About All Things Fair
All Things Fair (original title Lust och fägring stor) is a compelling 1995 Swedish-Danish drama that delicately handles the complex relationship between a teenage student and his teacher. Set against the backdrop of World War II, the film follows 15-year-old Stig, who becomes infatuated with his 37-year-old teacher Viola. What begins as adolescent admiration evolves into a mutual, though problematic, attraction as Viola sees in Stig an escape from her unhappy marriage to an alcoholic husband.
Directed by Bo Widerberg, the film avoids sensationalism, instead presenting the relationship with nuance and emotional depth. Johan Widerberg (the director's son) delivers a remarkably mature performance as Stig, capturing the confusion and intensity of first love. Marika Lagercrantz is equally compelling as Viola, portraying a woman torn between societal expectations and personal longing. The wartime setting adds layers of tension, mirroring the characters' internal conflicts.
All Things Fair won the Silver Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival and was Sweden's submission for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Viewers should watch this movie for its thoughtful exploration of morality, its beautiful cinematography, and its refusal to provide easy answers about love and desire. The film's strength lies in its ambiguity, inviting audiences to reflect on the boundaries between innocence and experience.
Directed by Bo Widerberg, the film avoids sensationalism, instead presenting the relationship with nuance and emotional depth. Johan Widerberg (the director's son) delivers a remarkably mature performance as Stig, capturing the confusion and intensity of first love. Marika Lagercrantz is equally compelling as Viola, portraying a woman torn between societal expectations and personal longing. The wartime setting adds layers of tension, mirroring the characters' internal conflicts.
All Things Fair won the Silver Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival and was Sweden's submission for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Viewers should watch this movie for its thoughtful exploration of morality, its beautiful cinematography, and its refusal to provide easy answers about love and desire. The film's strength lies in its ambiguity, inviting audiences to reflect on the boundaries between innocence and experience.


















