Kristin Lavransdatter

Directed by Liv Ullmann and beautifully photographed by master cinematographer Sven Nykvist (both Bergman veterans), this adaptation of Nobel Prize-winner Sigrid Undset's novel, set in 14th century Norway, tells the story of Kristin (daughter of Lavran), who goes against her father's wishes for a planned marriage and follows her heart's desire for a knight who is more errant than most--he has a mistress, out-of-wedlock children, and is under ban by the Archbishop. The film explores the implications of repudiating societal expectations while, at the same time, avoiding the caricatures often prevalent in this kind of film. Lavran, for instance, is not the usual stereotypical blustering father raging against a wayward daughter; he's a man who cares deeply about his children and who struggles to understand both Kristin and his wife. And Erland Niklaussen, the errant knight, is caught up in a helpless passion for Kristin while facing demands from his mistress, the Church, and medieval society. Recommended. (S. Fisher)[DVD Review--May 18, 2004--Home Vision, in Norwegian w/English subtitles, 187 min., not rated, $29.95--Making its debut on DVD, Liv Ullmann's 1995 Kristin Lavransdatter boasts a luminous, color-rich transfer and a solid Dolby stereo track. Presented in the restored director's cut (the film was shorn of some 42 minutes for its original stateside release), the disc also includes an informative 18-minute 2001 interview conducted in Key Largo with Ullmann, who talks about the importance of having final cut and defends longer films (“I saw Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and I could have lasted another hour”). Bottom line: a beautiful film, presented in its previously unavailable original version, this is recommended.]