Reviews

While this film provides a mildly interesting view of life in northern Sweden, there are plot holes you could drive a truck through. In particular, character motivation is incomprehensible. Why does this world famous musician retire to his childhood home which he hated? This is never really explained, and it is an important point. He could go anywhere in the world he chooses, so why go to this cold Swedish hell? Not explained. Why does he agree to direct a choir when all he wants to do is "listen?" Again, no convincing explanation. What the heck is physically wrong with him? We are told "heart problems" yet we see him smeared with blood on several occasions (looks more like TB than heart problems) and there appears to be no attempt at medical treatment or self-care. He seems to have no idea of his own physical limitations or to take the most basic steps towards remaining alive. So is he suicidal or what? Again, there is a large plot element focused on domestic violence, but the police are not called in until very late, and there is no real reason why not. Etc. etc. The film makes some lame attempt to answer these and other questions, but the result is unconvincing and unsatisfying. Thumbs down, an insult to viewers' intelligence.