A stunningly beautiful film in every which way, before it all comes crumbling down. Two young working class lovers from Stockholm, feeling trapped by their unsympathetic jobs and families, flee their troubles by boat to an idyllic island. Their love blooms, freedom bathes them, she becomes pregnant, and they vow to care for each other forever. Had it ended there it would have boasted a bliss rarely matched in cinema, but alas, that would not be cynical enough for Bergman. Instead he needs no motive to have a stranger light their boat on fire, turn Monika into an unbearable whine and thief, and end with adultery and divorce. Instead of a coming of age tale, it only serves to underline the bleak opening statements - that joy can be found only in escape - not in the 'real' world of family and work. I'm sorry he feels that way.
Review of Summer with Monika
