Skammen (Swedish, Shame; 1968)
Director: Ingmar Bergman
Another powerful anti-war movie by master film maker which shows the emotional impact of war on human behaviour and relationship. There are many untold subtle messages in the movie that are left to viewers' discretion. And it does aim to solve any of world problems!
Jan and Eva Rosenberg are a childless couple of 7 years' marriage who probably decided to leave the city life, as the were instrument players in the philharmonic orchestra, to live a quiet life near to nature in a lonely island. War, probably civil war, is looming with the sight of flying fighter planes and sounds of gunshots.
The film starts off depicting Jan as a unstable guy who needs prodding and suggestion. Eve, the wife, seem to be losing her patience with his indecision but loves him still the same.
They carry on life, supplying produce to clients. The talk around village is the worsening of war. Many are drafted into army, reluctantly. Jan is exempted for health reasons, with is not told to us.
The passion between the couple is depicted not so much as physical lust but rather small talks about the plans for future, seeing a doctor for fertility and the like.
The war draws near. Fighter planes are seen over their roof and bombs are dropped. The paratrooper is trapped on a tree. Arguments start between them to save him - Jan fearing of being shot and Eve on saving a dying man.
The Rosenbergs were on the brink of leaving their home when enemy soldier intercept them. The faint-hearted Jan faints at sight of soldier, derailing their plan. As the shower of gunpowder continue their shower around the vicinity, the couple make another dash to safety but in vain as their path is blocked by death and destruction. They return home to be accompanied by a barrage of bomb blasts all through the night.
The following morning, they were apprehended by the army for helping the paratroopers. They were interrogated. An acquaintance, Jacobi, a powerful figure in the army releases them. He keeps on visiting them at home with gifts and favours. Jacobi's relationship is more of manipulative than cordial. The Rosenberg's relationship slowly crumbles; with Eva accusing Jan of not standing up and Eva of fawning all over him!
Jacobi even beds the young wife for a bundle of cash! When the army questions Jacobi for corruption, he tries to pay off but the money had been pocketed by Jan.
Jacobi is placed in the firing squad and Jan is ordered to fire the first shot. The usually meek Jan obliges.
With the whole house burnt down by the army, the Rosenberg decide to hitch a boat ride to the mainland with Jacobi's money. We can see Eva slowly crumble under the turn of events. Paradoxically, Jan takes over the rein and takes charge.
The boat that they travel has engine failure and the occupants of the boat float aimlessly with dehydration as the the captain commits suicide due to hopelessness...
Another powerful anti-war movie by master film maker which shows the emotional impact of war on human behaviour and relationship. There are many untold subtle messages in the movie that are left to viewers' discretion. And it does aim to solve any of world problems!
Jan and Eva Rosenberg are a childless couple of 7 years' marriage who probably decided to leave the city life, as the were instrument players in the philharmonic orchestra, to live a quiet life near to nature in a lonely island. War, probably civil war, is looming with the sight of flying fighter planes and sounds of gunshots.
The film starts off depicting Jan as a unstable guy who needs prodding and suggestion. Eve, the wife, seem to be losing her patience with his indecision but loves him still the same.
The passion between the couple is depicted not so much as physical lust but rather small talks about the plans for future, seeing a doctor for fertility and the like.
The war draws near. Fighter planes are seen over their roof and bombs are dropped. The paratrooper is trapped on a tree. Arguments start between them to save him - Jan fearing of being shot and Eve on saving a dying man.
The following morning, they were apprehended by the army for helping the paratroopers. They were interrogated. An acquaintance, Jacobi, a powerful figure in the army releases them. He keeps on visiting them at home with gifts and favours. Jacobi's relationship is more of manipulative than cordial. The Rosenberg's relationship slowly crumbles; with Eva accusing Jan of not standing up and Eva of fawning all over him!
Jacobi even beds the young wife for a bundle of cash! When the army questions Jacobi for corruption, he tries to pay off but the money had been pocketed by Jan.
With the whole house burnt down by the army, the Rosenberg decide to hitch a boat ride to the mainland with Jacobi's money. We can see Eva slowly crumble under the turn of events. Paradoxically, Jan takes over the rein and takes charge.
The boat that they travel has engine failure and the occupants of the boat float aimlessly with dehydration as the the captain commits suicide due to hopelessness...
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