If you're searching for a historical period piece on Sweden's social history,or just hanker for a well written,directed,photographed & acted drama on family bonds,'Maria Larssons Eviga Ogonblick',or as it is being distributed in English speaking countries as 'Everlasting Moments' is the film for you. Sweden's Jan Troell (known in the U.S. for his 1971 film,'The Emigrants')directs,co-writes the screenplay (with Niklas Randstrom & Agneta Ulfsater Troell,based on a story by Ulfsater Troell),and photographs (with assistance from Mischa Gavrjusjov)this love letter to photography. The story concerns several years in the life of a housewife,named Maria Larsson (a care worn looking Maria Heiskanen),her mean,brute of an alcoholic husband,Sigge (Mikael Persbrandt),and their brood of children (with the narrative being told by their daughter,Maja (played by Callin Orhvall). Maria has won a camera in a lottery,and after is sits around for several years,is finally used for family portraits,special events,etc.,much to the chagrin of her controlling husband. What I truly admired about this film is that,in addition to being a chronicle of the tempestuous lives of the family,also acts as a history of Swedish social history as a backdrop (much like Bertolucci's '1900'). This is Swedish film making at it's best (it's a delight to look at,especially on a full screen,as well as it's story telling abilities). Well worth seeking out. Spoken in Swedish & Finnish with English subtitles. Not rated by the MPAA,this film has raunchy language,sexuality,and some disturbing moments of spouse abuse that will upset some,as well as pervasive alcoholism. Leave junior home.
Review of Everlasting Moments
