Rating: 
Summary: Spring to life and see this picture!
Review:
I'm a tall big 210 pound white dude, and wept like a little baby at the profound conclusion, of this one of the greatest works ever put on celluloid.
Those who've said this work is either minor or unpalpable of Christianity, only display what must be their concerted effort, to remain ignorant of His work.
For 'The Virgin Spring' is ultimately a story of how tribal Norsemen, foregoing their pagan ways in light of our superior Jesus Christ, yielded themselves to the Holy guidance of a chaste and frail young believer. And by the application of their Christain faith, said tribes thrust themselves into the civilized world with such vigor, that today they're regarded as possessing the world's highest standard of living. It's called a 'blessing'.
This captivating story is effective to such a degree, that it begs to steal some of Jesus' thunder in the affirmament. Though I as a Baptist, know better than to give in to such solicitations, for this story adds to Him rather than supplants. And no doubt such an awe inspiring tale came into being, so as to better convey the meaning of Christ to the women folk.
Bergman's treatment is brilliant. The foreboding dark cinematography and sparse dialogue, said to be the result of Kurosawa's influence, does call to mind the likes of 'Rashoman' and 'The Seven Samurai'.
As religious cinema, I feel this work surpasses that of say, 'The Ten Commandmants', as it's shorter and more concise in putting forth its message, and the acting is far better. Then there's its realism; for here are no staffs turned into serpants nor rivers running with blood, yet here are many snakes and the promise of a bloody Holy wrath.
Max Van Sydow is perfectly cast, as a simple and steadfast farmer. One whose enlightenment emboldens, so that he may smite a most deserving enemy, whom by good fortune has stumbled unwittingly into his presence.
And while the vengence extracted seeks to refresh the spirit, the violent justice we see proves anti-climactic. For the miracle, which led me to gush as well, follows shortly thereafter.
'The Virgin Spring' is both memorable and striking as a character illustration; of those whose life is faithfully given in obedience to our Lord Jesus Christ, and of those whose life is fatefully taken for disobedience to same said Savior.
Rating: 
Summary: Good Story
Review: 'The Virgin Spring' is a good story about a father trying to avenge the rape and murder of his daughter. It is a good story, but not something which will blow your mind.
Rating:
Summary: Good Story
Review: 'The Virgin Spring' is a good story about a father trying to avenge the rape and murder of his daughter. It is a good story, but not something which will blow your mind.
Rating:
Summary: Bergman's best.
Review: At least IMHO. Definitely his most accessible and least bogged down by symbolism. Once more, this is one of those films you shouldn't read much on, and just watch. Then read the reviews & commentary. STUDIO: WHERE'S THE DVD???
Rating:
Summary: A Must See Experience
Review: Great photography!
Great Acting!
Great Story!You will find yourself lost in this story about a father's revenge. The actors never let you think for a minute that you are not watching an actual film of medieval times. There are a couple of very violent and disturbing scenes that are necessary for the story. All the lead actors are great. I especially liked the performance of the pregnant brunet girl who is jealous of Karin. The filming makes you feel as if you are recalling a long forgotten memory or dream. Don't pass up the chance to see this film.
Rating:
Summary: A Must See Experience
Review: Great photography!
Great Acting!
Great Story! You will find yourself lost in this story about a father's revenge. The actors never let you think for a minute that you are not watching an actual film of medieval times. There are a couple of very violent and disturbing scenes that are necessary for the story. All the lead actors are great. I especially liked the performance of the pregnant brunet girl who is jealous of Karin. The filming makes you feel as if you are recalling a long forgotten memory or dream. Don't pass up the chance to see this film.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Introduction to Bergman style
Review: Most Bergman novitiates will probably start with "The Seventh Seal," but "The Virgin Spring" is one of his most easily approachable films and a good intro for those unfamiliar with Bergman's ouevre. The film has more plot than later Bergman works, which makes it accesible for American audiences (indeed it won the Academy Award for Best foreign film). The story concerns the rape and murder of a young girl on her way to church, and the revenge exacted on her killers by the girl's family. Bergman took the idea from a Swedish folk ballad and transformed it into a dark medieval tale of murder, vengeance, religion, and finally, redemption and forgiveness. The film contains many items which are hallmarks of the Bergman style (overt use of symbolism, the questions of faith and the existence of God) as well as marking the early work of the incredible Sven Nykvist, Bergman's chief cinematographer. The scenes of violence are contrasted with scenes of tranquil beauty (Karin riding through the forest, the final tableau). Many critics regard this as a minor work in the Bergman canon. While that may be, it remains a dark, beautiful entry in a challenging body of work. It may be minor, but it's still Bergman.
Rating:
Summary: BEFORE IN THE BEDROOM THERE WAS THIS MASTERPIECE
Review: The similarities between In the Bedroom and The Virgin Spring are uncanny, considering that Bedroom is not based on this story of a parental revenge. I've seen The Virgin Spring several times and I never get tired of it. There is always something new to discover in it. When Ingmar Bergman is good, he is great. When he is great, he is incomparable. This is one of his greatest creations. The black and white cinematography is stunning. In addition to the visual beauty of this film, the story is so compelling, so devastating ultimately, that I defy anyone who
does not cry from the soul in the end. This is a movie made by a master. It is one of the two or three best movies about the so-called dark ages that I have seen. One of the others is The Seventh Seal, also by Bergman coincidentally, which explores life, death, faith, justice, cruelty, revenge, and, of course the transcendental power of love. In The Virgin Spring, Bergman explores all of these and other related themes with such brilliance that he has managed to create a film that is completely entertaining, enlightening and spiritually uplifting. I can't boast about it enough. Do yourself a favor and get this movie, I assure you you will never forget it!
Rating:
Summary: A perfect film : a monumental masterpiece !
Review: The virgin spring is a milestone in the cinema story . The portrait of a faithful child (15) who one day decides to make her religious duties . She is dressed beatifully for her beloved parents and in the midle of the forest is raped for three nasty men .
But the days have shortened for these miserables and the long arm of the fate will be back them to pay hostage precisely in her house . Without knowing , her father gives them the best attention and invites them to dinner and eventually to sleep from that long journey . But suddenly he observes a pledge of her daughter in their sleep bag . Finally he will notice about who they are and the revenge will be made with all the possible rage you can imagine .
The poetic violence has never shown so plenty of urgence , artistic commitment and brutal sadism as in this case .
There are terrible forces in the nature human , and it is difficult to predict how far can be the fury of a peaceful and devoted man .
The last sequence is simply arresting and even you leave the film with a bitter sensation of injustice and satisfaction for the justified revenge ; you will reconciliate with the life when you watch this ending image .
One of the top films of Bergman . Another winner film whic deserved received the Academy Award as Best Foreign Film in 1960 .
A classic , timeless and unforgettable movie .
Rating:
Summary: One of Bergman's Best
Review: This film (which won Best Foreign Film at the '59 Oscars) has to be considered one of Bergman;s best films. It has only minor references to the Christian church, but the scene where Max Von Sydow tries to take down the tree by himself is the highlight scene of the movie. A must see!
|
