Becoming Astrid

(Unga Astrid )

In select theaters
November 23^rd 2018

123 minutes

Swedish
Danish

Sweden
Denmark

Teenaged Astrid Lindren (Alba August), who later went on to write the Pippi Longstocking series, leads a carefree life with her family in the forests and fields of rural Sweden. Restless and eager to break free from the confines of her conservative upbringing, she accepts an internship at a local newspaper where she attracts the attention of its married editor, Blomberg (Henrik Rafaelsen). After Astrid becomes pregnant, she leaves her childhood home and goes to Copenhagen to secretly give birth to a son, Lasse, whom she reluctantly leaves in the care of a foster mother, Marie (Trine Dyrholm). Astrid goes into self-imposed exile in Stockholm, refusing Blomberg’s offer of marriage and saving up her paltry salary for visits to see Lasse. When Marie falls ill, Astrid uses her imagination and flair for storytelling to reconnect with her son. In spite of her struggles, Astrid emerges with a newfound courage that will later form the foundation of a vast and beloved body of work.

starring...

Alba August

Astrid

Trine Dyrholm

Marie

Björn Gustafsson

Sture

Maria Bonnevie

Hanna

Magnus Krepper

Samuel

Henrik Rafaelsen

Blomberg

Director

Pernille Fischer Christensen

Writer

Kim Fupz Aakeson, Pernille Fischer Christensen

Cinematographer

Erik Molberg Hansen

Music

Nicklas Schmidt

Editing

Kasper Leick, Åsa Mossberg

Casting

Jeanette Klintberg

Production Design

Linda Janson

Art Direction

Sabine Engelberg, Sandra Lindgren

96% on the CINEMETER

MIL

96% - Dec 2, 2018

Stupendous. Loved every aspect of the film.
Milwaukee Member

Should be a part of Women's Studies courses.
Milwaukee Member

A most powerful film. Once compares today's world with that world, and yet people are still so similar.
Milwaukee Member

STL

97% - Nov 18, 2018

There is so much right about this movie: interesting story based on a real person whose works I loved as a child yet knew so little about; realistic acting, especially loved tender moment between grandmother and Lasse at breakfast. We allow our grandchild to do things we do not allow our child. Hit home with me in so many ways. Fabulous film.
St. Louis Member

Refreshing to spend two hours in pre-internet, Swedish 1920s. Could this film be made in today's USA? No guns, no car chases, no robots.
St. Louis Member

What a beautiful love letter to Astrid this film is. From a beautiful portrayal of a mother's love to learning about Swedish culture, I truly enjoyed it. I'm going to give one of her books to my granddaughter for Christmas! * Interesting sidebar, that Michelle Obama's new book is called "Becoming . . ."
St. Louis Member

This was an absolutely lovely story about what inner strength is all about. The acting and story were terrific and gave such a great sense of the time and the challenges to unwed motherhood. I found the camera action difficult and distracting at time; it bounced around in a different manner that did not add to the experience.
St. Louis Member

Breath of fresh air. Story lovingly told about how one event forever changes a life. Powerful story of spirit, courage and moral certitude and how our roots shape us but do not have to define us.
St. Louis Member

So powerful. My heart broke for the loss. And even with the joy of finding a way to her child, I was still left a little bit broken for the years lost. So beautiful to find sorrow and joy so interwoven.
St. Louis Member

The most humane film of this season. Human emotion and life filled every frame and infused the viewer with reality. Screams throughout made our hearts beat achingly. Thanks for an alleluia ending.
St. Louis Member

Beautiful, touching, moving, profound! Not too long!
St. Louis Member

ATL

100% - Nov 18, 2018

Fantastic film, which addresses core, complex aspects of the human condition with nuance and grace and compassion. Potential “best foreign picture” Oscar nominee. Basically, it was as much about women and roles in 1920s society, as the author.
Atlanta Member

Absolutely gorgeous film. Foreign film Oscar-worthy and Alba August as Astrid -perfect. Such a sensitive performance in all her roles, as daughter, employee, lover, estranged lover and emotionally-tortured mom.
Atlanta Member

Beautiful! Typical Swedish restraint & subtlety. Scenes in the farm, farmhouse & church were copied or at least mirrored the art work of Carl Larsson, one of the best known and loved Swedish artists.
Atlanta Member

Lovely story that subtly lays the groundwork for the themes/stories to come. I wept the whole way through. Beautifully done. Not all women in Astrid’s situation would have found a Marie.
Atlanta Member

Just beautiful. I loved the multigenerational connections portrayed in the film and the depiction of Astrid’s strong, vibrant spirit. Made me reflect at my own late adolescence and marveled at what a challenging series of events she handled.
Atlanta Member

Another family with a little dysfunction. The Swedish answer to Moonlighting but with a happier ending. The essence of a person is how they function and perform in a crisis. Our leading lady decided that responsibility, grit and love of a child can conquer one’s transgression.
Atlanta Member

BOS

92% - Nov 11, 2018

Great story! Excellent movie. A real treat.
Boston Member

A charming, uplifting story, warm and inspiring.
Boston Member

Lovely portrayal of the growth to maturity of a young woman ahead of her time
Boston Member

Poignant. I smiled - cried throughout the film as it touched my heart.
Boston Member

94% - Nov 11, 2018

“I was uplifted—luminous, brave and full of love and courage. Thank you for one of the best slate of movies this semester. Now I will seek out one of the Pippi books to be inspired by this author.”
San Francisco Member

“Who would not fall completely in love with Astrid?”
San Francisco Member

“Lovely, Heartwarming. I must go read Pippi Longstocking now. My maternal grandparents came from Sweden, so the movie was especially appropriate for me.”
San Francisco Member

“Tour de force actress carrying every scene.”
San Francisco Member

“Lovely, emotional film. Beautifully shot, beautifully acted.”
San Francisco Member

“Great storytelling. They showed us, didn’t talk us to death. Exuberant 16-year-old breaks out and gets slapped with reality.”
San Francisco Member

“The love that was depicted in the movie between the family and coworkers was so touching.”

San Francisco Member

98% - Nov 18, 2018

Just gorgeous. Poignant, authentic without being sentimental. She transformed her trauma into creative genius and touched so many other children. A story of hope, love, feminine strength. I just loved it, and cried more than anticipated.
Greater New Haven Member

Beautiful story about a courageous, independent woman. Remarkable for her times. An example for us all, still today.
Greater New Haven Member

Beautiful cinematography, wonderful acting, delightful casting, heartfelt storytelling, exquisite otherwordly musical score. [Moderator note: many cards with adjectives such as “beautiful, “wonderful,” “lovely,” “enchanting,” “excellent,” and “touching.”]
Greater New Haven Member

A charming film. My daughter was a Pippi Longstocking and it was especially appropriate for this time of the year when we think about family and yearn to be together.
Greater New Haven Member

Very entertaining. I thought the characters were well flushed out. No character was completely evil nor good. All had flaws. It was a good depiction of a strong woman who, faced with adversity both inner and outer, finds her way on her own terms. A rarity in film viewing.
Greater New Haven Member

So beautiful - full of hope, love, and spirit. Little dialogue but full of emotion. Loved this film! [Moderator note: many comments along these lines.]
Greater New Haven Member

Loved this movie. Loved how her family came around. [Moderator note: a number of respondents appreciated the film’s treatment of Alba’s parents - their patience and understanding. Example: “A story of growth - nice to see the grandparents mature.”]
Greater New Haven Member

Going to the bookstore and buying all her books for my great grandaughters! [Moderator note: Several respondents said that the film inspired them to read Lindgren. Example “Wonderful movie - now I have to read Pippi Longstocking.”]
Greater New Haven Member

I loved this movie for its beauty, the beauty of the characters, each of them in all their humaness. Of course, Astrid is a true heroine. The acting was marvellous, even the camerawork -- the bits where the camera was hand-held, I think, and moving jerkily along behind Astrid. I thought that the music was perfect as well. Many thanks, again, for the gift of a great movie.
Greater New Haven Member

Thank you for choosing this film! Thoroughly enjoyed it! Absolutely the best movie of the season. Love it!!! [Moderator note: three cards mentioned that this was the best film of the season.]
Greater New Haven Member

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