Lutheran church is the national religion in Finland. As a Lutheran, I was interested in this movie, which is set at a church in Finland. I think the main theme of the movie is the concept of love in Corinthian I chapter 13, which the pastor recites in preparation of a wedding ceremony: If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. *snip* And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. The ending is surprising and moving. Brightness and darkness of light, rain and cloud, are effectively used in the impressive cinematography, typical in North European movies. The high rate in IMDb is no question.
However, when I saw the movie, I couldn't simply be moved to tears. There are many questions in this movie, and I couldn't help thinking about them. In fact, it makes you think too much. Let me take an example from the 'storyline' on IMDb: Father Jacob spends his days answering the letters of the needy. Indeed, letters come every day. But Father Jacob does not look like a famous pastor known over the country. His church is almost forgotten by the villagers. How come many letters come to the pastor from over the country asking his advice and prayer?
There are many other points that made me think about. But I can't write here to avoid spoilers. Anyhow, although the run time is short, this movie requires longer time to assimilate it.
However, when I saw the movie, I couldn't simply be moved to tears. There are many questions in this movie, and I couldn't help thinking about them. In fact, it makes you think too much. Let me take an example from the 'storyline' on IMDb: Father Jacob spends his days answering the letters of the needy. Indeed, letters come every day. But Father Jacob does not look like a famous pastor known over the country. His church is almost forgotten by the villagers. How come many letters come to the pastor from over the country asking his advice and prayer?
There are many other points that made me think about. But I can't write here to avoid spoilers. Anyhow, although the run time is short, this movie requires longer time to assimilate it.