Scenes from a Marriage
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Scenes from a Marriage

Scenes from a Marriage

1973
Romance, Drama
TV Mini-Series
4h 43m
Johan reveals to his wife Marianne that he has been having an affair and intends to leave her. She is distraught, and the film follows the trials and tribulations of the couple from that point onward. Originally a TV series screened in Sweden.

Directed by:

Ingmar Bergman
Ingmar-Bergman
169 total credits
Ernst Ingmar Bergman was a Swedish director, writer and producer for film, stage and television. His influential body of work often dealt with themes such as bleakness and despair, as well as comedy and hope, in his cinematic explorations of the human condition. Described by Woody Allen as "probably the greatest film artist, all things considered, since the invention of the motion picture camera", he is recognized as one of the most accomplished and influential filmmakers of modern cinema.
polygon

Writer:

Ingmar Bergman
Ingmar-Bergman
169 total credits
Ernst Ingmar Bergman was a Swedish director, writer and producer for film, stage and television. His influential body of work often dealt with themes such as bleakness and despair, as well as comedy and hope, in his cinematic explorations of the human condition. Described by Woody Allen as "probably the greatest film artist, all things considered, since the invention of the motion picture camera", he is recognized as one of the most accomplished and influential filmmakers of modern cinema.
polygon

Starring:

Erland Josephson
Erland-Josephson
65 total credits
Josephson was born on the island of Kungsholmen, in Stockholm, Sweden, as the son of Maud Gabrielle and Gunnar Josephson, a bookseller. Josephson was the leader of the Royal Dramatic Theatre in Stockholm from 1966 to 1975. He published novels, short stories, poetry and drama, and was the director of several films. In 1980 he directed and starred in the film Marmalade Revolution, which was entered into the 30th Berlin International Film Festival. [wikipedia.org]
polygon
,
Jan Malmsjö
Jan-Malmsj
18 total credits
Credits include: Fanny and Alexander, Scenes from a Marriage, Drömkåken, Release the Prisoners to Spring and Walter & Carlo i Amerika
polygon
,
Liv Ullmann
Liv-Ullmann
68 total credits
Liv Ullmann was born in Tokyo, and became one of the world's most beloved actresses after starring in a number of Ingmar Bergman's movies of the 60s and 70s. As intelligent as she is beautiful and talented, she branched into directing in the 80s and 90s. Her name is pronounced "leave".
polygon
,
Bibi Andersson
Bibi-Andersson
58 total credits
Credits include: The Seventh Seal, Persona, Wild Strawberries, Scenes from a Marriage and Smiles of a Summer Night
polygon
,
Gunnel Lindblom
Gunnel-Lindblom
31 total credits
Credits include: The Seventh Seal, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Wild Strawberries, Winter Light and The Virgin Spring
polygon
,
Anita Wall
Anita-Wall
8 total credits
Credits include: Scenes from a Marriage, I lagens namn, Jag älskar dig - En skilsmässokomedi, Raggare! and Hemma
polygon
,
Barbro Hiort af Ornäs
Barbro-Hiort-af-Orns
18 total credits
Credits include: Scenes from a Marriage, The Passion of Anna, Brink of Life, All These Women and Loving Couples
polygon
,
Wenche Foss
Wenche-Foss
12 total credits
Credits include: Scenes from a Marriage, Flåklypa Grand Prix, Solan, Ludvig og Gurin med reverompa, Ung frue forsvunnet and Herren og hans tjenere
polygon
,
Bertil Norström
Bertil-Norstrm
6 total credits
Credits include: Scenes from a Marriage, En Kärlekshistoria, Glädjekällan, Höjdhoppar'n and Mamma
polygon
,
Lena Bergman
Lena-Bergman
1 total credit
Credits include: Scenes from a Marriage and Oskuld och panik
polygon
,
Rossana Mariano
Rossana-Mariano
1 total credit
Credits include: Scenes from a Marriage and Oskuld och panik
polygon

Genres:

Romance, Drama

AKA:

Scener ur ett äktenskap

Country:

Sweden

Language:

Swedish

Scenes from a Marriage

1973
Romance, Drama
TV Mini-Series
4h 43m
Your probable score

Ratings & Reviews

Compact view
Compact view
Average Percentile: 81.2%
20 Mar 2008
5
91st
Few movies have ever bothered less with plot, style, or conventional guidelines; in no movie have they ever mattered less. Bergman's triumph is to create two characters who are so convincingly fleshed out that to see them on screen is to know them intimately: to love them, hate them, and to share in their pain, sorrow, and redemption every step of the way. In its own way, through all the fighting and heartbreak, this is the most romantic movie ever made; it's the best romance I've ever seen.
24 Feb 2007
100
98th
The performances aren't just great, they are 100% convincing. The characters aren't just well developed, they are 100% real people, more so than many actual people I've met. The direction and cinematography aren't anything special, but they don't need to be, as any unusual tricks would only have served as distractions from the film's absolute realism.
07 Apr 2007
95
99th
Every relationship is essentially the same. We are mountains for eachother desperately seeking meaning in our Sisyphusian existence. Once again Bergman playing god with his petty subjects.
09 Feb 2008
10
99th
Powerful, real and often brutal, Bergman creates two characters that you will relate with no matter who you are. The acting is of course top-notch, and the camerawork is so subtle, you will actually forget you are watching a film. No other piece of cinema has affected me as much as this.
13 Aug 2007
98
99th
On infidelity. This is the greatest movie of the 1970s, and in a sense captures the essence of that decade. It is the greatest depiction of a relationship onscreen, and probably the greatest ever record of actors' performances. One of the greatest films of all time is a TV series! A singular achievement. Slightly more extended discussion here (from 1999): https://www.academia.edu/13143431/Scenes_from_a_Marriage_1999_ Re-watched: August 2021.
07 Apr 2008
90
99th
Lip-knawingly real. The complexes of life, love, and intellect. No one is safe, least so the viewer. The script of a wise man.
13 Aug 2007
97
99th
Yet another powerful work from Bergman. The things these characters say to each other ring so true... they're conversations that you've had, or at least feel you've had or could have. Amazing performances, too.
13 Jun 2010
10
97th
(2nd viewing) An emotionally resonant script of precision and unparalleled humility. A shame some people don't realise marriage is composed of these moments of uncertitude and commotion, and how working past them enforces its foundation together with heartfelt empathy. The lead actors give the most natural performances ever recorded on screen, though I guess the real star of this film is Bergman himself, who's in complete control of his visuals and subject matter. Highly recommended!
01 Nov 2009
10
98th
Extremely engaging and well made film. The camera is invisible, it's like we are watching moments from these people's lives without them knowing. The performances by Ullman and Josephson are two of the best ever. Arguably Bergman's finest.
16 Sep 2009
99
99th
Two of the best performances I've ever seen. Bergman is absolutely brilliant. Almost definitely the best relationship in the history of the cinema (so far as one can really make that claim).
15 Jan 2009
95
96th
This is acting at its finest. Everything else in the film is in a back seat, kept muted and made almost irrelevant. They explore everything about love here, its ups and downs and it's tough to believe you're not watching two people who've been married for 10 years. It's stunning.
16 Feb 2010
5
93rd
(TV cut) It's amazing that in its entire 5 hour runtime, this film stays relentlessly efficient, and Bergman never wavers emotional intensity. No time is wasted, and you're left hanging on every word. The absence of stylistic flourish, the insulated atmosphere, and two incredibly authentic performances provide total immersion. It's painstakingly realistic, and by the end I felt drained.
26 Apr 2008
7
99th
Becomes more universal upon repeated viewings. This is the human condition, this is life.
17 Feb 2008
94
98th
An incredible movie on nearly every level. The characters are so real that it almost feels as if you're watching a documentary. While it's primarily about marriage and relationships it explores many aspects of personal motivations and fullfilment through characters that are genuinely complex.
10 Sep 2007
99
99th
Note that this rating is for the TV miniseries version, which is, in my opinion, far superior to the theatrical cut. Scenes From a Marriage is a complete masterpiece, and it is certainly a must-see film/miniseries for anyone with a serious interest in cinema.
21 Jul 2010
80
68th
Man, I'm not even married and I want a divorce.
19 Jan 2010
38
33rd
I'm pretty sure all the problems in this movie could have been avoided if Johan wasn't so lousy at sex.
28 Jul 2009
4
93rd
What an insightful script, dealing with lies, self-deception, love, infidelity, obsessiveness, basically all the sources of struggle in people's lives, and at the same time what makes us human. Has some of the best acting performances I've seen. Everyone has or will be experiencing a lot of what these characters are going through, and it all feels almost unpleasantly real.
11 Nov 2008
5
96th
Wow. Brutally honest and emotionally naked film. Liv Ullmann and Erland Josephson turn in amazing performances and Bergman utilizes close-up shots and silence to great emotional effect. I felt like I was physically beside Marianne and Johan through each phase of their highly tumultuous relationship. Highly recommended.
17 Oct 2007
94
92nd
Scenes From a Marriage is an epic of a completely different kind. It's internally intense and very emotional without being melodramatic or sappy at any point. Bergman captures the essence of a troubled relationship in a gripping state; it's extraordinarily powerful.
10 Nov 2012
95
99th
A masterclass of acting and characterization. And no less than my favorite from Bergman.
10 Apr 2011
95
95th
This is Bergmans relentless statement about the institutionalization of love by the society and marriage with the two phantastic actors Erland Josephson and Liv Ullman.
04 Jan 2010
55
57th
Has some great moments but simply, there is not enough material to carry the movie through its 170 minute span. Despite the fact that I like this type of movies where everything is based on acting and dialogue, I got bored somewhere close to the second hour.
05 Nov 2009
90
97th
Probably the most affecting film without a score that I have seen. The performances are so wonderfully nuanced and compelling that the stage play-like qualities of the film did not detract from the intimate reality it portrays.
04 Sep 2009
93
96th
gets better and better as you get further into it - the final two "scenes" are sublime
19 Jul 2009
95
87th
Showing the transformation and truely metamorphic timeline of marriage, from the first vows to divorce, Scenes from a Marriage is probably Bergman's most recital impelled and motivated film ever. There is barely anything else going on, but this is the entire proposition. What our legendary filmmaker was trying to come across was to prove than even without all the fabrics that the average movie requires, he manages to make a movie watchable from just the reciprocation of two people. Brilliant.
11 Dec 2006
96
99th
Of Bergman's films that I've gotten around to watching, this is the one I enjoy the most. You can relate to the characters, the close-ups are powerful yet not overwhelming, and you can actually take something away from this masterpiece. This film, to me, truly captures the "human spirit" in its range of emotions and character interaction.
02 Oct 2023
100
98th
Just - wow. Blown away. Still digesting the impact. True art - true life - I am so grateful to experience this mirroring of aspects of the human condition & relationship already reverberating in my soul, so grateful for the insights into how life can be - has been - for others, and me had I been born into a different time or circumstance... and a sense of being let in on Lessons From The Elders, the weary and tender ones, bewildered and open. Exquisitely portrayed and executed. Gratitude
18 May 2021
95
96th
Okay, so this is mostly just two actors in the same setting discussing the dissolution of their marriage. I'd put on a 50-minute episode, and then moments later, those 50 minutes would be complete. How the hell is this so engaging? I learned that Swedish relationships are weird as hell. When Ullmann finds out her husband is not only cheating on her, but leaving her the next day, it is the most tempered reaction.
30 Jun 2020
70
72nd
I watched the TV-Series and it was an emotional watch, you really feel immerse and invested on this relationship and you kind of get the feeling that this people are incredibly lonely even though they are together, but then they realize they are alone together.
28 Mar 2020
76
67th
For the whole thing to work I think you'd need the lead male character to have any semblance of redeeming characteristics (unless the whole thing is an exercise in what women have to put up with within a marriage but I'd reckon that's not it and that you're supposed to empathize with his nonsense). There's still a couple really touching scenes because of Liv Ullman and her mastery. Good camera work
15 Aug 2019
100
96th
I watched the 3 hour theatrical version of this and kind of want to immediately watch the 5 hour television version. This is beautifully frustrating in the way real people can be, and watching these two incredible actors, Ullman in particular, embody these characters is sublime.
22 May 2018
83
93rd
One of the best of Bergman's later works, "Scenes from a Marriage" shows the tumultuous rollercoaster of a marital breakdown, up-close and intimate. Focusing almost exclusively on the bickering of the couple, it rests on the pure power of good dialogue.
07 Mar 2018
100
99th
Perhaps one of the most intimate series that many can easily identify with. Two domestic characters that grow on a complete different spectrum as they face a sudden tragedy in their relationship. Bergman makes a wonderful and yet ghastly remark to the social subject that shapes human nature. There's evidence that one's childhood has an everlasting impact on emotional tendencies and views about life. The distinct characterization is brilliant and challenges viewers to reflect on themselves.
10 Aug 2014
100
99th
the ultimate screen love story
09 Feb 2014
90
96th
'In some fundamental way they have touched, really touched, and the memory of that touching will be something to hold to all of their days.' Roger Ebert nailed it with that one. I always thought of marriage as some weird, illogical social convention that suppresses the true fundamentals of human nature. The film agrees, but also shows that marriage is a framework for bonding. It's all so human and so close to our feelings that I'll have to reassess my point of view on the subject. A great film.
25 Sep 2013
7
92nd
about as good as two people talking for five hours could ever be.
09 Jan 2013
100
99th
A brutally honest, relentlessly truthful, painful, exasperating, life-affirming, wise, thought provoking and highly challenging film.
25 Mar 2012
90
84th
Completely captivating. Josephson and Ullmann give complex, riveting performances. Love. Christ.
04 Mar 2012
97
99th
There is frankly nothing I could say about this film which would do it justice - but I think Bergman may be God.
08 Jan 2012
98
97th
This is a great, great movie, and one I would give a perfect score to if not for the fact that it was such a draining experience. I don't know if I've ever been hit harder emotionally watching a film.
25 Jun 2011
90
97th
Utterly brilliant in every way.
02 May 2011
99
99th
Gosh.
02 May 2011
93
97th
An amazing film that is both simple and complex in its portrayal of love, marriage and life in general. The structure is simple, but how both characters interact with each other makes most other love stories look like elementary school plays.
25 Apr 2011
95
98th
Remarkably insightful. Fantastic acting, especially Josephson. I don't know what to say, really - I've never been married but there are certain scenes and lines and expressions and certain feelings and anxieties bubbling here that ring so true... It is a marvelously written, horribly depressing, beautiful and genuine film.
12 Sep 2010
100
99th
This is about everything one can imagine about a lifetime of faking feelings. I am not talking only about the marriage itself but about the feelings that a person can have and hide during the life and the will that every persons keeps behind their masks. A masterpiece from this genious Ingmar Bergman.
15 Feb 2010
100
99th
Acting is absolutely flawless. This movie nails the depiction of any relationship through the brilliant dialogue. It shows us two very level headed, intelligent people who go through what every couple must. The best part is there is very little shouting. Most of the debates between Johan and Marianne were two calm adults revealing feelings and fears that most people would bottle up. The level of honesty and openness can be hard to swallow but reveals how crazy true love really makes us.
11 Nov 2007
100
96th
Ingmar Bergman is a master at writing people as they really are, then directing the actors into giving powerful, realistic performances. I find the miniseries to be superior to the film, but both are excellent.
29 Apr 2026
95
90th
26 Apr 2026
89
98th
26 Apr 2026
70
54th
16 Apr 2026
80
75th
15 Apr 2026
98
95th
09 Apr 2026
84
47th
07 Apr 2026
83
74th
26 Mar 2026
80
79th
18 Mar 2026
100
91st
04 Mar 2026
80
0th
03 Mar 2026
100
99th
25 Feb 2026
8
72nd
20 Feb 2026
50
18th
25 Jan 2026
90
94th
13 Jan 2026
90
68th
03 Dec 2025
90
92nd
26 Nov 2025
95
99th
19 Nov 2025
81
84th
16 Nov 2025
0
5th
13 Oct 2025
100
96th
27 Sep 2025
80
85th
17 Sep 2025
100
86th
16 Sep 2025
60
49th
11 Sep 2025
82
89th
28 Aug 2025
60
19th
24 Aug 2025
90
95th
09 Aug 2025
2
1st
Sigh... Doing this for posteriesty. Even if I liked the movie a little bit, this is so much more and I saw nothing added from this but that's probably because I watched it and chunk and didn't care. It gets less because it's a bigger waste of time. There's one more thing from Ingmar Bergman... God have mercy...
06 Aug 2025
60
49th
27 Jul 2025
88
93rd
10 Jul 2025
90
82nd
25 Jun 2025
80
93rd
20 Jun 2025
78
11th
15 Jun 2025
60
72nd
11 Jun 2025
40
2nd
01 Jun 2025
88
94th
26 May 2025
80
78th
28 Apr 2025
80
57th
19 Apr 2025
90
86th
10 Apr 2025
7
75th
20 Mar 2025
87
86th
19 Mar 2025
100
89th
24 Feb 2025
90
94th
03 Feb 2025
70
71st
27 Jan 2025
70
42nd
22 Jan 2025
87
94th
03 Jan 2025
80
51st
27 Dec 2024
85
96th
18 Dec 2024
84
54th
14 Dec 2024
88
88th
01 Nov 2024
90
93rd
07 Oct 2024
86
88th
06 Oct 2024
91
95th
Oskuld och panik
Johan and Marianne had been happily married for ten years, and led a comfortable life with their two daughters. They were interviewed about their marriage status one day. Later at a dinner party, their friends, Peter and Katarina, a couple, quarreled about setting restrictions on each other in a marriage. When Marianne got pregnant again, Johan took it unenthusiastica (imdb)
Konsten att sopa under mattan
Johan and Marianne had a disagreement about certain household issue. Later, they were both led to doubt the role of love in marriage after talking to someone else when at work. They met at lunch but failed to reach out to each other. They talked again that night about their deteriorating sex life, and finally agreed to drop these matters and sweep them under the rug. (imdb)
Paula
Johan came home unexpectedly and told Marianne that he'd been in a love affair with someone named Paula. After his declaration of breaking away from the past, and Marianne's failing to detain him, Johan drove away. (imdb)
Tåredalen
A year had passed since Johan left Marianne. One day they got back in touch and Marianne invited Johan over for dinner. Johan received an offer of job in the US, but was not getting along well with Paula, and Marianne was developing a new relationship with a man. (imdb)
Analfabeterna
Johan and Marianne planned to finalize their divorce after several years. They met in order to sign the papers but it was an extremely difficult task to carry out. Touching a low point in his life, Johan balked at getting divorced, thus triggering a bitter altercation between the two of them. (imdb)
Mitt i natten i ett mörkt hus någonstans i världen
Johan and Marianne both had their new life. One day they reunited and went to the summer cottage where they spent their finest hours together as man and wife. They treated each other friendly and kindly and found peace in each other's arms once again. (imdb)

Cast & Info

Directed by:

Ingmar Bergman
Ingmar-Bergman
169 total credits
Ernst Ingmar Bergman was a Swedish director, writer and producer for film, stage and television. His influential body of work often dealt with themes such as bleakness and despair, as well as comedy and hope, in his cinematic explorations of the human condition. Described by Woody Allen as "probably the greatest film artist, all things considered, since the invention of the motion picture camera", he is recognized as one of the most accomplished and influential filmmakers of modern cinema.
polygon

Writer:

Ingmar Bergman
Ingmar-Bergman
169 total credits
Ernst Ingmar Bergman was a Swedish director, writer and producer for film, stage and television. His influential body of work often dealt with themes such as bleakness and despair, as well as comedy and hope, in his cinematic explorations of the human condition. Described by Woody Allen as "probably the greatest film artist, all things considered, since the invention of the motion picture camera", he is recognized as one of the most accomplished and influential filmmakers of modern cinema.
polygon

Starring:

Erland Josephson
Erland-Josephson
65 total credits
Josephson was born on the island of Kungsholmen, in Stockholm, Sweden, as the son of Maud Gabrielle and Gunnar Josephson, a bookseller. Josephson was the leader of the Royal Dramatic Theatre in Stockholm from 1966 to 1975. He published novels, short stories, poetry and drama, and was the director of several films. In 1980 he directed and starred in the film Marmalade Revolution, which was entered into the 30th Berlin International Film Festival. [wikipedia.org]
polygon
,
Jan Malmsjö
Jan-Malmsj
18 total credits
Credits include: Fanny and Alexander, Scenes from a Marriage, Drömkåken, Release the Prisoners to Spring and Walter & Carlo i Amerika
polygon
,
Liv Ullmann
Liv-Ullmann
68 total credits
Liv Ullmann was born in Tokyo, and became one of the world's most beloved actresses after starring in a number of Ingmar Bergman's movies of the 60s and 70s. As intelligent as she is beautiful and talented, she branched into directing in the 80s and 90s. Her name is pronounced "leave".
polygon
,
Bibi Andersson
Bibi-Andersson
58 total credits
Credits include: The Seventh Seal, Persona, Wild Strawberries, Scenes from a Marriage and Smiles of a Summer Night
polygon
,
Gunnel Lindblom
Gunnel-Lindblom
31 total credits
Credits include: The Seventh Seal, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Wild Strawberries, Winter Light and The Virgin Spring
polygon
,
Anita Wall
Anita-Wall
8 total credits
Credits include: Scenes from a Marriage, I lagens namn, Jag älskar dig - En skilsmässokomedi, Raggare! and Hemma
polygon
,
Barbro Hiort af Ornäs
Barbro-Hiort-af-Orns
18 total credits
Credits include: Scenes from a Marriage, The Passion of Anna, Brink of Life, All These Women and Loving Couples
polygon
,
Wenche Foss
Wenche-Foss
12 total credits
Credits include: Scenes from a Marriage, Flåklypa Grand Prix, Solan, Ludvig og Gurin med reverompa, Ung frue forsvunnet and Herren og hans tjenere
polygon
,
Bertil Norström
Bertil-Norstrm
6 total credits
Credits include: Scenes from a Marriage, En Kärlekshistoria, Glädjekällan, Höjdhoppar'n and Mamma
polygon
,
Lena Bergman
Lena-Bergman
1 total credit
Credits include: Scenes from a Marriage and Oskuld och panik
polygon
,
Rossana Mariano
Rossana-Mariano
1 total credit
Credits include: Scenes from a Marriage and Oskuld och panik
polygon

Genres:

Romance, Drama

AKA:

Scener ur ett äktenskap

Country:

Sweden

Language:

Swedish
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