Description: A family stands divided in this epic tale set at the turn of the century when a charismatic preacher promises salvation to those who follow him to the Holy Land. Based on the novel by Nobel Prize winning author Selma Lagerlöf.
Opulent, thoughtful film Selma Lagerlöf, the first female Nobel prize winner in literature, is known in Sweden for her extraordinary storytelling gifts. Her novel Jerusalem uses as its historical background the Pietist movement of the early 19th century. This movement can be seen as the beginning of the breakdown of the state church system in Sweden, for it allowed for the possibility that the common man (not woman at this time) could be filled with divine wisdom and vision -- that this was no longer the provenance of clergymen alone. The ramifications of this movement for traditional societal order were breathtaking. Lagerlöf's novel takes this historical background and sets in its midst a responsible, strong and serious young man, Ingmar Ingmarsson, who has promised his father on his deathbed that he will grow up to be the kind of leader his village needs. The unfolding of the conflicts between religious fanaticism and common sense, of trust and betrayal, of duty and desire comprises the plot of the novel.
Bille August's film is visually stunning and moves grandly, unhurriedly, and leanly from one scene to the next. The serious viewer is unaware that the film is about 3 hours long. The plot is full of enough surprises to keep one aware, familiar enough to keep one interested, and leaves enough questions unanswered to make one think afterwards.
Other reviewers have complained that this film is too slow. Hollywood cookie-cutter films have ruined many potentially fine film palates. A fast pace and a happy ending are two of the must-haves in American mainstream cinema that, happily, many European filmmakers know enough to eschew.
Slow in getting started and never really gains focus. After viewing this video I was very disappointed. The story was very slow in developing and never really did capture my interests. I was hoping this film would focus more on the story of the Overcomers and the dictatorial rule of Mrs. Spafford, instead it was a love story. It was much like Titantic in that the love story was in foreground and the ship was in the background. Jerusalem was much the same, with a love story in the foreground and the Overcomers and Mother Spafford in the background. If you liked Titantic dont watch this film, Jerusalem pales in comparison. I felt the acting was poor, the script was dull, and overall I could not recommend this film. The biggest warning I want to give is that this film is not a good telling of the story of the Overcomers like I had hoped it would be.
Jerusalem (1996, Swedish with English sub-titles) Insightful This movie has the aura of an Ingmar Bergman production, with a series of twists and turns in the plot - along with thought-provoking motifs reminiscent of an ancient Greek tragedy. Is there any coincidence that the protagonist's name happens to be Ingmar Ingmarsson? It is based on a novel by Selma Lagelof, and portrays Swedish village life around the turn of the 20th century.
Christian viewers of this movie will likely be interested in the themes of: mainline versus apocalyptic-sectarian faith, the destructive potential of authority and power, discerning the truth, suffering and sacrifice, love, forgiveness, reconciliation and hope.
I highly recommend Jerusalem because of the theological grist for the mill that it provides. In fact, it has inspired my interest in Lagerlof's novel.
Slow getting started...should have ended sooner!!! This film didn't stimulate any thought at all. Dull from the beginning to the end. This is the first Swedish film I've seen and will probably be the last.
Lacks Substance I watched this film hoping the true story of the Overcomers would be told. I was very disappointed. If you are viewing this film to learn more about this particular cult you will not find information here. The story itself is very slow to develop, and resembles Titantic to the same degree the Titantic was really about a fictional love story, as opposed to the sinking of vast vessel.
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