If you’re looking for a change from the usual yearly cinema burst of action movies, rom coms that follow the same plot, casino heist films or horror movies with ‘Monster #45351’ then why not check out a few alternative film options.
1: Eat, Sleep Die
Directed by Gabriela Pichler, this 2012 movie is set within modern Sweden and follows a rather hard hitting story of a young women name Raša who spends most of her life working in a factory and caring after her ill father. One day she gets fired from her job as part of the factory downsizing. The film then follows her endearing struggle to find a new job in a rather hopeless part of town whilst still caring for her ill father.
It’s an endearing story that really knows how to tug on the old heart strings.
2: Sunshine Follows Rain
Directed by Gustaf Edgren and released in 1946, this movie takes the classic Shakespearian tale of Romeo and Juliet and gives it a Swedish folklore twist. The ending result is a tale that has quite a different ending to the iconic story of Shakespearian love and tragedy that we’re all used to.
It’s a great revisit to the classic cinema style of filming and a must see for fans of early cinema.
3: Ingeberg Holm
Directed by Victor Sjostrom and released in 1913, this social drama was Sweden’s first real movement into the serious drama and realism element of filming. Based on a 1906 play by Nils Krok, this hard hitting movie created quite the social security debate in Sweden, which led to radical changes in the countries poorhouse laws and a scrutiny of the low status of women.
It’s a fantastic piece of classic film history and arguably led to Swedish women being granted the right to vote four years later.
4: The Girl and the Devil
Premiering on October 30th 1944, this classic Swedish film was created by acclaimed director Hampe Faustman. The movie itself is a stark portrayal of the 1600 witch burnings in Sweden as it follows a dark and forgotten era of the country that many Swedes are unaware of. It’s a great revisit to a serious and sadly forgotten piece of history that is entertaining throughout.
5: Raven’s End
Directed by famous director Bo Widerberg, this 1963 drama film follows the story of Anders, a young man who plans to rebel against his father and follow his dream of becoming a writer. Following close to the directors own background, the story is a rollercoaster ride of emotions and family tension that will have you on the edge of your seat throughout.
This is just a small selection of some of the best that classic Swedish cinema has to offer.
Although you will not find in this article a Swedish casino film since these choices are a bit more artistic and feature more character development and real world struggles than the high life and glamour of stereotypical casinos.
This selection is a perfect option for a rainy day and also allows you to expand your cultural horizons. Plus for any self-respecting cinephile or fan of European Cinema, the movies we’ve covered in our small list are some that are definitely worth checking out.
