I admire the intention of this film, standing up for a woman against her oppressive husband who orders her around like a tyrant. That's a pretty great thing for 1925, or any era for that matter. The first part of the film that shows his abrasiveness to his wife and kids is strong because of the indignation we feel, and because of Johannes Meyer's snarling, sarcastic presence. When she decides to leave him with the kids and his old nanny for awhile, I really wondered what dark or interesting places the film might go. Unfortunately, it's nowhere, and the last half lags because it's so simple. The combination of missing her and being regularly put in his place by the nanny adjusts his views quickly and dramatically. I like how director Carl Theodor Dreyer gives us close-ups of all these characters where we see the emotion in their eyes, and the husband's look resembles religious repentance or conversion. It's a great message, but it's dry and laid on more than a little thick, which made it a tough to get excited about.
Favorite quote: How foolish we men are! We believe that we carry the load since we make the money...but it is really SHE who carries everything...and is rewarded with her husband's brutish behavior!
Favorite quote: How foolish we men are! We believe that we carry the load since we make the money...but it is really SHE who carries everything...and is rewarded with her husband's brutish behavior!