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Rose Garden is a 1989 American drama film directed by Fons Rademakers and starring Liv Ullmann, Maximilian Schell, and Peter Fonda. The movie revolves around the story of a woman named Sigrid, played by Liv Ullmann, who is diagnosed with schizophrenia and spends a significant portion of her life in mental institutions. The story follows Sigrid's journey as she moves from one institution to another, occasionally gaining some freedom but always facing the challenges of her illness.

At the beginning of the movie, Sigrid is in a mental hospital in Switzerland, where she has been living for several years. She spends her days in a haze of medication, unable to distinguish between reality and delusions. Her only hope is the love and support of her psychiatrist, Dr. Fried (played by Maximilian Schell), who understands her condition and tries to help her.

One day, Sigrid escapes from the hospital and finds herself in the nearby town where she meets an American named James, played by Peter Fonda. Despite James' initial reluctance, the two strike up a friendship, and he offers to help Sigrid find a job and a place to live. With James' help, Sigrid gains some independence and starts living a more normal life, but she still struggles with her illness and the stigma that comes with it.

As the movie progresses, we see Sigrid move from one mental institution to another, sometimes involuntarily and sometimes by choice. In each new institution, she faces new challenges and meets new people, some of whom are helpful, and some of whom are not. Through it all, she remains determined to overcome her illness and live a meaningful life.

One of the most compelling aspects of Rose Garden is its portrayal of Sigrid's illness. The movie avoids stigmatizing her condition and instead presents a nuanced and empathetic portrayal of schizophrenia. We see Sigrid struggle with hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia, but we also see her resilience and strength in the face of these challenges. The film is a powerful reminder of the humanity of people living with mental illness and the importance of compassion and understanding.

Another strength of Rose Garden is its performances. Liv Ullmann is particularly impressive as Sigrid, capturing the character's vulnerability, charisma, and complexity. Maximilian Schell is also excellent as Dr. Fried, portraying the psychiatrist's empathy and concern for Sigrid without ever veering into sentimentality. Peter Fonda brings a touch of levity to the movie as James, but he also manages to convey the character's genuine care for Sigrid.

Overall, Rose Garden is a moving and thought-provoking drama that explores themes of mental illness, friendship, and human resilience. It is an emotionally resonant film that is sure to stay with viewers long after the credits roll.

Rose Garden is a 1989 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.