Viewed: 08 April 2006
Directed by: Lasse Hallström
Listed in: Movies, Other, Criterion Collection

Ingemar, a young boy, must “come of age” when he is sent to live with an Uncle in a Swedish country town, while his Mother is ill and dying. Ingemar, himself is fascinated by death and vis-a-vie life. He reflects frequently in voice over narration on freak accidents and fail record attempts. He sympathizes greatly with Laika, a dog the Russians sent into space to ultimately die. Heavy stuff for a 12 year old, but he is Swedish. The film is mostly a life-reaffirming country summer of numerous hijinks and discoveries. It’s comforting like a warm blanket on a cold starry night.