37/27
Everyday life is a relentless battle for survival, but Maja stands firm. Despite all the setbacks, she remains in Stormskerry, where her roots are. I watched the 70s TV series when I was little, so I knew the story, but I don’t remember enough about it to be able to compare it to the film. So I went to the cinema with fresh eyes and an open mind. And I was not disappointed! Amanda Jansson gives a beautiful performance as Maja. She is raw, free, strong and Jansson’s talent really shines through in her portrayal of Maja. Jansson is the heart of this beautiful film. The love story is heartwarming and even though the running time of this film is quite long, almost 3 hours, I kept my eyes glued to the screen, watching the beautiful scenery of the Åland Islands and the captivating story. It is simply enchanting and I was very moved by this film. It paints a moving picture of the harshness of life on the archipelago in the 1800s, and as we follow the lovely Maja, her husband Janne, and their family Janne as they begin their life together, the film finds its rhythm. I was moved to tears at several points in the film and almost didn’t want it to end. I look forward to watching it again soon.