The Last Sentence

Swedish filmmaker Jan Troell's biographical drama recounts crusading Swedish newspaperman Torgny Segerstedt's (Jesper Christensen) final (and most notorious) years. Segerstedt wrote virulent editorial broadsides against Hitler and the Nazis during the 1930s (which ran counter to Sweden's official policy of neutrality) and he demanded government action when the Soviet Union invaded Finland—taking uncompromising stands that made him an anathema to the Swedish ruling establishment. Meanwhile, his personal life included high-profile extramarital affairs, including one with the wife of a best friend. With historical hindsight, we know of course that Sweden did remain neutral throughout WWII, making The Last Sentence not so much a dynamic portrait of a courageous journalist who made a difference but rather a melancholy look at one who strove mightily, yet remained impotent (in more than one way, it's hinted) in his efforts to alter the course of history. Based on a biography by Kenne Fant, this beautifully-lensed dramatic bio-pic is recommended. [Note: DVD extras include “A Close Scrutiny” behind-the-scenes featurette by director Jan Troell's daughter Yohanna Troell (45 min.), and trailers. Bottom line: a fine extras package for an engaging foreign film.] (C. Cassady)