavian heroines are the best!Movie Review: "Guide Me, Kind Light" ~ Being Proud And Stubborn In The Name Of Honesty
Summary: 4 Stars
Note: Presented in Norwegian with English subtitles.
`The Other Side of Sunday' is a slow but ultimately satisfying film from Norway about a intelligent, sensitive and beautiful teenage girl who questions the nature of God as it is mirrored in the lives and attitudes of her Father, the local priest, and the Christian congregation he shepherds. Her interior "crisis of belief" becomes more and more pronounced in her words and activities as her first communion day draws closer. Will she follow her heart and be honest with herself by rejecting what she perceives as misguided faith, or will she bend to the desires of her Father and embrace Jesus and the Church?
Because of the slow pace and quiet demeanor of the film you might have a little difficulty maintaining your interest and focus at first. However if you allow yourself to tune into the storyline and the lovely young actress Marie Theisen you'll eventually find yourself deeply involved in the questioning process along with her. When the film is over one hopefully is left with the message that questioning the articles of faith is a good thing and ultimately one must be true to oneself if life is to have any meaning. Save this one for a quiet, thoughtful evening when you're in the mood to ponder "The Mysteries."
My Rating: -4 ½ Stars-.
Movie Review: good movie, bad DVD
Summary: 3 Stars
This is the second Fox Lorber DVD that I've bought, and both are horrible transfers. The entire movie looks dark, especially compared to the version I saw on DBS, and, if you freeze at any point, the edges of images have ghost images (no pull-down technology?). This is a nice, thoughtful film that deserves better.