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Rating: 
Summary: The summation of a major cinematic (and cultural) career.
Review: 'Fanny and Alexander' is what a crowning work should be - it is a prism through which all Bergman's work is refracted; the great unifying work to which his films were leading: it is impossible to look now at older Bergmans without seeing intimations of 'Fanny'. It is a tribute to the theatre, dreams, labyrinths, childhood family reunions, costume dramas, old mansions, bric-a-brac, toys; a hymn to Scandanvian cinema, literature and art; a rethinking of 'Wild Strawberries'. Many Bergman films dramatise the torment of the artist, his struggles with himself, his art, his family, his society, his (if there is such a thing) God. 'Fanny' is a portrait of the artist as a young boy, as he struggles with himself, his art, his family, his society, his (if there is such a thing), God. Even Death. We characteristically see Alexander as a putative artist - fibbing, dreaming, playing with his magic lantern, mirrors and miniature theatre - in this way, the unavoidable pains of life can be transcended and subverted, but never defeated, by the labyrinth of Art. Every type of Bergman film is here - sexual comedy, sumptuous period drama, social melodrama, metaphysical allegory, passion of the artist, marital conflict, dream narrative etc. Narrative registers become fluid in an attempt to defeat the rigid, violent dogma of the Bishop. 'Fanny and Alexander' is dense, rich and inexhaustible.
Rating:
Summary: The grand storyteller's epic final Masterpiece....
Review: Fanny and Alexander will transport you through time to the stark contrasts of early twentieth century Sweden. The story of a young boy and his sister living amongst a wealthy, extended theatrical family. Only Bergman could delight us with his clever wit and dialogue mixed with tragedy and triumph. The film explores the never ending moral battle of good versus evil with rich alagorical touches. The sheer complexity and detail this film exudes make all other movies seem like poorly produced toothpaste commercials. Only the great master and his magic lantern can spin a story that can't help but involve even the most cynical filmgoers. Great photography, world class actors and a script worthy of the ages make this film a must see. Don't miss the last full glimpse of Ingmar Bergman's dark and magnificent genius.
Rating:
Summary: True 20th Century Art!
Review: Having very little basis for comparison (since my only prior exposure to Bergman has been The Seventh Seal), I don't feel qualified to judge this film against a "Bergman standard," but I do, however, doubt that he has directed another movie as perfect as Fanny and Alexander (F&A). It is more than worthy of the 4 Oscars, Golden Globe, Guldbagge and BAFTA awards it has received. Classic movies that are great on the whole may suffer from bad acting, directing, or even whole scenes that briefly go out of focus. That, however, is not the case with this film. It draws one in and keeps one alert and interested throughout. The directing and acting is surprisingly good. Mostly superb.
The story revolves around a wealthy Swedish family who run the local theater in Uppsala, and the severe upbringing of siblings F&A in the early 1900's (the story begins on Christmas, 1907).
Bergman seems to have a unique talent of combining drama with horror, fantasy, and comedy--this I also found to be the case with The Seventh Seal, but in F&A, this talent is more strongly presented; one minute you can find yourself laughing at humorous --sometimes obscene-- acts and remarks, and the next you may find yourself feeling choked up or horrified. The film is very strong, very real, and strongly recommended to anyone who wants to experience looking at film on a whole new level.
I cannot complete this review without giving affectionate appreciation to my friend Karen for recommending The Seventh Seal, thus inspiring me to watch this film--thank you.
Rating:
Summary: A Universe of Humanity
Review: I agree ... that Fanny and Alexander is not just a great film, but that it is a career retrospective of Bergman's art encompassing a universe of humanity and the artist's concerns and feelings for all of life.
As such, it is imperative that the US DVD release should not only come soon, but that it should be the complete five hour version released in Europe, but never seen here in the US.
With the Oscar winning art direction, costumes and cinematography, this is Bergman's most luxuriant film that sucks you in with a sweep that never drags. In repeated viewings in theaters and on VHS, I never had a moment of distraction, but always wanted more. Now we can have it, in one of the greatest films of all time.
Rating:
Summary: Powerful
Review: This ORIGINALLY THREE HOUR LONG film was extended for Swedish Television a couple of years after its release. I've seen both versions and must say that the story makes much more sense in the five hour version, and I hope that's the one we eventually will get. However, some stuff (15 to 20 minutes or so) could have been left out in the extended version without having affected the story line, but all shots are nevertheless enchantingly beautiful. Bergman has said that this film (apparently his last for cinema) sums up all his work as a director, and I have no doubt that his career in film couldn't have ended on a higher note. The movie is flawless and powerful, plus on DVD we'll be able to watch it in the widescreen format!
Rating: 
Summary: Bergman's Powerful Farewell
Review: Though I give Fanny and Alexander only 4 stars, I can totally understand reviewers who give it 5 stars. I did so only because I prefer more "artsy" or "ambiguous" Bergman such as Persona or Cries and Whispers. But Fanny and Alexander is by far the best mainstream film I've ever seen, and this is Bergman's most accessible. I can't believe how thoughtful and thought-provoking this film and others like it are, in comparison to average Hollywood fodder. Even young Bertil Guve and Pernilla Allwin give stunning performances as the title characters, portraying emotion and expression as genuinely as any of the adult characters. I won't even begin to analyze the plot, the film being over 3 hrs. long; see it for yourself. I will just say that Fanny and Alexander is among filmdom's best. Kudos to the master for going out in style!
Rating:
Summary: Bergman's sunny Swedish fantasy-memoir is delightful
Review: While Bergman films usually make me want to stick my head in the gas oven, (even during the opening credits) "Fanny and Alexander" is completely different. This is a funny, touching and sometimes fanciful film about the childhood of a boy (Alexander, said to be Ingmar himself) and his sister Fanny. They are two children of a large clan of theatrical people. Funny uncles, amusing fathers, dramatic and sexy moms make for one fun childhood romp. That is, until Daddy dies and we see Alexander in one of the funniest scenes, tromping behind the funeral cortege, muttering Sh*!, Da&n! F*** as a mantra under his breath in march time. Then Mommy, who has only one foot ever so lightly on the ground at any time, marries a dour bishop and the movie begins to look like the seamier parts of "David Copperfield."The film is set in the medieval-looking university town of Uppsala and the city is a wonderful stage for the dramatic events. This film is entirely different from any other of Bergman's, so if you feel he is too depressing (even dangerously so!) then try this film. It is one of my great favorites.
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