Banketten (1948) User Reviews

A great cast in a very good movie

[Mattias · 7/10 · 27 July 2001]

Hasse Ekman always made movies with the best Swedish actors of his time. 'Banketten' is no exception with great performances from Sven Lindberg, Eva Henning and Sture Lagerwall. This is the story of an upper-class family with internal problems. The old patriarch father must decide who will inherit his company, but one son, Ivar, is a socialist, the other one, Pierre, is a big-spending irresponsible brat. Hasse Ekman and Eva Henning is the young married couple, locked in a marriage where love and romance have been replaced by insults and cynicism. It is interesting to know that the two were married to each other also outside the screen.

Of the 40 movies that Ekman directed, this is one of his five best.

My favourite Ekman movie.

[Foxx · 7/10 · 7 February 1999]

Hasse Ekman had already established himself as the leading director at the time (before Bergman) but the leading role as the sadistic Hugo Stenbrott also established him as a gifted actor. Ingmar Bergman was impressed an gave Ekman one of the parts in "Gycklarnas afton", 1953. Eva Henning (Ekmans wife in real life as well) gives a striking performance as the lovesick Vica.

A frightening peak into the world of the upper-class, where the devil hides under a polished surface. Almost a masterpiece! **** (out of five)

One of Hasse's best dramas

[martinpersson97 · 10/10 · 11 December 2023]

Hasse Ekman is definitely one of the all time greats, and rivaled perhaps only by Bergman in his provice and acclaim as one of the internationally acclaimed and revolutionary filmmakers in Sweden.

Having a vast and ever impressive filmography, this is definitely one of his best films of all time.

It is an intricate drama, very subtle written, well paced and high on emotions. The actors all do an incredible job, as one would expect from such a legendary cast. Accompining Hasse's stellar writing gracefully.

The cinematography, cutting and editing is incredible, very much in line with his style, and very beautifully put together.

Overall, a very splendid drama by a master, and highly recommended for any lover of film!