This is a captivating film, one of Bergman's most inward-looking and cold pieces.

The performances are terrific. Gunnar Bjornstrand is at his excellent best, Max von Syndow is predictably good. I would single out the women performers for particular praise in this film: Ingrid Thulin is outstanding as the spinster who cannot break the ice that encloses Bjornstrand's pastor. Gunnel Lindblom plays a small but superb part as the desperate wife of the suicidal von Syndow.

This is not plot and action stuff, nor is it any good for you if seeing depression in others makes you depressed. It is a microscope study of desperation and depression. It is a small canvas film – my personal preference is for Bergman's larger canvas work such as The Seventh Seal and especially Wild Strawberries. Of his darker, psychological work, again I would express a preference for Persona and also Through a Glass Darkly. But I'm comparing greatness with greatness – if you like Bergman's work this one's a must see.

This was a typically well-crafted film from Ingmar Bergman--with excellent acting, camera work, etc. Now to many you may find the film a bit too depressing--that's certainly NOT unusual for his films! I watched it because I like unusual films but I also gotta admit I wasn't super-excited about this film due to its depressing plot. I did, however, like the fact that a minister was having so many doubts--it was unique and MUST occur from time to time. However, because the movie just seemed to abruptly end, I felt a little dissatisfied. Yes, I know that tying everything together in the end is a very Hollywood-like thing to do and MANY foreign films avoid this convention. But, I just wanted to see more and see the dilemmas unfold further.

By the way, one poor aspect of the film was the minister's ROTTON counseling session (that seemed to push the Max Von Sydow character over the edge to suicide). Following this suicide, the minister didn't seem that broken up by this or seem to take much responsibility for the suicide. I know he is described as not exactly a people-person in the film, but this was ridiculous!! This really had me hating the man and I doubt if that was Bergman's intention.

While not my favourite of Bergman's films, I still loved Winter Light. There are those who say Winter Light is cold, and they are right, the lack of music and the fact that Ericsson is not a character you'd like instantly if even that further accentuates that. But considering the subject matter and the story, these were deliberate and appropriate. What matters though is if the film is well made and whether it engaged me, and Winter Light did. As with all of Bergman's films, it is very well made, the scenery is beautiful to watch and the black and white cinematography, mainly in close-ups is very atmospheric. The dialogue is very thought-provoking, sometimes cold in tone, but a lot of it resonated with me in how powerful it was. The story is a subtly told and powerful, and I for one was captivated and moved by it. Bergman's direction is superb, as are the performances, especially from Gunner Bjornstrand who inhabits the character of Ericsson. Ingrid Thulin is strong in her compassion also, and Max Von Sydow's face speaks volumes even when he is saying little. In conclusion, not everybody will like Winter Light but I found it to be excellent. 9/10 Bethany Cox