Review of Wild Strawberries (2012) by Scott S — 23 May 2009

Wild Strawberries (1957) -- [6.5] -- With its theme of old-age regrets, "Wild Strawberries" teters on mawkishness, but Victor Sjostrom's reserved performance as Isak keeps the film from getting too cloying.

I had a hard time investing in the episodic narrative, which steers in and out of memories and dreams. Some of the reality-based scenes overstate their purpose, but I admire the dream sequences, especially the first one where Isak is reminded of his mortality.

I also enjoyed the banter between Isak and his long-time housekeeper, Agda, whose faint little smile in her final scene is powerful enough to validate Isak's emotional thaw.