ALL THINGS FAIR
A film review by Ben Hoffman
Copyright 1996 Ben Hoffman
The story takes place in Malmo, Sweden, in 1943, a couple of years before WW II came to an end. Although Sweden is neutral, it has a submarine, WOLF, which it sends out on a shakedown cruise.
Back in Malmo, the school term has begun. A new teacher has been hired. She is Viola (Marika Lagercrantz), a 37-year-old pretty woman who has had much difficulty since she married Frank (Tomas Von Brmssen) a traveling salesman who is not much good at his job, is also an alcoholic who never stops drinking. In addition, he is wont to go to bed with other women despite his being married.
Viola's students are about 15 years old. One of them is a tall handsome blond boy, Stig, (Johan Widerberg, who happens to be the son of the film director). Despite the age difference of 22 years, Viola seduces Stig to the point where neither can think of much else but going to bed. As one might anticipate there will be no happy ending to the people involved.
Stig has a next door neighbor, a pretty, wholesome-looking girl, Lisbet (Karin Huldt), the same age as Stig on whom she has a strong crush. Poor Lisbet is heartbroken because although she throws herself on Stig he appears to be entirely disinterested.
Others in the cast are Sig's brother, Sigge, (Bjrn Kjellman) who has enlisted to sail on the submarine. Their mother is played by Nina Gunke.
The film contains much frontal nudity.
Directed by Bo Widerberg who also wrote and edited the film. If he had deleted about 10 minutes' worth of film, (128 minutes) it would not have hurt. Despite that, it is an excellent film, highly recommended. Among Widerberg's many films, perhaps the best known is the fine Elvira Madigan, made some 9 years ago.
In Swedish with English subtitles
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Ben Hoffman
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