Saraband 2003
Ingmar Bergman's masterful chamber drama Saraband (2003) reunites Liv Ullmann and Erland Josephson as Marianne and Johan, decades after their explosive divorce in Scenes from a Marriage.
Director: Ingmar Bergman
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Saraband (2003) about?
Saraband (2003) follows Marianne's return to her ex-husband Johan, where she stumbles upon a simmering feud between Johan and his son Henrik over Henrik's daughter Karin. The film dissects the lingering pain of old wounds, the futility of control, and whether forgiveness is possible after decades of bitterness.
Who directed Saraband?
Saraband was directed by the legendary Ingmar Bergman, a titan of Scandinavian cinema whose works redefined emotional storytelling in film.
Who stars in Saraband?
The ensemble cast features Liv Ullmann as Marianne, Erland Josephson as Johan, Börje Ahlstedt as Henrik, Julia Dufvenius as Karin, and Gunnel Fred in a supporting role.
Is Saraband (2003) worth watching?
Fans of Bergman's introspective dramas will find Saraband (2003) a deeply rewarding experience, though its slow-burn intensity and bleak themes may not appeal to all audiences. With its powerful performances and haunting atmosphere, it stands as a poignant final chapter in Bergman's oeuvre.
How long is Saraband?
Saraband (2003) has a runtime of 120 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Saraband (2003) — Bergman's intimate final drama on resentment and family ties
Ingmar Bergman's masterful chamber drama Saraband (2003) reunites Liv Ullmann and Erland Josephson as Marianne and Johan, decades after their explosive divorce in Scenes from a Marriage. Their quiet reunion in Johan's isolated retreat unravels into a searing exploration of love's lingering scars, the corrosive weight of resentment, and the fragile threads of forgiveness. As Marianne witnesses Johan's tense standoff with his son Henrik and granddaughter Karin, the film peels back layers of human frailty, revealing how old wounds fester even when time has passed. Shot with Bergman's signature intimacy, the 120-minute drama lingers like a haunting elegy, blending quiet despair with moments of fleeting tenderness.
Saraband (2003) is a meditation on the inescapable bonds of family, where past and present collide in a dance of regret and reluctant connection. Set against the stark beauty of the Swedish countryside, the film thrives on its minimalist tension—no grand gestures, just raw emotional confrontations that feel achingly real. Bergman's final work before his passing, this drama is a testament to the power of restraint, where every glance and silence speaks volumes about the ties that bind us, for better or worse.