Kjell Grede’s directing debut has become a classic in Sweden and an art-house delight abroad, a film with a strong feeling for how children perceive the world around them and how magical it can seem to them. Grede gets good help from two charming kids in the leads, as well as Beppe Wolgers as a gentle gardener who becomes a special influence in the children’s lives. The story of how they share a few summer months has many warm, pretty scenes (aided by classical music) – there’s definitely many ingredients here that make it look similar to a Bo Widerberg film. Not terribly substantial, but nostalgic and poetic.
1967-Sweden. 82 min. Color. Produced by Göran Lindgren. Written and directed by Kjell Grede. Novels: Maria Gripe. Cinematography: Lars Johnsson. Cast: Fredrik Becklén (Hugo), Marie Öhman (Josefin), Beppe Wolgers (Gudmarson), Inga Landgré, Helena Brodin, Bellan Roos.
Trivia: Original title: Hugo och Josefin.
