Softwing Most undeservingly overhyped movie of all time??

Whitech It is not only a funny movie, but it allows a great amount of joy for anyone who watches it.

Plustown A lot of perfectly good film show their cards early, establish a unique premise and let the audience explore a topic at a leisurely pace, without much in terms of surprise. this film is not one of those films.

Phillipa Strong acting helps the film overcome an uncertain premise and create characters that hold our attention absolutely.

Solrosen I love this movie, I have seen it several times. I enjoyed reading others reviews, many from this side of the Atlantic ocean, I was still living in Sweden when it was new (now I am in Texas, US). To see it again made me homesick, there is nothing like the Swedish countryside, it is so quiet and calm. And in that environment people like Olof just fits in so perfectly. I just love the characters, Olof because he is a warmhearted and loyal person and Helena Bergströms householder because she can see that. It is one of those movies that make you feel that Movies shouldn't be more like life, life should be more like the movies.

MartinHafer While UNDER SOLEN did not win the 2000 Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film, I certainly can understand the nomination, as it is an incredibly beautiful and highly artistic film. Rarely have I seen a film in which the cinematography and music done so much to create a truly beautiful film. Despite the film being set entirely around a farm in the Swedish countryside, it's the loveliest place on the planet due to the wonderful film work in UNDER SOLEN. As for the story, I liked it very much...but it wasn't perfect.The film begins with a 40 year-old bachelor placing an ad in the paper for a young housekeeper. It seems that the guy lives in a pretty ratty old farmhouse and you also wonder if perhaps he wants more than just a housekeeper, as he wants the lady to be young and she should include a picture! Well, the lonely guy ends up getting something he probably didn't expect--a woman who is truly gorgeous. And, in many ways, they seem incredibly different. He is a big hulking man who is incredibly shy and awkward. She seems more self-secure and makes heads turn.Into this odd arrangement arrives a so-called friend of Olaf--Eric. Eric is the opposite. He's young, handsome, impulsive and great with women...but also quite shallow. This new lady, Ellen, is polite to Eric when he visits, but also a bit formal. She seems to be able to see through him and although Eric is attracted to her, she finds herself drawn towards clumsy old Olaf as the film progresses. Eric, a petulant jerk, seems angry at her rebuffs of his advances.What happens next is very sweet as you see the relationship between Ellen and Olaf bloom...very, very slowly. In fact, the very slow and deliberate pacing of the film might turn off some. As for me, I didn't mind at all because it was all so beautiful and reminded me, style-wise, of "Babette's Feast"--another great Scandinavian film. So much is said in this film with glances and little scenes--I really liked it. What I was less than thrilled by was the dangling portion near the end. What about her former life and what about her secret? In some ways, it tended to deflect from how much I liked this character and I really wanted a full explanation as to how she got to where she was in life. I'd say more, but I don't want to ruin the film.The film is probably not a great one for kids or teens, as it's a very sexually charged film. It's NOT dirty or gratuitous--it's just very sexual and probably is best as a movie to watch with someone you love.Not a perfect film, but there's so much to like about this one.

David Sligar Loved this movie, though there were so many items to pan, mostly mentioned by other commenters. I thought the planes / soaring birds were both obvious and obscure (Icarus? Ecstasy? Flying? Soul? All of these?) But mostly gratuitous and extra -- watch that metaphor! The music could have been Swedish folk, as mentioned by others. Erik (again, as mentioned) was maybe the most hate provoking villain I've ever seen. Some folks seem to think he was Olof's friend. Not possible, though Olof is certainly under that delusion. Erik is entirely out for himself, conning Olof for betting money, and fearing loss of his power over Olof when Ellen shows up. He absolutely shows his true color during his last scene, when he tears into Olof's psyche unmercifully solely for the sadistic pleasure of it. He's heading to America the next day, so dishonestly relieving himself of his debt to Olof is of no material benefit to him. Well, I won't really put in the ultimate spoiler, this movie is very painful, very beautiful, and we decided we'd either get all of Nutley's movies, or maybe avoid them entirely!

krisrudin This was a wonderful movie about love, trust and self-discovery. The acting was first rate, and the photography was beautiful. It is a very sensitive portrayal of the very human need for love and acceptance, yet it is never heavy. The story moves along very well. The characters and plot are believable. I highly recommend it!