To Joy

Till glädje

19501h 39m Directed by Ingmar Bergman
6.9
(64 votes)
RomanceDramaMusic

Overview

Two violinists in the same orchestra fall in love and get married, but they can't get along.

To Joy

A Discordant Love Story: Unpacking the Melancholy of "To Joy"

Clara Moreau
Clara MoreauOct 11, 2025
"To Joy" is a poignant and contemplative drama that delves into the complexities of love, relationships, and the pursuit of artistic passion. The film tells the story of two violinists, Stig and Marta, who meet while performing in the same orchestra and eventually get married, only to find themselves struggling to reconcile their personal and professional differences. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that the title "To Joy" is a reference to Beethoven's iconic "Ode to Joy," a melody that symbolizes the transcendent power of music to bring people together, even as the protagonists' own relationship begins to fray.\n

One of the standout aspects of "To Joy" is its thoughtful exploration of the tensions that can arise when two creative individuals try to build a life together. The film's portrayal of the ups and downs of Stig and Marta's relationship is nuanced and multifaceted, capturing the ways in which their mutual passion for music can both unite and divide them. The cinematography is also noteworthy, using a mix of intimate close-ups and sweeping orchestral sequences to convey the emotional intensity of the characters' experiences. Despite its relatively low budget and straightforward narrative, "To Joy" boasts a level of sophistication and emotional depth that is rare in films of its era.\n

If "To Joy" has a flaw, it is that the pacing can feel a bit slow and plodding at times, particularly in the film's middle section. Additionally, some viewers may find the characters' actions and decisions to be frustrating or implausible, which can make it difficult to become fully invested in their story. Nevertheless, the movie's themes of love, art, and the search for meaning continue to resonate deeply, even seventy years after its initial release. Overall, "To Joy" is a powerful and affecting drama that will appeal to fans of classic cinema, romantic dramas, and music-themed films. While it may not be a perfect movie, its unique blend of melancholy and beauty makes it a compelling watch for anyone looking to explore the complexities of the human experience.

CAST

Maj-Britt Nilsson
Maj-Britt Nilsson
Marta Olsson
Stig Olin
Stig Olin
Stig Eriksson
Birger Malmsten
Birger Malmsten
Marcel
John Ekman
John Ekman
Mikael Bro
Margit Carlqvist
Margit Carlqvist
Nelly Bro
Victor Sjöström
Victor Sjöström
Sönderby
Sif Ruud
Sif Ruud
Stina (uncredited)
Erland Josephson
Erland Josephson
Bertil (uncredited)
Ernst Brunman
Ernst Brunman
Concert Hall Doorkeeper (uncredited)
Georg Skarstedt
Georg Skarstedt
Anker, Flute Player (uncredited)

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