DfwForeignBuff:

Smultronstället, the wild strawberry patch. wow I can't believe Bergman was making films like the in 1957 and earlier. So few artists and film makers ever tackle the "Inner Journeys"of the inner human psyche with such clarity (and with dreams and psychological symbolism) Because it tackles difficult questions about life, and thought-provoking themes such as self-discovery and humanity's existence, the film is often considered to be one of Bergman's most emotional, one of his most optimistic, and one of his best. the film explores an elderly doctors disillusionment with his life and his loneliness. He goes on a trip to receive an honorary diploma and has a series of flashbacks dreams and nightmares. The DVD transfer is excellent nice and crystal clear for a film of this age. Great cinematography in black and white. I quote from other NFli x reviewer Prof Pensod because he sums it up so perfectly: "One of the tests of a true work of genius is whether that work encompasses all of human experience, in all its sorrow, joy, frustration, fulfillment, exaltation and humiliation. Judged by that standard, this is a work of genius." This is a brilliant film Highest rating five stars.

VJ Purplequeen:

Lovely B&W movie built around the reflections, ruminations and dreams of an old man as he travels to accept an honor for his life's work. Along the way he gets to know his daughter-on-law better, and picks up some lively young folks and a cynical older couple. The present day road trip is seamlessly interweaved with the past in a kind of emotional journey that leads an eventual acceptance of who he is and of his mortality. B&W scenery is quite masterfully done and very beautiful. This is a true classic!

jklugman:

What Wild Strawberries has going for it is an understated performance by Victor Sjöström, which gives the film a melancholy, solemn feel. It is weighed down by some silly dream sequences and an inclination to tell, not show. We are told that the Sjöström character is a cold, ruthless man, but we never see it. At worst he comes off as a cranky old man, and throughout the film he exhibits kindliness. Ultimately I enjoyed the film, but I think it is pretty flawed.

BlueVoid:

The unexamined life is not worth living, or says Socrates. In this Ingmar Bergman classic, a doctor in the twilight of his life is forced to relive and re-examine his life as he travels to receive an honorary degree. Along the way he meets a variety of people that make him remember his past and view his present in a new light. There is a quiet beauty which emanates from every scene. There isn't much of a narrative. It is a simple story, but has a theme which can resonate in anyone. It's never too late to recognize the shortcomings of the past, overcome them and get the most value from whatever is left of life. This is what works so well. It is a personal journey of self fulfillment which echos loudly for everyone.

ForeignMovies:

There are certain movies that I enjoyed very much and will remember for a long time. This movie is one of them.