Wild Strawberries (Smultronstället)

Release Year: 1957

Director: Ingmar Bergman

Review: 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.  
Rating: 4/5

The Seventh Seal (Det sjunde inseglet)

"We must make an idol of our fear, and call it god."

Release Year: 1957

Director: Ingmar Bergman

Review:  Perfect.  I racked my brain searching for a better word to describe Ingmar Bergman's masterful existential period piece, but no other adjective so succinctly sums up the brilliance that this film exudes.  'The Seventh Seal' is simple at it's core.  A knight and his scribe are traveling through a plague ridden, at some point during the middle ages, returning from fighting in the Crusades.  Along the way the knight (Max Von Sydow) engages in a battle of chess with Death, trying to outwit the cryptic foe to save his life.  

Bergman brilliantly uses this setting to explore profound themes of life, love, God and death.  It is hard to find a single fault anywhere in this film.  The acting, led by Sydow, is superb, the pacing impeccable and the dialog smart.  And then there is the cinematography.  Oh, the cinematography.  It is absolutely stunning.  Truly a beautiful film. It's a near endless array of insightful metaphors, revealing monologues and iconic scenes. When it's all said and done, there is little reason to go searching for a better adjective.  Perfect is exactly what this film is.  
Rating: 5/5

12 Angry Men

Release Year: 1957
Review: A superb courtroom drama focusing on twelve jurors trying to come to a conciseness on a murder case. The entire film takes place in the confines of one room. Sidney Lumet manages to make this one room as dynamic and exciting as any movie. From the opening scene, a beautiful, long, moving, single take shot taking us into the jury room, to the final verdict, it is a completely engrossing examination of guilt and doubt. The twelve men that make up the jury are all distinct and have strong characteristics, making them uniquely identifiable. The deliberation takes place on one of the hottest days of the year, and none of them want to be stuck in the room sweating out something which they perceive to be a clear case of murder. The heat plays an important role in creating tension and fueling short tempers. Each of the the jurors is played brilliantly by some of the most talented actors of the time. Chief among them is the one juror who starts questioning the supposed facts of the case, played by Henry Fonda. Fonda is the calming voice of reason throughout and gradually persuades each juror to question what is certain. There are several shots of him giving a piercing, judgmental gaze to the doubtful jurors that says so much. It was a wonderful performance which stands out amongst a great cast.

Each juror started out certain of the guilt of the accused, and indifferent to the severity of the consequences of their decision. Through a masterful series of examinations the jurors, led by Fonda, unwind the 'open and shut' case to expose gaping holes and introduce the possibility of doubt. Lumet expertly questions perceptions and stereotypes and makes each juror struggle with their own prejudices and inner demons. This is a masterpiece. From beginning to end it is utterly gripping and ranks as one of my favorite films of all time.
Rating: 5/5