Die Neue

A surprisingly dense and extensive film on students, teachers, love and existentialism at a Swedish boarding school for girls. Director Alf Kjellin likes to portray women. He does it with knowledge and appreciation. Flickan i regnet (The Girl in the Rain) is his debut as a director. And he has focused on credibility and a strong ensemble. The actresses are only a few years older than the characters they portray. Marianne Bengtsson in the lead, Birgitta Andersson, Monica Nielsen, Bibbi Andersson and Birgitta Örling act inspired. Some songs and musical numbers also enhance the drama. And Gunnel Lindblom as the lovelorn pharmacist. Alf Kjellin in the male lead role is as usual elegant and empathetic. The 50s is a time when Swedish film, written, produced and directed by men, seriously turn their attention towards women. Which led to that a number of Swedish films received international success. This established the myth of the Swedish sin. The filmmakers could be Ingmar Bergman, Hasse Ekman, Arne Mattsson and Goran Gentele.