Of Whales, the Moon, and Men
Of Whales, the Moon, and Men

Movie spotlight

Of Whales, the Moon, and Men

1963
Movie
106 min
French

At the instigation of the filmmakers, the young men of the Ile-aux-Coudres in the middle of the St-Lawrence River try as a memorial to their ancestors to revive the fishing of the belugas interrupted in 1924.

Insights

IMDb6.4/10
Director: Arne SkouenGenres: Drama, War

Plot Summary

During World War II, a young Norwegian woman is caught in a dangerous love triangle with two enemy soldiers. As the war rages around her, she must navigate treacherous political landscapes and personal desires. Her choices have far-reaching consequences for herself and those around her.

Critical Reception

Released in 1963, 'Of Whales, the Moon, and Men' received a mixed reception from critics, with many commending its performances, particularly Liv Ullmann's, but some finding its narrative somewhat predictable. Audiences generally appreciated the film's dramatic tension and its exploration of difficult wartime choices.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its strong lead performance and atmospheric portrayal of wartime Norway.

  • Criticized by some for a plot that relied on familiar war romance tropes.

  • The film's somber tone and exploration of moral ambiguity were frequently highlighted.

Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce for this older film, but general sentiment indicates appreciation for the dramatic performances and the historical setting, though some found the pacing to be slow at times.

Fun Fact

This film marked an early significant role for Liv Ullmann, who would go on to become one of the most celebrated actresses of her generation, known for her collaborations with Ingmar Bergman.

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