Bibi Andersson - Sara
Ingrid Thulin - Maranine Borg
Ingmar Bergman (Director)
This is the second of Bergman film I have ever watched. The first being The Seventh Seal. I watched that film when I was much younger and to be truthful I don't remember that much about it. Now, after having seen Wild Strawberries, I must go back and re-watch that film.
Wild Strawberries is a story about an aging doctor, Isak Borg, that has to travel to his boyhood home to receive an honorary degree from the university. Along the way he discovers quite a few things about himself, his family, and life in general.
His daughter-in-law rides with him and divulges some intimate secrets to him such as she is pregnant and that his only son despises him. They stop along the way and the doctor has a flashback to his youth where in his first and true love rejects him for his brother. Once back on the road they pick up some stranded teens and give them a ride. The youngsters remind Borg of the innocence of youth. Another stop on the journey is to the doctors mothers house where he see all the bitterness and disillusion in him manifested in his mother. Yet again they stop and provide assistance to a married couple that nearly caused a car crash with them. This couple bickers and spews forth such bile towards one another that Maranine pulls over and kicks them out. Both Maranine and Dr Borg can't help but think of their failing or failed marital relationships.
Finally they arrive at the university and the ceremony begins. This grand occasion that all has been looking forward to ends up being a an empty and non-redeeming event. A formality without grandeur. Not at all the fulfilling and justification the doctor has been looking for.
The end of the film is bittersweet in that I believe the doctor has learned the error of his ways and intends to correct what rights he can. But he is clearly now in the autumn of his days and perhaps it is to late to enjoy life and provide grace to those around him.
This is an extraordinarily existential film, but I was amazed at how accessible it was. There are some great dream sequences and flashbacks that are haunting and tender. I got the feeling that this isn't an art film at all. This is a commercial film. I believe the movie intends to entertain and enlighten. I wish more modern films could take this approach.
Finally I recognized several moments that had been "borrowed" by Woody Allen. The entire plot is basically the premise for Woody's "Deconstructing Harry". A film that I champion and believe is one of Woody's most under appreciated piece of work. I place it high among his best films.
I give Wild Strawberries ★★★★. Check out the Trailer Park to see for yourself. This film is available on Netflix Watch Instantly.
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