directed by Maria Sødahl
Do you also feel like Christmas time lasts at least several weeks? Shops are full of decorations, they play winter songs at the bookstore, you’re already planning the gifts and it’s not even winter yet. I cannot complain, because winter is my beloved season and I absolutely love when it’s snowing, I can relax with hot cocoa and watch a good film. And today I have a perfect recommendation for you if you’re also a winter gnome like me. This film is a difficult drama, but I believe it’s worth to see it before the end of the year, to perhaps reevaluate our priorities and plans. Anja and Tomas (Andrea Bræin Hovig & Stellan Skarsgård – both magnificent in those roles) are a lovely couple from Norway, who have a lot of children, a nice home and generally rather happy life. Unfortunately, right before Christmas, Anja finds out that she’s terminally ill. Obviously, the doctors want to do more tests, but they are pretty sure that the woman has few months to live. If you think it will be another drama where the two characters are holding hands in the hospital and cry for 30 minutes and tell each other “I will always love you” – then no. This story is horribly realistic, full of frustration, fear, arguing and searching for hope. Perhaps because Maria Sødahl, the director, based it on her own experience. And you can tell it’s her story, because this film is an emotional rollercoaster and still, I believed in everything she presented there. The message I got from this production is to use our time and be way more direct with our feelings towards the ones we care about. We don’t mind criticising, even everyday, it’s become something natural. Perhaps it’s time to make “I’m happy to be with you” more natural? Just a suggestion, you know. One of the best dramas I’ve seen this year.
My rating: 7.5/10
S.
I have nothing to watch 