The Other Side of Sunday

Hmm I see that this film has been enjoyed all over the world, and I must say I'm a little surprised.. I am a Norweigian and I have seen it a couple of times when it has gone on the TV for some years ago, but I never thought it would reach out to so many people... The funny thing is.... I'm in it. Now a 27 year old man going on 28, its strange seeing that even now, almost eleven years after, it still touches people. My part wasn't big, though I had a few lines, but it is such a strange feeling to have been part of something that still is held so close to the heart that some of the "fans" of the film keep it. I remember being a little embarrassed the first time I saw it on the premiere in Oslo, cause I guess i was hoping for something more exciting. You must remember I was only 16. But now I see it in a different way. I hope you all still will enjoy the film as I enjoyed being part of it..

"Søndagsengler" is a norwegian movie that have all genres: comedy,drama,religion,but about all:love.It's a pity that this movie not won the Oscar,because is most to deserved,in my case,that Kolya.The Academy Awards Jury not choose movies that,really,deserved it.Well,this movie is so sensitive,like all norwegian and scandinavian movie,and entertaining,with beautiful sequences,marvelous screenplay and excellent performances. But,I follow thinking that this movie deserved the Oscar. Now,"The Other Side of Sunday" is one of my favourites films and one of the best of all times. My opinion:You must see this movie.

Maria is the teenage daughter of a rigid, authoritarian pastor in a conservative branch of Norway's state church in the early 1960s, and the time is approaching when she is supposed to be confirmed. However, she dreads her upcoming confirmation, because she doesn't want to live the drab, glum life that women in her church seem to lead. She wants to enjoy her youth, but her father even objects to her going to a café for a Coke with her friends.Her mother's serious illness and academic pressures only add to her stress.

Maria befriends a woman who is a member of her church; the two of them are obviously kindred spirits who feel constrained by the strict rules of their community.

What will she decide when the time comes to take her confirmation vows, especially after her life is shaken by bereavement? Almost all the coming of age stories I have seen or read have been about boys or young men. This film is unusual in that it's about a young girl trying to figure out who she is and her place in the world.

I consider this movie to be outstanding - well worth a 10. It is a totally Norwegian production and therefore doesn't suffer the defects of the Scandinavian co-productions with characters confusingly and variously speaking in Swedish,Danish and Norwegian. The plot is straightforward and the cinematography is excellent. The acting is first class and as a Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation production is up there with the best that the BBC can produce. I am surprised that Marie Theisen has seemingly dropped out of films after a second film which I have been unable to obtain. The present film received a well deserved Oscar nomination. Ms.Theisen now appears to be a film reviewer for Kanal 24 in Norway. Such a pity that she is out of the production side.

I'd not heard of this film before it appeared on our TV and, going by the extent of feedback to IMDB, it has not been widely seen or appreciated.

The storyline is simple. It concerns a teenage girl growing up in late 1950s Norway, in a strict religious household, with her father the local pastor. She begins to realise that there is more in the world than strict orthodox Christianity. This leads to increasing tensions and her gradual rebellion.

The film is warm and human, and there is enough wit and humour to prevent it becoming tedious, dry, or just another "teenage rebellion" movie. Having had a relatively similar upbringing, I found a great deal of honesty in this film.

The photography, acting, late 1950s musical background and overall quality are excellent, with possibly a nod of recognition to Bergman. As I said in my one-line summary, this film really does deserve more recognition.