Rating: 
Summary: Warms the heart
Review: A sweet film set in the lush Swedish countryside of 1956. It tells the story of a kind-hearted, lonely and illiterate Swedish farmer, Olof, now 40 years old, who has never had a female companion. He decides that the time has come to look for a woman and places an ad in the paper for a housekeeper. The beautiful Ellen Lind, played by Helena Bergström, answers the call and sets herself up as a housekeeper in his dilapidated old farmhouse. With the two of them all alone in the house, things are bound to happen.Olof's young friend Erik, played by Johan Widerberg,is suspicious of this woman. He too has fallen for her. What could she possibly see in Olof, he wonders - and he has no compunctions about voicing his reservations out loud. Eric is an unpleasant man, clearly up to no good. There is an interesting, manipulative, almost abusive relationship between him and Olof. Clearly, he is trying to prevent Olof from obtaining happiness, so he can keep using him and controlling him. Or is it so clear? Is he merely looking out for his well being? Though the film is definitely on the sentimental side, the character of Erik creates a centre of tension that kept me on edge the whole time. All the characters are deep and well thought out, they all make perfect sense. They ring true. Rolf Lassgård in the part of Olof perhaps over acted a bit, but not to the extent that would put me off from watching. It's a warm film, a film that might leave you feeling just a bit more hopeful about humanity. And that's not such a bad thing, is it?
Rating:
Summary: Warms the heart
Review: A sweet film that is set in 1956 in the lush Swedish countryside. It tells the story of a kind-hearted, lonely and illiterate Swedish farmer, Olof, now 40 years old, who has never had a female companion. He decides that the time has come to look for a woman and places an ad in the paper for a housekeeper. The beautiful Ellen Lind, played by Helena Bergström, answers the call and sets herself up as a housekeeper in his dilapidated old farmhouse. With the two of them all alone in the house, things are bound to happen. Olof's young friend Erik, played by Johan Widerberg,is suspicious of this woman. He too has fallen for her. What could she possibly see in Olof, he wonders - and he has no compunctions about voicing his reservations out loud. Eric is an unpleasant man, clearly up to no good. There is an interesting, manipulative, almost abusive relationship between him and Olof. Clearly, he is trying to prevent Olof from obtaining happiness, so he can keep using him and controlling him. Or is it so clear? Is he merely looking out for his well being? Though the film is definitely on the sentimental side, the character of Erik creates a centre of tension that kept me on edge the whole time. All the characters are deep and well thought out, they all make perfect sense. They ring true. Rolf Lassgård in the part of Olof perhaps over acted a bit, but not to the extent that would put me off from watching. It's a warm film, a film that might leave you feeling just a bit more hopeful about humanity. And that's not such a bad thing, is it?
Rating:
Summary: Warms the heart
Review: A sweet film, set in the lush Swedish countryside of 1956. It tells the story of a kind-hearted, lonely and illiterate Swedish farmer, now 40 years old, who has never had a female companion. He decides that the time has come to look for a woman and places an ad in the paper for a housekeeper. The beautiful Ellen Lind, played by Helena Bergström, answers the call and sets herself up as a housekeeper in his dilapidated old farmhouse. With the two of them all alone in the house, things are bound to happen. Olof's young friend Erik, played by Johan Widerberg,is suspicious of this woman. What could she possibly see in Olof, he wonders - and he has no compunctions about voicing his reservations out loud. Eric is an unpleasant man, clearly up to no good. There is an interesting, manipulative, almost abusive relationship between him and Olof. Clearly, he is trying to prevent Olof from obtaining happiness, so he can keep using him and controlling him. Or is it so clear? Is he merely looking out for his well being? Though the film is definitely on the sentimental side, the character of the Erik creates a centre of tension that kept me on edge the whole time. All the characters are deep and well thought out, they all make perfect sense. They ring true. Rolf Lassgård in the part of Olof perhaps over acted a bit, but not to the extent that would put me off from watching. It's a film that might leave you just a little more hopeful about humanity. And that's not such a bad thing, is it?
Rating:
Summary: The Sun-dappled Swedish countryside lights up this film....
Review: A wonderful, heart-warming story about an aging, simple-minded farmer who has never known love, and the woman he meets when he decides that if he doesn't try it once, he might never know love at all.... The actors are uniformly sweet and engaging, and the story plays itself out slowly and calmly. This is a little Swedish vacation, into the past and the countryside, and the simple life of a good-hearted farming man. Gorgeous cinematography. And wonderful details... it was great to see the traditional Mora clock, quietly ticking away, and reminding our dear farmer that life is short, and he should take life by the reigns and do his best. He does, and it's lovely. Those who love this film should see "House of Angels," another of Nutley's quiet gems. Recommended.
Rating: 
Summary: A wonderful story of romantic innocence!!!
Review: I saw this movie (subtitled) at the Cinequest film fest a while back and still feel it's one of the BEST films I've seen -EVER! The cinematography makes you feel as if you are there. The characters are great -shy, caring, awkward. You become absorbed in their experiences and the suspense as their relationships change and transmute. I can hardly wait to see it again. I highly recommend this film.
Rating:
Summary: Under the Sun (Under Solen)
Review: I saw this movie in the original Swedish two years ago, and I only have a basic grasp of Swedish. I absolutely ADORED this movie, and have not be able to WAIT until I could get it with the English subtitles. Even without having a total knowledge of the Swedish language, the acting and direction in this movie are so good, I STILL knew what was going on at all times. If you care anything for "the olden days" in the "old country," I recommend you get this movie. I thought it was fantastic. Colin Nutley is the greatest!
Rating:
Summary: Swedish summer, love, friendship, and a letter...
Review: In the beginning of the summer Olof (Rolf Lassgård), a big farmer, decides to hire a maid through the personals in a local newspaper, but in actuality he is looking for companionship. Awkwardly Olof approaches the whole matter with difficulty as he is illiterate for which he suffers in silent shame. Despite his anxiety he goes through the process with the whole village being aware of his add in the personals. Olof receives two responses, but he responds to the letter from the beautiful Ellen (Helena Bergström) as it contains a photo. When Ellen arrives Olof is extremely nervous as he doubts that she will take the job as a maid. However, she is willing to take the job without delay to Olof's astonishment. Olof's friend, Erik (Johan Widerberg), is on the other hand very suspicious about Ellen and what her scheme is as she seems to be out of her environment. Under the Sun is a warm and sensitive film about insecurities and love as the audience ventures with Olof through his social dilemmas. This social journey is enhanced by Rolf Lassgård's amazing performance as the big farmer that has a very limited life experience from outside the farm. A trademark for Nutley's films is the amazing shots of scenery which are apparent in this film. One could say that Nutley basically brings summer to the audience as he provides a brilliant cinematic experience in Under the Sun.
Rating:
Summary: Swedish summer, love, friendship, and a letter...
Review: In the beginning of the summer Olof (Rolf Lassgård), a big farmer, decides to hire a maid through the personals in a local newspaper, but in actuality he is looking for companionship. Awkwardly Olof approaches the whole matter with difficulty as he is illiterate for which he suffers in silent shame. Despite his anxiety he goes through the process with the whole village being aware of his add in the personals. Olof receives two responses, but he responds to the letter from the beautiful Ellen (Helena Bergström) as it contains a photo. When Ellen arrives Olof is extremely nervous as he doubts that she will take the job as a maid. However, she is willing to take the job without delay to Olof's astonishment. Olof's friend, Erik (Johan Widerberg), is on the other hand very suspicious about Ellen and what her scheme is as she seems to be out of her environment. Under the Sun is a warm and sensitive film about insecurities and love as the audience ventures with Olof through his social dilemmas. This social journey is enhanced by Rolf Lassgård's amazing performance as the big farmer that has a very limited life experience from outside the farm. A trademark for Nutley's films is the amazing shots of scenery which are apparent in this film. One could say that Nutley basically brings summer to the audience as he provides a brilliant cinematic experience in Under the Sun.
Rating:
Summary: Swedish summer, love, friendship, and a letter...
Review: In the beginning of the summer Olof (Rolf Lassgård), a big farmer, decides to hire a maid through the personals in a local newspaper, but in actuality he is looking for companionship. Awkwardly Olof approaches the whole matter with difficulty as he is illiterate for which he suffers in silent shame. Despite his anxiety he goes through the process with the whole village being aware of his add in the personals. Olof receives two responses, but he responds to the letter from the beautiful Ellen (Helena Bergström) as it contains a photo. When Ellen arrives Olof is extremely nervous as he doubts that she will take the job as a maid. However, she is willing to take the job without delay to Olof's astonishment. Olof's friend, Erik (Johan Widerberg), is on the other hand very suspicious about Ellen and what her scheme is as she seems to be out of her environment. Under the Sun is a warm and sensitive film about insecurities and love as the audience ventures with Olof through his social dilemmas. This social journey is enhanced by Rolf Lassgård's amazing performance as the big farmer that has a very limited life experience from outside the farm. A trademark for Nutley's films is the amazing shots of scenery which are apparent in this film. One could say that Nutley basically brings summer to the audience as he provides a brilliant cinematic experience in Under the Sun.
Rating:
Summary: "This house needs a woman's touch"
Review: Set in the Swedish countryside during the 1950's, UNDER THE SUN is a story about friendship, betrayal, and love. Olof is a simple farmer who has been living alone since his mother passed away nine years old. His only friend, Erik, is a slick twenty-something who takes advantage of Olof's friendship and his inability to read. In an effort for female company Olof puts an ad in the paper for a young cleaning woman (photograph requested). Ellen, an exquisite and beautiful bombshell, answers Olof's ad with a desire to live in the country. She has a challenge ahead of her, as Olof's house is completely dirty. But while she begins her cleaning tasks she is frequently interrupted by the longing stares and conversation of Olof and Erik. Both seem to be unable to resist her charm and beauty. As a result of Ellen, Olof and Erik's friendship is strained. Ellen doesn't believe Erik's actions are altruistic while Erik questions the intentions of Ellen. As the film progresses both men fall in love with Ellen which only complicates their lives. The cinematography is beautiful. Situated in the Swedish countryside with rolling green hills and winding roads that appear to go nowhere, the viewer is easily entranced with the landscape. Hallmarks of life in Scandinavia are plenty. Set during the summertime the character go to bed at 9pm while the sun still shines. Despite the cinematography the significance of the intermediate shots of fighter jets and planes in the sky lost me. I could not make a connection between those scenes and the film itself. Regardless, UNDER THE SUN is a touching film.
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