The Best Intentions

1992 3h 2m SV

👍

7.0

SOLID

★7.0TMDB · 76

DramaRomance

Synopsis

Spoiler shield

In this film about Ingmar Bergman's parents, Henrik Bergman is studying for the priesthood and trying to make ends meet when he encounters the lovely, affluent Anna. Despite their social differences, Henrik and Anna fall in love, wed and move to the country. They lead a quiet life as Henrik works as a priest, but it isn't long before the simple people and plain surroundings make Anna long for a more lavish lifestyle, which causes marital stress.

“Some stories are better left unspoiled.”

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Cast

Samuel Fröler
Henrik Bergman
Pernilla August
Anna Bergman
Max von Sydow
Johan Åkerblom
Ghita Nørby
Karin Åkerblom
Lennart Hjulström
Nordenson
Mona Malm
Alma Bergman
Lena Endre
Frida Strandberg
Keve Hjelm
Fredrik Bergman

Credits

Behind the camera

Director: Bille August
Writers: Ingmar Bergman
Languages: Swedish
Countries: Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Italy, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom

Want more? Switch to Cinephile mode in the header for DP, composer, budget, box office, production companies, keywords, and release history.

Did you know?

Fun facts 🍿

1 / 8

RUNTIME

Did you know

At 182 minutes, this is a three-hour-plus commitment — longer than 95% of films ever made.

MoodPlayr · trivia#01

2 / 8

ERA

Did you know

34 years old — old enough to be someone's favourite childhood film.

MoodPlayr · trivia#02

3 / 8

WORLD

Did you know

International production across 8 countries: Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Italy, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom.

MoodPlayr · trivia#03

4 / 8

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Directed by Bille August, shot by Jörgen Persson. Note their partnership — DPs and directors often return to each other across a career.

MoodPlayr · trivia#04

5 / 8

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Original score by Stefan Nilsson. Worth a dedicated listen after — most great films lose half their impact without the score.

MoodPlayr · trivia#05

6 / 8

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Editor Janus Billeskov Jansen shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.

MoodPlayr · trivia#06

7 / 8

CAST

Did you know

Samuel Fröler and Pernilla August and Max von Sydow carry the top of the cast.

MoodPlayr · trivia#07

8 / 8

WILD

Did you know

IMDB entry: tt0104350 — still the authoritative cross-reference for credits and trivia.

MoodPlayr · trivia#08

Cinephile deep dive

The take

Bille August directs. Jörgen Persson behind the camera. Stefan Nilsson scores. Janus Billeskov Jansen cuts. A long sit — settle in. Produced in Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Italy, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom. Dialogue in Swedish.

Trivia

Things worth knowing

1At 182 minutes, this is a three-hour-plus commitment — longer than 95% of films ever made.
234 years old — old enough to be someone's favourite childhood film.
3International production across 8 countries: Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Italy, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom.
4Directed by Bille August, shot by Jörgen Persson. Note their partnership — DPs and directors often return to each other across a career.
5Original score by Stefan Nilsson. Worth a dedicated listen after — most great films lose half their impact without the score.
6Editor Janus Billeskov Jansen shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.
7Samuel Fröler and Pernilla August and Max von Sydow carry the top of the cast.
8IMDB entry: tt0104350 — still the authoritative cross-reference for credits and trivia.
9Only 76 TMDB ratings — you're getting ahead of the curve on this one.