filmalamosa This movie is just average and unremarkable... it reminded me of a made for TV drama about Alzheimers disease. The acting (or more likely direction of actors) is also average.The story however is very compelling--a talented music composer reduced to nothing by this dreadful disease. It would really resonate to people who have dealt with Alzheimer disease. It is a dramatic topic but this movie doesn't exploit it--pity.My only problem with this film is I try to find something a cut above TV fare. As another reviewer said it contains no gems or twists or surprises that might have made it interesting. You can sort of get a glimpse of the director/writers stock values by what they view as completely shocking: a man urinating in public. So what?That it was nominated for a Swedish Oscar is beyond belief.Don't recommend.

runamokprods A moving film about two late middle aged people (a composer/conductor and a first violinist) who find each other, fall madly in love, leave their marriages, only to have Martin develop Alzheimer's.The bulk of the film is watching his slow decline, as he slowly disappears, leaving his lover behind. Tremendously sad, yet somehow also a little cold, not as emotionally impactful as I kept wanting it to be. The acting is terrific, but there's something both a bit clinical, and a bit manipulative about it. E.g. Martin's attacks too often come at the (too) perfectly dramatic moments. Also, there's no time spent on the wrenching decision for each to leave their earlier marriages, so why include it? Yet, all that said, it's still a strong, moving experience. A grown up movie about older people in a world with far too few of both.

rudys-2 I guess I am a late comer to this wonderful movie. But the typical Scandinavian style of weaving a story really impressed me about this movie. Even more so was the fact that I read about Viveka in real life dying in the arms of her long-time companion, Sven Wolter, the protagonist in the movie. The true love that remains bright even under such dire circumstances that mirrored real life was indeed a beauty to watch. Perhaps as a latecomer I could appreciate life imitating art imitating life scenario. One could see Viveka's face brighten up even when she got a little bit of recognition from Sven's Alzheimer-ridden character. Yes, indeed, Alzheimer, is a terrible disease, robbing the person of his least vestige. But what the film makes clear is that the care giver's life is even more stripped and laid bare. Great movie.

jotix100 This was a very real and harrowing film. I went with misgivings since I knew what the subject was about, but fell under the spell cast by director Bille August. This story rings true from the beginning. The film is a lovely love story between Barbara and Martin, played superbly by Viveka Seldahl and Sven Wottter.Barbara, obviously is dealt a blow when the Alzheimer is diagnosed but she proceeds to deal with it in her own terms. Little did she know that her marriage to Martin would turn into the nightmare it did. How do you stop loving and doing for that person you thought about spending the rest of your life with?The Alzheimer turns Martin into a vegetable. His mind is gone. From the brilliant composer and director, he becomes another person completely different from the person we met at the beginning of the film. Most critics in New York keep comparing this film with Iris. It is very unfair, because obviously all Alzheimers cases are different and don't have to reflect in this case, what went in Iris Murdoch's mind. I have to give credit to the director, Mr. August, who has not taken the easy approach and documents the progress in a very dignified manner. All the performances are on key. The extended families of these couple are very strong behind the parents, which is something very rare to find these days.