Scandinavian Cinema
'Scandinavian' is an Alice grouping which includes Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark and Iceland. To find films from one of these countries specifically use the 'By Country' link on the left hand menu.
From the sublime to the ridiculous; from Bergman to Lars von Trier, there is something in this section for everyone.
Films from this region are often deeply personal and have a brutal honesty about them. Characters are often deeply flawed or troubled but not judged. The Dogme 95 collective (founded by Lars von Trier and Thomas Vinterberg) exemplifies this attitude in their manifesto. Not just the stories but the film-making process itself is absolutely 'no frills'. (Visit www.dogme95.dk for more details.)
Other notables in this section include the quirky Finlander, Aki Kaurismaki, Fridrik Thor Fridrikkson from Iceland and Norwegian, Erik Skjoldjaerg.
Pictured: "It's one of the most delicious parts I've ever played. I've never been such a bastard before." Stellan Skaarsgard on his role in the rivetting 'Zero Kelvin'
Bedroom Mazurka (1970)
4.8/10
Director: John Hilbard
Starring: Ole Soeltoft, Birte Tove
Max (Ole Soeltoft) is the popular teacher at a public school who needs a new schoolmaster. In an effort to entice him to take the vacated position, th... Read more
The Passion of Anna (1970)
7.8/10
Director: Ingmar Bergman
Starring: Max von Sydow, Liv Ullmann, Bibi Andersson, Erland Josephson
A stark, psychological drama from Ingmar Bergman starring Max von Sydow as a former convict living on an isolated island farmhouse who becomes involve... Read more
Skammen ( aka Shame ) (1968)
Director: Ingmar Bergman
Starring: Liv Ullmann, Max von Sydow, Gunnar Bjornstrand
Powerful, brilliantly acted drama examines how married concert violinists are morally challenged by a civil war that rages across their island. One of... Read more
Hour of the Wolf (1968)
7.7/10
Director: Ingmar Bergman
Starring: Max von Sydow, Liv Ullmann, Erland Josephson
This surreal Gothic drama by Swedish master Ingmar Bergman stars Max von Sydow as Johan, a troubled artist who is literally haunted by demons from his... Read more
Elvira Madigan (1967)
7.5/10
Director: Bo Widerberg
Starring: Pia Degermark, Thommy Berggren
Is a simple and tragic story of a young Swedish officer who falls in love with a beautiful circus performer. Outstanding photography makes this film.... Read more
Persona (1966)
8.1/10
Director: Ingmar Bergman
Starring: Liv Ullmann, Bibi Andersson, Gunnar Bjornstrand, Jorgen Lindstrom
'Persona' is recognised as Bergman's most extraordinary and influential film, it is a rich and poetic study of womanhood and identity. Elizabeth (Liv... Read more
Loving Couples (1964)
6.6/10
Director: Mai Zetterling
Starring: Harriet Andersson, Gunnel Lindblom, Eva Dahlbeck
Three expectant mothers think back over their sex lives. Read more
Gertrud (1964)
7.5/10
Director: Carl Theodor Dreyer
Starring: Nina Pens Rode, Bendt Rothe
Acclaimed director Carl Dreyer's ('The Passion of Joan of Arc') final film, 'Gertrud' is the story of a woman's search for a romantic ideal of total a... Read more
Essential Bergman: The Faith Trilogy - Through A Glass Darkly / Winter Light / The Silence (1963)
Director: Ingmar Bergman
Starring: Harriet Andersson, Gunnar Bjornstrand, Gunnel Lindblom, Ingrid Thulin, Max von S...
This 3 disc box set contains three of Bergman's signature dramas, exploring themes of alienation and faith. In 'Through a Glass Darkly', he confronts... Read more
Winter Light (1963)
8.1/10
Director: Ingmar Bergman
Starring: Ingrid Thulin, Max von Sydow, Gunnar Bjornstrand
This chilling and powerful story of despair is the second of Bergman's trilogy (the others two being "The Silence" and "Through a Glass Darkly") and f... Read more