Hets

An early board school tragedy foreshadowing the likes of If… and the Danish Det forsømte forår. Written by Bergman and directed flawlessly by Alf Sjöberg, it is the grim story of sensitive gymnasiast Widgren, who falls in love with charming but haunted Bertha (mai Zetterling at 19 years of age). A dark secret connects Bertha with the sadistic Latin teacher Caligula. The movie is extremely sincere, with ominous shadows and sharp light exposing Bertha and Widgren's tormented souls. Tensions are sky-high, and one senses that the drama will be the death of one or the other. I think I maybe saw this as a teenager, or is it just because archetypical school movie themes are played out here for the first time, and to perfection? I can hardly recommend this gem too much, I will probably upgrade it on next viewing.

Considered as a legendary coming-of-age work for Swedish film-making, and I can clearly see why: Scripted by Ingmar Bergman, it's a psychologically intriguing drama of morals and authority abuse, with a thriller aura, that's effectively placed in a high school setting.

Two of its story- and directorial strengths are: 1. Not turning into a standard young-lovers-on-the-run melodrama as I feared along the way. The two harassed youngsters indicate romance, indeed, but are mainly portrayed as identity strugglers on the brink of adulthood. 2. Painting a believably two-dimensional portrait of the tormentor - is he sick... or just plain evil? We also get a captivating look at school & teaching methodology. Great scene in the map room!!

And by a 1944 standard, it holds a surprisingly fresh, naturally flowing dialog for my Swedish ears! Stark B&W photography that is reminiscent of Hitchcock, contributes to its emotional tension, as well. I think the old Master would have loved making this!

7 out of 10 from Ozjeppe.

Torment is most recognised as the screenplay debut of young Ingmar Bergman. And while there are signs of a script-writer who had more than great potential, Torment does deserve to be known for more than the debut of one of the best and most influential directors in film. For it is a very fine film indeed. It looks great, with gorgeous photography and evocative scenery. Alf Sjöberg's direction is clever and sustained, while Bergman's screenplay has both its dark and affecting moments and shows great thought and insight. The story does show signs of a chilling atmosphere, affecting melodrama(without being overly so) and also of a writer early on in his career showing what he could do while developing it to even greater heights later on in his career, the film is always involving pacing wise and the character development is subtle while always making the characters interesting. The music has moments where it is too intrusive but is overall hauntingly-composed and fitting, while the acting is marvellous, especially from Stig Järrel and Mai Zetterling. In conclusion, very, very good. 9/10 Bethany Cox

Widgren isn't fond of his high school, the Latin teacher always makes him look a fool, just a few weeks now to go, he can escape the tyrant foe, run off with his girl, enjoy life, and be cool (he's suffering teen angst and distraction with a lack of concentration).

Caligula works at just such a high school, he teaches Latin and he follows all the rules, but out of site he is quite shady, a touch psychotic, definitely crazy, has his sights set on a girl he'd like to rule (There's a reason certain individuals take up a particular practice, and it isn't because of a passion for the profession, several of which spring to mind).

Bertha has a pest who's in pursuit, an unstable and a volatile brute, though she's just met a new beau, but the foe's not letting go, though for now her lips are sealed and she stays mute (who's going to believe her story after all).

When those in authority over others, both formal and informal, take advantage of the situation to cause misery and torment. A familiar story that traverses most times and ages and doesn't seem to be waning too much today.

Hugely enjoyable drama. The tension builds inexorably in Jan-Erik's battle with Caligula the dictatorial Latin master. One begins to swoon when the heat finally breaks and the storm rolls in. Watch for (now stock) lighting and shadow effects.