Jungfrukällan certainly isn't a bad film, but the rabid praise routinely heaped on it seems more the result of film school hype. There's a manufactured hipness and exclusivity quotient at work.
It's far less brutal than, say, any one of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre films, or even Wes Craven's Last House on the Left, which per Craven was "inspired" by Jungfrukällan (it's ridiculous to say that Last House is a remake of this film). It's no more poignant or philosophical than, say, Evan Almighty, or even Wild Hogs.
However, films like the Texas Chainsaw Massacre entries aren't everyone's cup of tea. Jungfrukällan certainly is more stark and minimalist than more recent popular fare, and there is a lot of symbolism at work here--but there is in almost any film. When I say that Jungfrukällan is not more philosophical than Wild Hogs, that's not to be negatively critical towards Jungfrukällan but to point out that philosophical depth occurs wherever one applies it, and one can apply it to almost anything.
Although a decent film with competent performances and some interesting directorial decisions, at this point in time, Jungfrukällan is more important for its place in the academic canon and its historical position and influence.
It's far less brutal than, say, any one of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre films, or even Wes Craven's Last House on the Left, which per Craven was "inspired" by Jungfrukällan (it's ridiculous to say that Last House is a remake of this film). It's no more poignant or philosophical than, say, Evan Almighty, or even Wild Hogs.
However, films like the Texas Chainsaw Massacre entries aren't everyone's cup of tea. Jungfrukällan certainly is more stark and minimalist than more recent popular fare, and there is a lot of symbolism at work here--but there is in almost any film. When I say that Jungfrukällan is not more philosophical than Wild Hogs, that's not to be negatively critical towards Jungfrukällan but to point out that philosophical depth occurs wherever one applies it, and one can apply it to almost anything.
Although a decent film with competent performances and some interesting directorial decisions, at this point in time, Jungfrukällan is more important for its place in the academic canon and its historical position and influence.