Some of the best stuff I've seen from Sjostrom in particular the beautiful on location photography up in the mountains of Sweden which looks incredible, and the stonkingly powerful and even shocking ending. It's let down slightly, unfortunately, by one utterly absurd plotpoint in its sixth of seven parts. I really, really liked the film, perhaps even loved it, but it is irritating how a film which is for the most part so very impressive and engaging can have such an awful plotpoint...

It's a messy melodrama and the characterization is sloppy. The storytelling especially falls apart in the penultimate chapter, with events that either make no sense or strain credibility. I suspect some of these problems might be rectified in the longer version... on the other hand, they could also be exacerbated. However, there is a skillfulness that hints at later, greater works by Sjostrom. The use of natural landscapes and punishing weather is handled almost as artfully as in The Wind.

"A tale of redemption played out against the vast expenses of nature." - Fernando F. Croce

Melodramatic, yes, but also very exciting and somewhat shocking for such an early film.