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Poster for Cries and Whispers

Cries and Whispers

Seen it?

1972 | 95 min | Drama

Friday Night Flick

Why it’s a Friday Night Flick

Critics loved it (94% on Rotten Tomatoes), it won an Oscar and audiences rate it highly (7.9 out of 10). Make plans for this one.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 35 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated R: meant for adults.
  • It's in Swedish, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Made in 1972: an older pace and style.

As Agnes slowly dies of cancer, her sisters are so immersed in their own psychic pains that they are unable to offer her the support she needs.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    94% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesStrong

    7.9 out of 10

  • AwardsVery strong

    Won 1 Oscar: Academy Awards: Best Cinematography. Won 2 Cannes awards: Cannes Film Festival: Best Supporting Actress, Cannes Film Festival: Best Foreign Director. Also nominated for 4 more Oscars, 1 Golden Globe and 2 BAFTAs. Plus 14 other awards.

  • Reach & staying powerSolid

    Streaming release that reached a modest audience; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 60K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Ingmar Bergman

  • Liv UllmannMaria
  • Ingrid ThulinKarin
  • Kari SylwanAnna
  • Harriet AnderssonAgnes
  • Erland JosephsonDavid
  • Georg ÅrlinFredrik
  • Anders EkIsak
  • Henning MoritzenJoakim
  • Ingmar BergmanNarrator (voice)
  • Ingrid SandellGirl at a Family Gathering (uncredited)