The Other Side of Sunday (1996) User Reviews

A Coming of Age Story about a Girl, for a Change

[ksandness · 8/10 · 6 January 2008]

Maria is the teenage daughter of a rigid, authoritarian pastor in a conservative branch of Norway's state church in the early 1960s, and the time is approaching when she is supposed to be confirmed. However, she dreads her upcoming confirmation, because she doesn't want to live the drab, glum life that women in her church seem to lead. She wants to enjoy her youth, but her father even objects to her going to a café for a Coke with her friends.Her mother's serious illness and academic pressures only add to her stress.

Maria befriends a woman who is a member of her church; the two of them are obviously kindred spirits who feel constrained by the strict rules of their community.

What will she decide when the time comes to take her confirmation vows, especially after her life is shaken by bereavement? Almost all the coming of age stories I have seen or read have been about boys or young men. This film is unusual in that it's about a young girl trying to figure out who she is and her place in the world.

Søndagsengler..... A story from my past.

[Vyruzz2 · 6/10 · 17 December 2006]

Hmm I see that this film has been enjoyed all over the world, and I must say I'm a little surprised.. I am a Norweigian and I have seen it a couple of times when it has gone on the TV for some years ago, but I never thought it would reach out to so many people... The funny thing is.... I'm in it. Now a 27 year old man going on 28, its strange seeing that even now, almost eleven years after, it still touches people. My part wasn't big, though I had a few lines, but it is such a strange feeling to have been part of something that still is held so close to the heart that some of the "fans" of the film keep it. I remember being a little embarrassed the first time I saw it on the premiere in Oslo, cause I guess i was hoping for something more exciting. You must remember I was only 16. But now I see it in a different way. I hope you all still will enjoy the film as I enjoyed being part of it..

"What if God was one of us?"

[sarcasm_for_free · 7/10 · 25 November 2020]

Enough to put you off organised religion for life, this one.

A Norwegian girl on the cusp of adulthood in the 50's decides she no longer wants to be a Christian. This dismays the local community including her father, who just so happens to be the town priest. But what is boring sermons and staid hymns compared to boys, rock 'n' roll and long, refreshing dips in the nearby stream? No contest, really.

It's impossible to not be on Maria's (our rebellious protagonist) side as her dad never listens, her mother always takes his side and her siblings are under their thumb as much as she is. There's certainly a good way to have faith, but it's not to be found here: where apparently laughing at someone farting at the dinner table or wearing earrings is considered a major sin.

Marie Theisen is fantastic in the main role, alternating between euphoria at her newfound freedom and determination at her family's attempt to quell her uncovered adventurous spirit. She also says 'dog darn' a lot to avoid blasphemy, which makes no sense but is highly amusing.

Probably not one for regular churchgoers, who might find it a 'slur' on their beliefs. But everyone else though, it's an impressive piece of work that might just make you think twice before blindly believing in the hereafter... 7/10

Taste of Sunday afternoon

[Vincentiu · 28 January 2007]

Beautiful film for the art to describe the ineffable essence of an age, the subtle desire, the fear of social class, the image of religious vision like strong and necessary shell , the forms of beauty. It is exploration of a special metamorphosis in a delicate way, in kindly images, refined colors, with deep respect for atmosphere's details.

A young girl in an ambiguous war with a rigid world. A father for who the rules are untouchable, hypocritical gestures of a small universe, ethics like masks of general peace, slices of ordinary existence and vagueness of desires, dreams and feelings.

Mary is not a victim or rebel spirit. She is only explorer of her life. Her bold gestures or words, the innocent game, the refuge beyond the family's sphere are not elements of a real fight but steps for self definition.

It is a splendid film for the science to suggest the forms of existence's assume. For the sweet colors and for gentleness of artistic expression. For the discover of emotions like seeds of everyday. For the taste of Sunday.

Coming-of-Age Could-be-Better

[Zoooma · 6/10 · 25 September 2014]

Norwegian coming-of-age story about a teenager realizing the strict church life in the 1950's is not for her. Almost the whole entire background is Scriptural church life while our main character is discovering herself. She's learning in her heart that she does not want to turn into a "church hag." Her dad is the pastor and quite a strict father not to mention a hypocrite. It's a well-told story with bits of humor and a lot of hopefulness for people who don't want to conform to a way of life that is being forced upon them, a way of life they know is not for them. Longing, tragedy and hope. A decent film that moves along at a nice pace. Not so sure it deserved to make the short list to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Interesting yes. But I can't help but wonder if that was in large part a slap in the face of religion. In any case, I suppose it was an alright watch but nothing anyone needs to immediately download. Norwegians perhaps. Otherwise there surely are better films from Norway.

6.2 / 10 stars

--Zoooma, a Kat Pirate Screener

Important topic, rather unmemorable film for me

[Sasha_Lauren · 6/10 · 2 November 2019]

Maria, (Maria Theisen), a sixteen year-old in 1950's Norway, is the beautiful and conflicted daughter of a devoted local pastor who is a controlling person in her family. In this quietly, powerful coming-of-age tale, Maria clashes with her father as she struggles to find her own voice and values beyond the Orthodox Christain church that dominates his world, and the hypocritical limits it imposes on her life.

It's a good, (not great), film with a low-key appproach. An important character for Maria is Mrs. Tunheim, (Hildegun Riise), the church organist and assistant, with whom she forms a friendship. I was glad to see Maria find her footing and ultimately break free, yet this film began to fade quickly for me as soon as it ended.

Deserves more recognition

[georgec-9 · 10/10 · 12 February 2003]

I'd not heard of this film before it appeared on our TV and, going by the extent of feedback to IMDB, it has not been widely seen or appreciated.

The storyline is simple. It concerns a teenage girl growing up in late 1950s Norway, in a strict religious household, with her father the local pastor. She begins to realise that there is more in the world than strict orthodox Christianity. This leads to increasing tensions and her gradual rebellion.

The film is warm and human, and there is enough wit and humour to prevent it becoming tedious, dry, or just another "teenage rebellion" movie. Having had a relatively similar upbringing, I found a great deal of honesty in this film.

The photography, acting, late 1950s musical background and overall quality are excellent, with possibly a nod of recognition to Bergman. As I said in my one-line summary, this film really does deserve more recognition.

A quiet film that urges you to find your own way

[bandw · 9/10 · 9 November 2009]

It is the late 1950s in a small village in Norway. Bjørn Sundquist plays Johannes, a priest in the Church of Norway. Johannes has a wife, a son, and two daughters. The story revolves around Johannes, his pretty older teenage daughter Marie (Marie Theisen), and his church organist and assistant Mrs. Tunheim. Oddly we never know the family name of Johannes' family--the only person with a last name is Mrs. Tunheim, and we never know her first name. Johannes is stern and unyielding in his behavior. In the pulpit he is seen promoting the usual Christian pieties; his congregation looks like they are attending a funeral rather than a service. The rule is to look straight forward during a service and the first hint we get of what is to come is Marie's pinching her sister during a service. Johannes is harsh with his family and a prominent theme is the ongoing battle of wills between him and Marie. However, in several scenes we see a human side of Johannes that somewhat soften the initial stereotypical image that we might have of him.

Marie struggles to understand her religion and her burgeoning sexuality. Even in the face of the rigidity of her father's religious positions (or because of them) Marie has questions. As one example of her questioning consider this conversation with Mrs. Tunheim:

Marie: Do you think God did a poor job when he created man?

Mrs.Tunheim: Why do you ask?

Marie: He created us so that we have to ask forgiveness all the time. Isn't that a poor creation?

Or this reflection: "Isn't it just some sort of invention to love and cherish until death do you part? I love meatballs, but I cannot promise God that I will do that for the rest of my life." The movie often mixes humor with its more serious considerations.

Music plays an essential role in the film, ranging from Bach to 50s pop ballads. Music contributes to some exquisitely beautiful scenes like the one where Marie swims naked in the river.

All the actors capably handle the subtle complexities demanded of them, but it is ultimately Marie Theisen who carries the film and raises it above the average. She perfectly captures the questioning innocence at the core of Marie's personality and the stubborn persistence to find her own way in an environment that is trying to impose conformity. Marie is not about to give up on God, she is just looking for her own God--a God of nature, a God of forgiveness, a God who likes us when we are happy. This movie can be seen as a kinder and gentler version of a Bergman film that treats the same themes.

Expect surprises on the way to a definitive final scene.

Pretentious Religious Movie

[kenjha · 4/10 · 13 March 2008]

A coming-of-age story about a teenager rebelling against the church and her minister father in a small Norwegian village. The countryside setting is picturesque but the story is rather pretentious and plodding, with much of the film devoted to quoting scriptures. It's like watching a religious propaganda movie. Theisen, who has made only one other movie, is pretty good as the sensitive young protagonist, as are Sundquist as her strict father and Riise as a woman that Theisen is fascinated with. The film aims to be fresh and charming but feels rather stale and tired. Director and co-writer Nesheim, who has worked mostly in TV, is not up to the task.

An outstanding Norwegian film

[pdee-1 · 10/10 · 16 July 2006]

I consider this movie to be outstanding - well worth a 10. It is a totally Norwegian production and therefore doesn't suffer the defects of the Scandinavian co-productions with characters confusingly and variously speaking in Swedish,Danish and Norwegian. The plot is straightforward and the cinematography is excellent. The acting is first class and as a Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation production is up there with the best that the BBC can produce. I am surprised that Marie Theisen has seemingly dropped out of films after a second film which I have been unable to obtain. The present film received a well deserved Oscar nomination. Ms.Theisen now appears to be a film reviewer for Kanal 24 in Norway. Such a pity that she is out of the production side.

A fabulous movie

[pampeano · 10/10 · 30 June 2000]

"Søndagsengler" is a norwegian movie that have all genres: comedy,drama,religion,but about all:love.It's a pity that this movie not won the Oscar,because is most to deserved,in my case,that Kolya.The Academy Awards Jury not choose movies that,really,deserved it.Well,this movie is so sensitive,like all norwegian and scandinavian movie,and entertaining,with beautiful sequences,marvelous screenplay and excellent performances. But,I follow thinking that this movie deserved the Oscar. Now,"The Other Side of Sunday" is one of my favourites films and one of the best of all times. My opinion:You must see this movie.

Yet another great movie set in the 50s about growing up.

[torkeltuva · 10/10 · 7 July 1999]

Yet another great movie set in the 50s about growing up. It just says it all. It is impossible to break the spirit of this young girl, no matter how hard the overly religious father and society tries. An important and beautiful film indeed.

Spiritual quest

[lyrxsf · 9/10 · 1 April 2009]

There's a brief scene in the movie where the camera focuses on sunflowers between transitioning from one important scene to another. That's the visual which remained with me – that of sunflowers. And the flowing river water. Water brings peace. This movie is about the honesty and expression of sunflowers. Its about the flow of emotions like the flow of river water. Experimenting with lipstick, trying a night out with the boys, are signs of tasting life, hanging out in a café, finding room to be in the strict environment portrayed in the movie. There are several controversial themes the movie touches upon, without taking a hard stance on any. Messaging is subtle – open for multiple interpretations. The father, a priest, is shown bearing down on his family and in the process weighing himself down. There are underlying themes of tensions between father and daughter. There is dialog between kindred spirits about finding one's own God – a God which lets one be without extracting forgiveness for existence, finding space away from authoritarianism. The movie ends with the girl finding herself on a wide open road, her hair open, her heart open. Its all very symbolic.

I am proud to be Norwegian when I see this movie...

[d_bohlen · 5 April 1999]

Great norwegian movie about a priest's teenaged daughter, who has different views on religion than her father... Great movie. I am proud to be Norwegian when I see this movie...

The story of Marie, on her way to rebell to the church..

[Erik Mæhlum · 8/10 · 5 January 2000]

This movie is well made in most ways, put since it's a Norwegian film it has some faults. I'm a Norwegian but I don't like Norwegian films but Søndagsengler is a average movie seen in an international perspective. If you like Norwegian films, I would reccomend "Flåklypa Grand Prix". But if you are a movie fan, there's no danger in seeing this "beautiful" movie.

One of the best foreign films ever!

[vbmq · 22 November 2000]

Sondagsengler or The Other side of Sunday had all the elements to become a true classic. The cinematography is astounding. Unlike a lot of films today, the movie, Sondagsengler, had a great plot. I was hooked until I saw the ending credits.