Watch Cries and Whispers

Cries and Whispers is a 1972 movie directed by Ingmar Bergman and starring Harriet Andersson, Liv Ullmann, and Kari Sylwan. The movie is a portrayal of the inner and outer turmoil of four women and their relationships. The story unfolds in a large country home, where three sisters Agnes (Harriet Andersson), Maria (Liv Ullmann), and Karin (Ingrid Thulin) gather to be with their dying sister Agnes. The fourth woman, Anna (Kari Sylwan), is the caretaker of Agnes.

The film starts with the arrival of Maria and her husband, who come to visit Agnes. Maria is cold and distant towards her sister and Anna, who is also present in the room. Agnes complains of pain and an inability to swallow, and it is evident that she is very sick. She is attended by Anna, who is the only person who shows any real concern for Agnes.

As the movie unfolds, we get to learn more about the relationships between the sisters. It becomes apparent that Karin and Maria have been unhappy in their marriages for many years, and their relationships with their husbands are strained. Karin's husband is a doctor who shares a passion for eroticism, while Maria's husband is in love with her but is unable to express his feelings.

Despite the marital difficulties, the sisters are united in their love for each other. However, their perceptions of each other and their own inner turmoil drives them to act in cruel ways towards one another. For example, Karin reveals to Maria that she had an affair with her husband, and Maria reacts violently towards her. Later, Maria apologizes for her behavior and begs Karin for forgiveness.

Also evident is the contrast between the sisters' personalities. Maria is a practical woman who is always looking towards the future, while Karin is an artistic soul who is inward-looking and self-absorbed. Agnes, the dying sister, is a gentle and loving character who unites the sisters.

The movie is shot in Bergman's signature style, with long takes and close-up shots of the characters' faces. The use of color is also significant, with warm reds and oranges providing a contrast to the cold white of the house.

Overall, Cries and Whispers is an intense and emotional movie that explores the themes of love, loss, and regret. The performances by the actresses are excellent, with Harriet Andersson's portrayal of the dying Agnes being particularly moving. Bergman's direction captures the emotions of the characters perfectly, making us feel the weight of their pain and suffering.

In conclusion, Cries and Whispers is a haunting and powerful movie that explores the intricacies of human relationships. It is a personal film that speaks to the universal experiences of love and loss.