Fanny and Alexander

If someone were to name Fanny and Alexander as Ingmar Bergman's magnum opus, then they at least wouldn't be guilty of heresy. It is undoubtedly an important work in the Swedish director's oeuvre: epic in scale and ambition and filled with autobiographical references, it was planned as the crowning achievement to his career. Set in the early 20th century, the film revolves around the wealthy Ekdahl family, and three of its members in particular: the eponymous siblings and their mother, Emilie, who, following the death of her husband, marries a much older clergyman, which is probably one of the biggest mistakes of her life, given that this eloquent man has the empathy and mannerisms of an inquisitor. In a story told with a steady, unhurried rhythm, comedy is intertwined with tragedy, and providing a counterpoint to realistic scenes are individual fragments of fantasy in which the imagination of young Alexander can be expressed.