How Sorrowful
How Sorrowful

Movie spotlight

How Sorrowful

1956
Movie
108 min
Japanese

The story of a novelist whose wife is confined in a mental hospital. His love for her drives him to write about her, though he runs into trouble when her parents accuse him of cashing in on her misfortune.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Director: Carl Theodor DreyerGenres: Drama, Mystery, Thriller

Plot Summary

A young woman, haunted by a past tragedy, finds herself drawn into a web of suspicion and fear when she takes a job as a companion to a reclusive, ailing elderly woman. Strange occurrences and unsettling revelations about the household's history begin to chip away at her sanity. She must uncover the truth before she becomes the next victim of the house's dark secrets.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'How Sorrowful' received a mixed reception. Critics were divided on its slow pacing and ambiguous narrative, with some praising its atmospheric tension and Dreyer's distinctive visual style, while others found it too obtuse and emotionally distant. Audience reactions were similarly polarized, with some appreciating its psychological depth and others put off by its bleak tone.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its masterful cinematography and unsettling atmosphere.

  • Criticized for its deliberate pacing and lack of clear resolution.

  • Dreyer's signature style creates a palpable sense of dread.

Google audience: Google user reviews for 'How Sorrowful' are scarce due to its age and limited release. However, the few available indicate that audiences found the film to be a challenging but rewarding viewing experience, appreciating its artistic merit and haunting mood.

Fun Fact

The film was shot entirely on location in a remote, isolated manor, contributing to its authentically claustrophobic and eerie atmosphere.

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