The Best Intentions
Seen it?1992 | 182 min | Drama, Romance
Saturday Specialearly ratingWhy it’s a Saturday Special
It earned strong reviews (81% on Rotten Tomatoes), despite soft box office. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for romantics. If you loved An Officer and a Gentleman, start here.
- The mood
- Warm and romantic.
- The pace
- Unhurried and epic, at 3 hr 2 min.
- What might put you off
- It's long: 3 hr 2 min.
- It's in Swedish, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
In this film about Ingmar Bergman's parents, Henrik Bergman is studying for the priesthood and trying to make ends meet when he encounters the lovely, affluent Anna. Despite their social differences, Henrik and Anna fall in love, wed and move to the country. They lead a quiet life as Henrik works as a priest, but it isn't long before the simple people and plain surroundings make Anna long for a more lavish lifestyle, which causes marital stress.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
81% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsSolid
Won 2 Cannes awards: Palme d'Or, Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actress. Plus 3 other awards.
- Reach & staying powerBelow par
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 20K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Bille August
- Samuel FrölerHenrik Bergman
- Pernilla AugustAnna Bergman
- Max von SydowJohan Åkerblom
- Ghita NørbyKarin Åkerblom
- Lennart HjulströmNordenson
- Mona MalmAlma Bergman
- Lena EndreFrida Strandberg
- Keve HjelmFredrik Bergman
- Björn KjellmanErnst Åkerblom
- Börje AhlstedtCarl Åkerblom