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Through a Glass Darkly
A haunting psychological drama where fractured family bonds and mental decay collide on a stark island. Shimmering Baltic waters mirror the fragility of faith and the horrific vision of a silent, predatory God.
Through a Glass Darkly
Through a Glass Darkly

Såsom i en spegel

16 October 1961 Sweden 91 min 7.8 (521)

Director: Ingmar Bergman

Cast: Harriet Andersson, Gunnar Björnstrand, Max von Sydow, Lars Passgård

Drama The Silence of God Artistic Exploitation and Parasitism Isolation and Mental Illness Incest and Familial Trauma
Box Office: $8,939

Through a Glass Darkly — Movie Quotes

Memorable Quotes

Gud är kärleken. Kärleken är Gud.
— David

Context

Said during the final conversation with Minus as they watch the helicopter take Karin away.

Meaning

The central philosophical conclusion of the film, suggesting that God exists only through the act of humans loving one another.

Dörren öppnades. Men guden som kom ut var en spindel.
— Karin

Context

Karin describing her vision to David and Martin after her psychotic break in the attic.

Meaning

A horrific subversion of the religious epiphany; the revelation that the divine is predatory and monstrous.

Pappa talade med mig.
— Minus

Context

Minus whispers this to himself after his father shares his thoughts on love and God.

Meaning

The final line of the film, signifying a minor 'miracle' of communication and the restoration of a relationship.

Man kan inte leva i två världar samtidigt.
— Karin

Context

Karin explaining why she must choose institutionalization over staying with her family.

Meaning

Reflects the absolute divide between the 'rational' world of the men and the 'spiritual/hallucinatory' world Karin inhabits.

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