Review of Fanny and Alexander (1982) by Tracy S — 13 Feb 2008

I was only lucky enough to see the 3-hour version (come on, Criterion, give us both!), but Bergman's mastery is on display as usual. This is an excellently crafted story, and all the many characters are fully developed and fascinating.

I personally prefer Bergman's ponderous existentialism, but this coming-of-age tale about the rise and fall of fortunes, the blind hatred that only a child can truly achieve, and the guilt that accompanies that hatred's fruition is a very personal and touching portrait of Bergman himself.