The Blessed Ones
Encyclopedia
The Blessed Ones is a 1986 Swedish drama film directed by Ingmar Bergman
, starring Harriet Andersson
and Per Myrberg
. The screenplay was adapted by Ulla Isaksson from her own novel with the same title. The film tells the story of a couple where the woman becomes delusional and loses her mind. It was the third time Bergman directed a film written by Isaksson, after Brink of Life
and The Virgin Spring
. The Blessed Ones was produced by Sveriges Television
and premiered on TV2
on 19 February 1986. The American premiere was on 21 February 1987 at the Museum of Broadcasting in New York City
.
Ingmar Bergman
Ernst Ingmar Bergman was a Swedish director, writer and producer for film, stage and television. Described by Woody Allen as "probably the greatest film artist, all things considered, since the invention of the motion picture camera", he is recognized as one of the most accomplished and...
, starring Harriet Andersson
Harriet Andersson
Harriet Andersson is a Swedish actress, known outside Sweden for being part of one of director Ingmar Bergman's stock company....
and Per Myrberg
Per Myrberg
Per Nils Myrberg is a Swedish singer and actor.Born in Stockholm, Myrberg has appeared in 45 films since 1957. He is father to Olle and Fredrik Myrberg.-Selected filmography:* The Judge * The Pleasure Garden...
. The screenplay was adapted by Ulla Isaksson from her own novel with the same title. The film tells the story of a couple where the woman becomes delusional and loses her mind. It was the third time Bergman directed a film written by Isaksson, after Brink of Life
Brink of Life
Brink of Life, is a 1958 Swedish film directed by Ingmar Bergman. Bergman won the Best Director Award and Anderson, Dahlbeck, Ornäs and Thulin won the Best Actress Award at the 1958 Cannes Film Festival.-Cast:* Eva Dahlbeck as Stina Andersson...
and The Virgin Spring
The Virgin Spring
The Virgin Spring is a 1960 Swedish drama film directed by Ingmar Bergman. Set in medieval Sweden, it is a revenge tale about a father's merciless response to the rape and murder of his young daughter. The story was adapted by screenwriter Ulla Isaksson from a 13th century Swedish ballad, "Töres...
. The Blessed Ones was produced by Sveriges Television
Sveriges Television
Sveriges Television AB , Sweden's Television, is a national television broadcaster based in Sweden, funded by a compulsory fee to be paid by all television owners...
and premiered on TV2
SVT2
SVT2, until 1996 TV2, is one of two television channels broadcast by Sveriges Television in Sweden. It was started by Sveriges Radio in 1969. SVT2 is generally more specialist, compared to SVT1.-History:...
on 19 February 1986. The American premiere was on 21 February 1987 at the Museum of Broadcasting in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
.
Plot
Sune, a dropped out theology student who also is the son of a priest, meets Viveka in a church. The two connect via a theological discussion and eventually get married. As the years pass, Viveka grows more and more emotionally unstable due to jealousy and religious anxiety. Sune accepts Viveka's mental problems and, instead of seeking help for his wife, obeys her increasingly bizarre commands. Eventually Viveka loses her mind completely, locks herself in the couple's apartment while Sune is away, and tries to make neighbours and the police believe that Sune is trying to murder her with a knife. When Sune arrives home Viveka is taken away to a hospital. Sune tries to convince the doctors that Viveka is not insane and should be allowed leave. In the end, Sune turns on a gas tap and lies down next to Viveka so they will die together.Cast
- Harriet AnderssonHarriet AnderssonHarriet Andersson is a Swedish actress, known outside Sweden for being part of one of director Ingmar Bergman's stock company....
as Viveka Burman - Per MyrbergPer MyrbergPer Nils Myrberg is a Swedish singer and actor.Born in Stockholm, Myrberg has appeared in 45 films since 1957. He is father to Olle and Fredrik Myrberg.-Selected filmography:* The Judge * The Pleasure Garden...
as Sune Burman - Christina SchollinChristina SchollinChristina Schollin is a Swedish actress known to international audiences mainly through her appearances in motion pictures, such as Dear John, Song of Norway and Ingmar Bergman's Fanny and Alexander....
as Annika - Lasse PöystiLasse PöystiLasse Pöysti is a Finnish actor , director, theatre manager and writer....
as doctor Dettow - Irma ChristensonIrma ChristensonIrma Christenson was a Swedish actress notable for her many roles on the Royal Dramatic Theatre in Stockholm, and many films as well....
as Mrs. Storm - Björn Gustafson as a neighbour