Search - Kristin Lavransdatter on DVD

Not To Be Missed

Octoberflybaby | Massachusetts USA | 07/12/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"You might think, "what, three hours for a movie set in medieval times, how boring!"... Don't let that keep you from seeing this masterpiece, you will be drawn into the life of the characters, especially if you've enjoyed reading the books (I read them every year). Unfortunately, Liv Ullman had tremendous trouble with the distributors of this film, and they forced her to cut many scenes and events, and she vowed she would not film the sequels. What a shame, because the characters develop in such a profound way in the books, including Simon, Kristin's first fiancé, who is barely present in the movie. So do see the movie, but you'll get more out of the movie if you also read the unforgettable book on which the movie is based."

A complicated Masterpiece

Diana Peterson | 11/17/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As a historian specifically focused on the 14th century, I loved the historical detail of this movie. The looms, shoes, clothing, all struck me as a lot of effort gone into something that most people might miss. The whole movie has been made with that kind of care; the story is quite complex, though the small details may be lost on many who focus on the more obvious aspects of the tale.

I cannot watch the last scenes without getting teary-eyed and I am not an emotional sort. Rarely has a movie shown the naked truth of humanity, with folly, passion, misunderstandings, and sheer confusion, with such compassion."

The film captures the essence of Undset and medieval Norway.

Octoberflybaby | 07/08/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The 1995 International award winning film, Kristin Lavransdatter, captures the essence of Nobel prize winner Sigrid Undset's awesome depiction of medieval Norway during the struggle between paganism and Christianity. Director Ullman, the actors, and the photographers, remove the barriers between the llth century and modern viewers. Every range of human emotion is movingly experienced. The film became even more powerful for me traveling through the beautiful Gulbrandensdalen Valley in Norway, walking through the house and the Nidadros Cathedral film settings, and finally touching the exquisite and richly colored fabrics of the costumes on permanent display. I ordered videos for gifts to hometown libraries."

A "must" for all Liv Ullman fans.

Midwest Book Review | Oregon, WI USA | 04/06/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Scandal, shame, and destruction beset the beautiful Kristin Lavransdatter when she rejects her father's arranged marriage for her and pursues a romance with the strapping young knight Erlend instead in this superbly produced film set in 14th-century Norway. A superbly crafted film, Kristin Lavransdatter is directed by Liv Ullman, a protege of the late master filmmaker Ingmar Bergman. Full color, 180 minutes, English Subtitles, 2 video cassette boxed set. Also highly recommended for personal, film school, and public library video collections are the Home Vision Cinema video editions of Liv Ullman's Private Confessions; and Ingmar Bergman's Scenes From A Marriage; Autumn Sonata; Cries And Whispers."