Summer Interlude (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]

Made early in Bergman's film career, this is a simple, almost fable-like tale of a summer romance between two young lovers, as remembered by the woman, now an unsatisfied adult, who returns to the island where she passed one happy summer. The film beautifully evokes the giddiness of young love, the tragedy of unfulfilled promise, and the healing powers of time.

"Summer Interlude" is an often overlooked pearl from Bergman's film catalog. It's not as famous or as experimental as his other releases from this period, such as "Sawdust and Tinsel." Nevertheless it's quite good and I hold it in high regard. It fits in among the romantic-themed films he made from time to time--a close twin to "Summer with Monika," which he made a couple years later. Both share the theme of young adults navigating the pleasures and dangers of falling in love over the course of a single summer. Monika is a classic, in part because of Harriet Anderson's notoriety, but "Summer Interlude" is a sweeter film and the characters more likable. The protagonist played by Maj-Britt Nilsson, is both beautiful and admirable without the seedier bohemian carnality of Harriet Anderson's Monika. I know a lot of Bergman fans like "Summer with Monika" and both films are worth seeing, but to me "Summer Interlude" is the stronger film.

Regarding this DVD version: Tartan has released several Bergman films on DVD that aren't otherwise available in the US. They're in PAL format, which may discourage American fans since they probably aren't playable on the typical television DVD player. But I've had success playing them on my computer's DVD player. For some reason computers are more flexible about formats. If you don't mind watching a film on your laptop, you may be able to view this and the other Bergman films Tartan has released.

Touching, simple story of how a young girl's summer romance with a
sweet, modest young man, changes a her adult life as a ballet dancer
forever.

Told in flashback, beautifully shot, and mostly well (if not quite
brilliantly) acted, this lovely film could have been even stronger if
the two leads both didn't look and feel much too old for their roles,
making their naiveté and innocence feel a bit forced.

But there's much that's moving and insightful here about youthful
idealism versus life's hard realities.