All Things Fair

I caught this film on Canadian television, and I was startled by the risque content being broadcast on a non-pay station. This is a story of a growing adolescent boy in a war-torn Europe. The focus of the movie is in the complex relationships he holds with the people in his life. The controversial nature may deter the more conservative American; however, the characters are well-rounded and acted and the cinematography is superb. I have a feeling this director may be famous in his home country, there is a touch of epic brilliance in the movement of the scenes.

"All Things Fair" is a strange kind of film because it is always transforming itself. While it always remains a coming-of-age film it ranges in its focus, touching on many different expressions. Obviously this makes it hard to categorise, hard to follow, hard to analyse, and all this seems to add up to a good thing. It starts out so luridly that I thought I was in for a Swedish version of "Private Lessons" but somehow it manages to continually evolve into something quite else. The changes in pace and locus give the narrative a certain elliptical feel which consolidate the nostalgic representation. Pretty good performances all round and some unexpected twists in the tale make it well worthwhile.

Rape is rape. The "love scenes" are rape. Imagine if the genders were reversed or both the teacher an the child were male, you would see it clearly as rape. Teachers have authority and power over children and just like in the US -- in Sweden it is legally rape for a teacher in a school to have sex with a minor child who attends that school. There is no age under 18 where a minor may consent with a teacher

Again if the genders were reversed in this and it were some 35 or 40 year old guy teacher and his 15-year-old girl student would we be saying, as some reviewers here are, that the "love scenes were "tender" and "beautiful." WTF?

When reading the synopsis, Bo Widerberg's film evokes understandable skepticism, but as soon as the final credits appear on the screen, and you remember everything that you literally experienced in these 2-and-a-half hours with the hero, it becomes clear that this is not an ordinary drama about romance between a student and a teacher.

The Swedish city of Malmo, at the height of World War II. The pretty middle-aged teacher Viola gets a job at the school where the main character, 15-year-old Stig, studies. These two character decide to get closer with each other, mostly due to the teacher's advances.

Of course, such a relationship is doomed from the very beginning: it goes against morality, against society. However, the actors are providing a very believable and masterful performance.

The biggest advantages of the film are in the acting, Vinderberg Jr. Is very handsome and charismatic. The film's musical accompaniment and script are also okay. I was glad to spend my time watching this film, and I remain very pleased and impressed.

Bo Widerberg was honored in February 1997 at the Miami Film Festival with a retrospective (ELVIRA MADIGAN), and his latest (last?) film, the Oscar nominated ALL THINGS FAIR. I then saw ALL THINGS FAIR for the second time, and despite its length, enjoyed it as much or more than the first time I saw it in an arthouse theatre in Toronto. I think ALL THINGS FAIR is the great Swedish director's best, most personal film. You can't help but notice it must be autobiographical by the passion and the vivid recreation of WW II Sweden, as it was when Mr. Wideberg himself was the lead character's age. Speaking of him, the lead is the director's own 17 year old son, Johan Widerberg, who will undoubtedly carry on the family tradition in Swedish cinema history. Mr. Widerberg (Sr.) passed away last year, and among his legacy, this film stands out. It is a rare coming of age story in a setting seldom depicted on screen. Mr. Wideberg's screenplay, and direction, plus excellent performances by his son and two of Sweden's greats, Marika Lagerkrantz and Tomas van Bromssen make this a movie every European film buff should watch. It's now available on video. Check it out.