MartinHafer While UNDER SOLEN did not win the 2000 Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film, I certainly can understand the nomination, as it is an incredibly beautiful and highly artistic film. Rarely have I seen a film in which the cinematography and music done so much to create a truly beautiful film. Despite the film being set entirely around a farm in the Swedish countryside, it's the loveliest place on the planet due to the wonderful film work in UNDER SOLEN. As for the story, I liked it very much...but it wasn't perfect.The film begins with a 40 year-old bachelor placing an ad in the paper for a young housekeeper. It seems that the guy lives in a pretty ratty old farmhouse and you also wonder if perhaps he wants more than just a housekeeper, as he wants the lady to be young and she should include a picture! Well, the lonely guy ends up getting something he probably didn't expect--a woman who is truly gorgeous. And, in many ways, they seem incredibly different. He is a big hulking man who is incredibly shy and awkward. She seems more self-secure and makes heads turn.Into this odd arrangement arrives a so-called friend of Olaf--Eric. Eric is the opposite. He's young, handsome, impulsive and great with women...but also quite shallow. This new lady, Ellen, is polite to Eric when he visits, but also a bit formal. She seems to be able to see through him and although Eric is attracted to her, she finds herself drawn towards clumsy old Olaf as the film progresses. Eric, a petulant jerk, seems angry at her rebuffs of his advances.What happens next is very sweet as you see the relationship between Ellen and Olaf bloom...very, very slowly. In fact, the very slow and deliberate pacing of the film might turn off some. As for me, I didn't mind at all because it was all so beautiful and reminded me, style-wise, of "Babette's Feast"--another great Scandinavian film. So much is said in this film with glances and little scenes--I really liked it. What I was less than thrilled by was the dangling portion near the end. What about her former life and what about her secret? In some ways, it tended to deflect from how much I liked this character and I really wanted a full explanation as to how she got to where she was in life. I'd say more, but I don't want to ruin the film.The film is probably not a great one for kids or teens, as it's a very sexually charged film. It's NOT dirty or gratuitous--it's just very sexual and probably is best as a movie to watch with someone you love.Not a perfect film, but there's so much to like about this one.

David Sligar Loved this movie, though there were so many items to pan, mostly mentioned by other commenters. I thought the planes / soaring birds were both obvious and obscure (Icarus? Ecstasy? Flying? Soul? All of these?) But mostly gratuitous and extra -- watch that metaphor! The music could have been Swedish folk, as mentioned by others. Erik (again, as mentioned) was maybe the most hate provoking villain I've ever seen. Some folks seem to think he was Olof's friend. Not possible, though Olof is certainly under that delusion. Erik is entirely out for himself, conning Olof for betting money, and fearing loss of his power over Olof when Ellen shows up. He absolutely shows his true color during his last scene, when he tears into Olof's psyche unmercifully solely for the sadistic pleasure of it. He's heading to America the next day, so dishonestly relieving himself of his debt to Olof is of no material benefit to him. Well, I won't really put in the ultimate spoiler, this movie is very painful, very beautiful, and we decided we'd either get all of Nutley's movies, or maybe avoid them entirely!

kmukh_73 I saw the movie recently, as I was looking for a new taste of movies outside the French, Spanish, Italian or German ones. I adore European movies very much, and so I deliberately picked it up from the blockbuster store. After watching the brilliant performance of Rolf Lassgård as well as Helena Bergström, I have no doubt that a true romantic movie was nominated for Oscar foreign film category. The camera-work, Celtic music, photography, the location and obviously the acting was simply brilliant. It is really a must see movie and all credits to the director as he has brought up such a nice movie out of a simple story which still possesses the rustiness of a Swedish village. Rarely one can see such a nice romantic presentation of movie based on such a common topic. It could not have been done more better. I am a bit surprised why it was rated "R", there are many Hollywood movies which are much "R" rated and bogus. Isn't a bit of ill-fated skepticism on the Swedish movie? I think it's time to learn for the h'wood "dumbs" how to make romantic movies in a presentable way without explicit scenes and come out of the viscous circle of the sci-fi, thriller, murder, horror plots.Do watch it if you have not, a must see for your family and it reckons 10/10!!

amylia82 This is the first Swedish movie I've ever seen. Though I cannot understand the language, I enjoy the music and picture in it. And i like the picture very much. So peaceful, like heaven. Great movie.