I've both read the books and seen the original adaption of the books by Jan Troell. Now that adaptation has it all; great acting, evocative settings and fantastic cinematography. Amongst many things. This new adaptation lacks it all. Both Skarsgård and Carlehed (male and female lead) are theatrical in their acting, thus making their performance forced and unnatural. The pace in the narrative and shift of scenes is uneven. Crucial parts of the story telling that connects the plot and makes every piece fit together are missing.
The great side story about the brother of Karl-Oskar and his horrible trials in the new country has been cut out in its entirety. The characters developed by Poppe and the actors aren't credible and the acting is lacking honesty and vitality.
I started out with an open mind and with my hopes up. But ended up being disillusioned and embarrassed over how this great chance of doing something new and enriching was spoiled. Money and time wasted. Don't watch it, you are not missing out... Take the chance and enjoy the original adaption from 1971. It is still, so many years later a mind blowing masterpiece that makes you really appreciate how far we as Swedish people have come. And what a struggle our ancestors had to endure to bring us the high level of comfort and living we take for granted today.
