Wild Strawberries

Not what I expected. For some reason I thought this was going to be a type of A Christmas Carol, exploring the redemption of a cold, heartless man. 

But this was no Phantom Carriage Victor Sjöström.  His Dr. Isak Borg wasn't cruel or vindictive, nor was he without feeling, but a man without the faculties or inclination to explore them. He wasn’t even completely isolated as his housekeeper fulfilled his need for interaction--two quietly contented individuals. I didn't feel the cold from him, but instead a pale warmth that needed memories and exchanges to spark the embers and stoke the heat of living--stirring up the pain and the joy. 

I disagreed with Marianne, and I think she came to the same realization as I did by the end. She was wrong about Dr. Borg's mother as well. Beneath the well worn pathways of complaints, was an interesting woman who was lonely and had a lifetime of experiences to share if someone would just stay for a while. Even inside Dr. Evald Borg smoldered some heat, mostly from pain, but also for love of Marianne. Truly an affirming film watching experience.

The Seventh Seal

Four Approaches to Death

Karin:
With Serenity
"Quiet, quiet."
Corresponding Quote: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you." John 14:27

Antonius Block:
With Searching
"Out of our darkness we call to thee, O Lord!"
Corresponding Quote: "I believe; help thou in mine unbelief."  Mark 9:24

Girl:
With Anticipation
"It is finished."
Corresponding Quote: "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7

Jöns:
With Pragmaticism
"In the darkness where you say you are there is none to listen to our lament."
Corresponding Quote: "It is far better to grasp the Universe as it really is than to persist in delusion, however satisfying and reassuring." Carl Sagan



The film leaves me with the question, which one am I? Maybe, depending on the day, I've been each one of them. The Seventh Seal has been a very satisfying and thought provoking film and deserves nominations and awards sent its way.