“Smiles of a Summer Night” is a classic Swedish comedy romp set in the 19th century. It tells the story of various couples intertwining their love lives over the course of one hazy summer’s night at a country estate. There are betrayals, trysts, and duels galore as each character navigates their own desires and societal expectations. The film is witty, charming, and full of cheeky innuendos that will have you grinning from ear to ear.
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Review
In the hands of the legendary Swedish director Ingmar Bergman, the movie “Smiles of a Summer Night” is a masterpiece that would make Gabriel Garcia Marquez proud. This delightful film showcases Bergman’s skill in creating a witty and sophisticated comedy that never takes itself too seriously.
The story is set in the early 20th century, in a small Swedish town where everyone seems to be having an illicit affair with someone else’s spouse. Frederik Egerman (Gunnar Bjornstrand) is a middle-aged lawyer who has recently married a teenage virgin, Anne (Ulla Jacobsson), but finds himself still infatuated with his former mistress, Desiree Armfeldt (Eva Dahlbeck), an actress who has returned to town with her own romantic entanglements.
Desiree’s current lover is Count Malcolm (Jarl Kulle), a military man who seems more interested in his own ego than in her happiness. Meanwhile, another couple, Petra (Harriet Andersson) and Henrik (Bjorn Bjelfvenstam), are trying to figure out their own feelings for each other, despite being involved with different partners.
As the characters navigate these complicated relationships, Bergman infuses every scene with clever dialogue, unexpected plot twists, and subtle commentary on human sexuality and morality. He also manages to capture the beauty of Sweden’s idyllic countryside and create a charming atmosphere that makes us feel like we’re spending a summer night watching these characters’ lives unfold.
One of the most memorable scenes in the movie is when all the characters gather for a dinner party at Desiree’s mother’s estate. The tension and jealousy between Frederik and Count Malcolm are palpable as they try to outdo each other with speeches and flirtations towards Desiree. Meanwhile, Petra shocks everyone by revealing her true feelings for Henrik through a song that becomes one of the most iconic moments in film history.
The performances by the cast are superb, especially Dahlbeck and Kulle, who infuse their characters with a sense of wit and vulnerability that makes us care about them despite their flaws. Andersson also shines as the impulsive Petra, while Jacobsson brings a quiet strength to Anne that makes her more than just a naive young girl.
The movie’s popularity has endured over the years thanks to its timeless themes of love, desire, and human nature. It has been praised by critics for its clever script, engaging characters, and beautiful cinematography. It also won a Special Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival in 1956 and was later adapted into the successful Broadway musical “A Little Night Music.”
Bergman’s direction is flawless, as he deftly balances light-hearted comedy with deeper emotions and manages to make us care about these characters’ fates despite their sometimes questionable behavior. The movie’s ending is both satisfying and poignant, as we see the characters come full circle and find some measure of happiness amidst all the chaos.
In conclusion, “Smiles of a Summer Night” is a timeless classic that showcases Bergman’s talent as one of cinema’s greatest directors. Its witty dialogue, engaging characters, and beautiful scenery make it a must-see for any film lover. As Gabriel Garcia Marquez once said: “It is not what we have seen that gives us satisfaction; it is what we have imagined.” And this movie definitely leaves us with plenty of rich imagery and imagination to be satisfied for years to come.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 109
- Release : 1955-12-26
- Genre : Comedy, Romance
- Cast : Gunnar Björnstrand as Fredrik Egerman, Ulla Jacobsson as Anne Egerman, Eva Dahlbeck as Desirée Armfeldt, Harriet Andersson as Petra, Margit Carlqvist as Countess Charlotte Malcolm
- Crew : Ingmar Bergman as Screenplay, Ingmar Bergman as Director, Allan Ekelund as Producer, Erik Nordgren as Original Music Composer, Gunnar Fischer as Director of Photography
- Popularity 8.424
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company : SF Studios
- Summary : Early in the 20th century, middle-aged lawyer Fredrik Egerman and his young wife, Anne, have still not consummated their marriage, while Fredrik’s son finds himself increasingly attracted to his new stepmother. To make matters worse, Fredrik’s old flame Desiree makes a public bet that she can seduce him at a romantic weekend retreat where four couples convene, swapping partners and pairing off in unexpected ways.
- Tagline : A Sexy Frolic About the Sport of Love
