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IMDbPro

A Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence

Original title: En duva satt på en gren och funderade på tillvaron
  • 20142014
  • PG-13PG-13
  • 1h 41m
IMDb RATING
6.9/10
19K
YOUR RATING
A Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence (2014)
Trailer for A Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence
Play trailer1:43
2 Videos
54 Photos
ComedyDramaFantasy
Sam and Jonathan, a pair of hapless novelty salesmen, embark on a tour of the human condition in reality and fantasy that unfold in a series of absurdist episodes.Sam and Jonathan, a pair of hapless novelty salesmen, embark on a tour of the human condition in reality and fantasy that unfold in a series of absurdist episodes.Sam and Jonathan, a pair of hapless novelty salesmen, embark on a tour of the human condition in reality and fantasy that unfold in a series of absurdist episodes.
IMDb RATING
6.9/10
19K
YOUR RATING
    • Roy Andersson
    • Roy Andersson
  • Stars
    • Holger Andersson
    • Nils Westblom
    • Viktor Gyllenberg
    • Roy Andersson
    • Roy Andersson
  • Stars
    • Holger Andersson
    • Nils Westblom
    • Viktor Gyllenberg
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 65User reviews
    • 201Critic reviews
    • 81Metascore
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Awards

    Videos2

    A Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence
    Trailer 1:43
    Watch A Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence
    Official Trailer
    Trailer 1:43
    Watch Official Trailer

    Photos54

    Roy Andersson in A Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence (2014)
    Solveig Andersson and Per Bergqvist in A Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence (2014)
    A Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence (2014)
    A Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence (2014)
    A Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence (2014)
    A Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence (2014)
    A Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence (2014)
    A Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence (2014)
    A Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence (2014)
    Holger Andersson and Nils Westblom in A Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence (2014)
    A Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence (2014)
    A Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence (2014)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Holger Andersson
    • Jonathan
    Nils Westblom
    Nils Westblom
    • Sam
    Viktor Gyllenberg
    Viktor Gyllenberg
    • King Karl XII
    Lotti Törnros
    • Flamenco Teacher
    Per Bergqvist
    Charlotta Larsson
    • Limping Lotta
    Solveig Andersson
    Solveig Andersson
    Sture Olsson
    Jonas Gerholm
    • Lonesome Lieutnant
    Ingvar Olsson
    Ola Stensson
    • Captain…
    Oscar Salomonsson
    • Dancer
    Roger Olsen Likvern
    • Caretaker
    Linda Birgersson
    Arne Hellqvist
    Gunnar Bergström
    Maia-Lii Kaar
    Anette Eklund
      • Roy Andersson
      • Roy Andersson
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

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    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      The title was inspired by the painting The Hunters in the Snow by Pieter Bruegel the Elder.
    • Connections
      Follows Songs from the Second Floor (2000)
    • Soundtracks
      Shimmy Doll
      Performed by Ashley Beaumont

    User reviews65

    Review
    Review
    Featured review
    9/10
    The sweetness from bitters
    The Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence.

    It would be inappropriate to talk about this film's genre.  This is not a comedy,  not a drama and not even a dramedy. It's just a pigeon's reflection on existence. As I came out of the cinema I didn't even know if I liked it or not. But let me tell you something: it's not about that! I woke up the next day with an array of images and tunes in my head.  The meaning of the film seeps through the layers of perception and leaves you with an undefined aftertaste.

    The camera captures little nothings that upset the characters. The humour emerges from the contrast between the pettiness of their situation and the tragic effect it has on them. A flamenco teacher as her student's unrequited lover, two sales men that never sell anything etc. are just a few examples. On the other side, when real tragedy such as death occurs, people behave like it's just another banal event. The only thread that connects the film is the story of the two salesmen. This duo represents what nowadays we call losers. Their dullness counterpoint the incredible scenarios they end up in. Their universe is anachronistic and at times delightfully surreal. In this mad world it seems like people have strong feelings only at war time. Be it romantic passion, patriotic pathos or grief.

    But what about the pigeon? What is she/ he thinking? I believe that the pigeon is a poet. The pigeon sees the things that are outside history. He sees beauty in kids making bubbles and lovers sharing a cigarette. These scenes pop up on the screen like epiphanies and are infused with visual poetry.

    There must be a meaning in all this apparent nonsense. There seem to be an answer to Jonathan's malaise(one of the two salesmen). His vision of human sacrifice for the pleasure of others makes him question his existence. He is a tragic hero being shut down by the guy who keeps on telling him that he needs to work in the morning.

    I didn't like the film at first. But it gets to you like a good Negroni. It's bitterness flourishes notes of unexpected sweetness.
    helpful•62
    12
    • roxana_haloiu
    • May 11, 2015

    Details

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    • Release date
      • October 24, 2014 (Norway)
      • Sweden
      • Germany
      • Norway
      • France
      • Denmark
      • Official site (Japan)
      • Swedish
      • English
    • Also known as
    • Filming locations
      • Östermalm, Stockholm, Stockholms län, Sweden
    • Production companies
      • Roy Andersson Filmproduktion AB
      • 4 1/2 Film
      • Arte France Cinéma
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

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    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Technical specs

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    • 1 hour 41 minutes
      • Color

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