Ricardo Sacadura Despite not being totally recent, this movie has captured my curiosity not only by the synopsis but also by the fact that it is led by one of my favourite artists (and recently awarded an Oscar for best actress in a supporting role) Alicia Vikander, it was good to see the actress in her most genuine "form" by the fact that she spokes in her home language- Swedish.The truth is that I did not knew (or knew very vaguely) the Swedish cinema however, after having seen this film I can say that it have exceeded my expectations, expectations such that, I confess, were not very high given that I didn't knew the director.What I can say is that I really loved both the argument (produced this also by Lisa Langseth) as the story developed around the same. Referring to other components of the production I can enhance the quality of the interpretations and the whole soundtrack chosen and produced for the film, soundtrack that I am listen attentively while I am writing this review.In relation to the plot in particular I have to say that I loved it! The changes in the character of Katarina thrill anyone minimally wrapped in the story; how the protagonist excels itself leaving behind a life unworthy and unhappy to build gradually her space in society is indeed remarkable and worthy of being highlighted. To conclude I can only say that I really liked it! Excellent job of production and an argument very emotive, it is without doubt a great message and I advise anyone to watch it.Ricardo Sacadura

secondtake Pure (2010)A stunning performance by young actress Alicia Vikander and intelligent direction (and strong writing) from Lisa Langseth makes this Swedish film a must see.When 20 year old Katarina finds an escape from her troubled life in a symphony hall, life turns completely around. And she almost keeps up with the change. But her naivite and powerlessness get in her way, as more powerful or misdirected people in the symphony read her signals the wrong way. That simple set up is all Vikander needs to make her character writhe and shine and fall into despair on screen. It's psychologically tough, beautifully filmed, paced with a sense of importance. I really liked this all around. The story does in ways fall into a familiar power dynamic between older man and younger woman, and so there is by the end something missing there. But other aspects compensate, and Vikander makes small details revelations throughout.

celluloidkiwi About music? Or what, exactly.Glam? Music is an art form.To make a film about music, one should respect the subject and performers within the confines of the script.Pretty faces do not music make.Nor does production values film make. Scripting is story, production is canvas,direction is product.Any musician would see, any at all, poor research on behalf of the writer(s).Go for it with gusto next time, practice, practice, practice.Makes perfect.It is with dull merit that I had to include more lines than needed to get this review submitted. So be it. This film does not express what it tried to say, but follies about with faces and drama.

urbanmalmberg Awful film - not one star only, because of some good acting and some good cinematography! Artsy-fartsy story about classical music and poetry as well as (the film-makers want us to think) love. A conductor has an affair with a 31-year-old younger receptionist, and they actually want us to think that it's romantic and beautiful. When he talks about music, art or literature, it's nothing less than ridiculous. I'm a musician myself, and if I ever worked with a conductor, speaking such nonsense, I made sure that either he or I quit the job. I don't know towards what kind of audience this picture is directed, but it certainly won't satisfy people who know anything about art or classical music, and is very unlikely to convince viewers who don't - unless they pretend that they do. I'm afraid, there's plenty of those, since the film was quite a success.