WINTER LIGHT is a comparatively weak Bergman film. It is a testament to Bergman's craft that even a weak film of his contains excellent acting and photography. However the characters in this film are not as well drawn or sympathetic as Bergman's better films and the plot feels stretched and sparse even at a meagre eighty minute runtime. There is also a distinct feeling of "be here, done that", if you have seen other Bergman films from this period. In fact it almost feels like a parody of Bergman's public persona - slow, unrelentingly grim and Max von Sydow. Max von Sydow is an exceptional actor but his role here is a mere extended cameo in a role that Bergman must have written as a self-parody - a fisherman on the brink of suicide because he believes the Chinese will bring about a nuclear apocalypse. If not, WTF Ingmar? WINTER LIGHT is for Bergman completists and Criterion toadies only. The next best reason to watch is is Ingrid Thulin's excellent performance.
Review of Winter Light
