Fanny and Alexander has such a great feel to it, unlike anything else I've seen. The characters are so intriguing and I love that it has elements of so many genres. I feel completely immersed in another world and want to watch it again and again. The feature length DVD is a nice addition, because of Bertil Guve's picture on the cover, but will probably never be watched. While I haven't watched the extras yet, I look forward to it!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
A slow and emotional drama, it may be dismissed as a classist 1st world existential blabber, if not for the incredible cinematography, characters and acting. The story is kind of simple and slow, but what actually caught my attention was the supernatural hints that appear since the very beginning. It even has some ominous ghost scenes that may be interpreted as horror, depending on your level of empathy with the characters. This movie combines drama, joy and horror in such subtle ways that it is amazing how you keep on watching it even when you believe that nothing is happening. This truly is a Bergman masterpiece.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Bergman is at his personal best with Fanny and Alexander. After watching the five hours of purely literary film, one comes away with the feeling of having read an entire novel with amazingly dynamic characters and beautiful imagery. It is truly the best film I've ever seen, and that's not the slightest exaggeration. I bought the full five-hour Criterion set because I'd already rented the "theatrical cut" (a mere three hours long) and felt that there was certainly something missing. As Bergman himself said about the arduous editing process, he was "cutting into the very lifeblood of the film." Highly recommended for anyone interested in real cinema. (And the disc came in spectacular shape as well, which was much appreciated.)
Having previously seen most of Bergman's movies (Ingmar not Ingrid!!) this was one of his better known that I had never seen. The 5-hour TV version builds slowly during episode one but halfway through was hooked. Excellent performances all round with some familiar faces from Bergman's other films. Was pleasantly surprised that the Region 1 DVDs are in fact Region free and will play on any DVD or Blu-Ray player unlike the recently released Blu-Ray version which is Region 1 locked (reportedly!). Nothing to dislike - excellent production from a master of cinema. Should the Blu-Ray version be region free will definitely buy on Blu-Ray.
Amazingly good film, all around. If I had made this film, I would announce my retirement just as did Mr Bergman . . . as it seems there is no possible way this production could ever be topped! (Then he made another film after all.)
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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