The Women on the Roof Poster

The Women on the Roof 1989

★ 4.110 votes89 min📅 1989-09-15

Set against the dawn of World War I in Stockholm, *The Women on the Roof* (1989) follows Linnea, a fresh-faced young woman who moves into a bustling city apartment just as Europe teeters on the brink of conflict.

Director: Carl-Gustav Nykvist

Cast

Amanda Ooms
Amanda Ooms
Linnea
Helena Bergström
Helena Bergström
Anna
Stellan Skarsgård
Stellan Skarsgård
Willy
Percy Brandt
Percy Brandt
Fischer
Lars Ori Bäckström
Holger
Katarina Olsson
Gerda
Leif Andrée
Leif Andrée
Oskar
Stig Ossian Ericson
Stig Ossian Ericson
Vicar
Johan Bergenstråhle
Johan Bergenstråhle
Photographer Halling
Ulla Sallert
Ulla Sallert

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Women on the Roof (1989) about?

The film follows Linnea, a young woman who moves to Stockholm before World War I and finds herself drawn into a complicated friendship with Anna, a bold photographer. Their bond is tested by Anna's adventurous boyfriend and the growing tensions of pre-war Europe.

Who directed The Women on the Roof?

Carl-Gustav Nykvist, a Swedish director known for his evocative storytelling and visual sensitivity, brought this tender drama to life.

Who stars in The Women on the Roof?

The film features Amanda Ooms as Linnea, Helena Bergström as Anna, Stellan Skarsgård as Anna's lover, and Percy Brandt in a supporting role.

Is The Women on the Roof (1989) worth watching?

While not widely known outside Sweden, *The Women on the Roof* offers a beautifully crafted exploration of female friendship and societal shifts during a pivotal historical moment. Its intimate drama and stellar cast make it a compelling watch for fans of classic European cinema.

How long is The Women on the Roof?

The film runs for 89 minutes, making it a concise yet immersive viewing experience.

About The Women on the Roof (1989) — A WWI-era Swedish romance-drama full of quiet passion and hidden depths

Set against the dawn of World War I in Stockholm, *The Women on the Roof* (1989) follows Linnea, a fresh-faced young woman who moves into a bustling city apartment just as Europe teeters on the brink of conflict. Hired by an elderly photographer to assist in his studio, she crosses paths with Anna, a bold and creative woman who challenges her perceptions of friendship, ambition, and independence. As Linnea's life intertwines with Anna's free-spirited lover—caught between the circus and the chaos of pre-war Europe—and the looming specter of international tensions, she finds herself navigating emotions as complex as the political landscape around her.

Carl-Gustav Nykvist's delicate direction captures the contrast between intimacy and upheaval, weaving a narrative that explores the unspoken bonds between women in a society on the cusp of change. With its tender visuals and undercurrents of romance and drama, this lesser-known gem offers a poignant snapshot of early 20th-century life, where personal dreams and societal shifts collide.