Christmas movie fans and critics are raving over a ‘masterpiece’ film with a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Fanny and Alexander, a film that can be watched on NOW TV and was first released in 1982, has proven to withstand the test of time and continues to hold a special place in the hearts of movie enthusiasts.
Within the Ekdahl family, Fanny (Pernilla Allwin) and Alexander (Bertil Guve) experience a joyous childhood, surrounded by their parents who operate a theatre company.
However, their lives take a drastic turn after the unexpected death of their father. The siblings find themselves in a somber household when their mother, Emilie (Ewa Fröling), remarries a strict bishop (Jan Malmsjö).
The bleak situation gradually grows worse as the bishop becomes more controlling, but dedicated relatives make a valiant attempt to aid Emilie, Fanny and Alexander.
Radio Times’ critic Tom Hutchinson gave the movie an admirable five stars.
Christmas movie fans and critics are raving over a ‘masterpiece’ film with a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes
Fanny and Alexander, which is available to stream on NOW TV and first hit screens in 1982, has stood the test of time and still remains a beloved favourite for film fans
He wrote: ‘The warmth, humour and compassion of this wonderful turn-of-the-century family saga make it one of the most accessible movies ever made by Sweden’s greatest director, Ingmar Bergman.
‘The film takes us on a magical mystery tour of the child’s encounters with his oppressive, puritanical father, his God-fearing mother and his loving family in an atmosphere that is both cosy and scary. The result is an unmissable experience from a master film-maker.’Â
Meanwhile, The Times’ Kevin Maher branded it as a four out of five flick and gushed that it is ‘exquisitely written’.
He quipped: ‘The film is a series of exquisitely written and often lavishly staged set pieces (see the opening Christmas celebrations sequence) punctuated by the punishments of Alexander and culminating in a deviously administered sedative.Â
‘The final-reel jump scare remains an absolute shrieker.’
The Boston Globe gushed that ‘in Fanny and Alexander, Ingmar Bergman has put the magic back into his lantern,’ while InSession film called it ‘an incredible piece of a cinematic achievement.
And viewers agree with the praise, as they wrote on X: ‘Sorry but I’m watching Fanny and Alexander and those late Bergman films are actually the most beautifully well lit, colourful films ever. The average movie goer would have a fit seeing the colour in these films.’
‘Tis the season of trying to convince everyone I know to watch the 5 hour version of Fanny & Alexander.’
‘I watched fanny and alexander three nights ago but i can’t stop thinking about it.’
As children in the loving Ekdahl family, Fanny (Pernilla Allwin) and Alexander (Bertil Guve) enjoy a happy life with their parents, who run a theater company
After their father dies unexpectedly, however, the siblings end up in a joyless home when their mother, Emilie (Ewa Fröling), marries a stern bishop (Jan Malmsjö)
Fans on social media are full of praise for the film
‘Having a busy social schedule during the festive period is nice but it doesn’t really allow much time for Ingmar Bergman’s Fanny & Alexander [5 hour TV version] which is kind of what it’s all about.’
‘Fanny and Alexander is the best christmas movie btw.’Â
‘Putting in one of my favorite little Christmas movies,the 5 hour cut of Fanny and Alexander.’Â
Meanwhile, a new Netflix film inspired by Die Hard has arrived on the platform just in time for Christmas, and critics are thrilled.
Carry-On is a new ’10/10′ thriller from The Shallows director Jaume Collet-Serra starring Taron Egerton, 35, and Jason Bateman, 55.
The film sees Taron play a transportation security agent (TSA), who is blackmailed by Jason’s character into smuggling dangerous items onboard a flight on Christmas Eve.
Written by TJ Fixman, the film was originally planned to be the first release as part of Netflix’s deal with Steven Spielberg’s Amblin production company, however, it was delayed due to rewrites of the script.
Meanwhile, a new Netflix film inspired by Die Hard has arrived on the platform just in time for Christmas, and critics are thrilledÂ
Carry-On, is a new ’10/10′ thriller from The Shallows director Jaume Collet-Serra starring Taron Egerton, 35, and Jason Bateman, 55
Carry-On also stars Sofia Carson, 31, Danielle Deadwyler, 42, and Logan Marshall-Green, 48, and has already received strong reviews from critics.
In his review for The Wrap, William Bibbiani said: ‘There are about two minutes in that are as exciting as any other action movie this year, and about 100 minutes that are pretty fun too.’
Pramit Chatterjee in Digital Media Talkies wrote: ‘Carry-On is the best Christmas movie of the year.’
Meanwhile, Nick Schager for The Daily Beast added: ‘This breakneck Netflix offering confirms the enduring vitality of its chosen formula – and, in the process, proves an unexpected and welcome Yuletide streaming gift.’
Speaking to the BBC, Collet said that the Bruce Willis classic had inspired the movie, adding: ‘Everyone wants to make the next Die Hard and the reality is that no one ever will – it’s a perfect movie that can’t be replicated, and also a very specific product of its time.’
‘But when I read the script for Carry-On, I felt like I had found a more grounded version of Die Hard – which was our North Star for the entire process – for a new generation.’
