Cries Whispers Bergman Classic
Ingmar Bergman's poignant drama Cries and Whispers is a powerful exploration of familial bonds and the human psyche. The film follows three sisters as they struggle to come to terms with their own emotions and relationships while caring for their dying sibling.
Dir: Ingmar Bergman
Cast: Liv Ullmann, Ingrid Thulin, Kari Sylwan, Harriet Andersson, Erland Josephson, Georg Årlin, Anders Ek, Henning Moritzen
95 mins · 1972 · Sweden · Cert 15 · Swedish
IMDb 7.9/10 · Rotten Tomatoes 92% · TMDB 7.9/10 · Trakt 77%
Awards: Won 1 Oscar. 22 wins & 12 nominations total
Ingmar Bergman, renowned for his emotionally charged and psychologically complex films, brings his unique vision to Cries and Whispers, a drama that delves into the intricate relationships between three sisters and their maid as they navigate the challenges of caring for a dying family member. • The film boasts a talented cast, including Harriet Andersson, Liv Ullmann, and Kari Sylwan, who deliver powerful performances that bring depth and nuance to the story. • With its use of saturated colour, particularly crimson, Cries and Whispers creates a visually stunning and emotionally intense atmosphere that draws the viewer into the world of the film. • The film's exploration of themes such as faith, suffering, and the search for meaning has resonated with audiences and critics alike, earning it numerous awards and nominations, including an Academy Award for Best Cinematography.
The Picture House in Uckfield will be screening Cries and Whispers on Sunday, 13 December 2026, as part of Kevin Markwick's 1970s Big Screen Season. Tickets and details are available with the button beside this article. With its richly textured performances, striking cinematography, and thought-provoking themes, Cries and Whispers is a must-see for fans of Bergman and cinematic drama.
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What viewers say
Maarten Delfgou · 8/10
The original title of the film is Viskningar och Rop.
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manicure · 8/10
“Cries and Whispers” feels too slow and self-indulgent at first, but gets considerably better during its second half, with a weird aftertaste that lingers for hours. Despite being dominated by an overwhelming shade of bright red, the cinematography feels bleak and cold, with long silences emphasizing the sense of emptiness. Typical Bregman-style monologues and confessions lead most of the narration, but a lot is also left unspoken: the camera…
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The_Argentinian
I appreciate the filmmaking more than I was invested in the story.
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canavancaravan · 9/10
There is something seductive about pity that gives it a dangerous edge.
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Cagliostro · 8/10
Eva Green said it was her favourite film, so I had to watch it, cinematography and costume wise it looks gorgeous but i still don't understand the story, it has many flashbacks and there's not a lot of dialogue, I can't rate or judge the movie yet, i have to watch it again to truly judge it.
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Tomizuka0829 · 6/10
Ultra slow burn with a bunch of people being sad. Wasn't really feeling this. 1973 (46th) Academy Award nominations: Best Picture, Best Director (Ingmar Bergman), Best Original Screenplay (Ingmar Bergman), Best Cinematography (Sven Nykvist - Winner), Best Costume Design (Marik Vos)
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psonnosp · 4/10
Cinematographically it's beautiful but as a story I really don't have a clue what I watched. It gave me nothing except on a technical level.
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talisencrw · 10/10
Though my personal favourite of Bergman's films will always be the first I've seen, for sentimental reasons ('Through a Glass Darkly'), this is outstanding. Essential for all cinephiles. A masterclass of acting, directing and cinematography. A dish to be savoured, exquisitely.
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