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I've finally reached the point in my Netflix queue where it's time to catch up with more Ingmar Bergman movies. When I mentioned that to my fellow movie-loving coworker, he said, "You might want to break those up a bit with some fun movies." Dude's got a point. Bergman movies are many things, but they are hardly ever a happy experience.

Every once in a while, I strike upon a movie that brings out my inner teenager - confused, naive, and reactive. While watching Cries and Whispers, I felt that guttural reaction well up inside of me. There were lots of "What the --?" moments when I realized this movie wasn't just about a young woman who is dying. It's Agnes' dying days and severe pain that cause her sisters to revisit old memories and repressed emotions. There are flashbacks to each woman's past, and their pasts are twisted. And gosh, I don't know if I should just get it out there and say it or save it for anyone who actually thinks they'll watch this movie, but teenager in me couldn't get over one of the scenes. I know, I'm immature, but sticking glass up there ... Nope, I'm out. Anna, the maid's naked nurturing is a little bit odd as well.

The grownup in me was able to recover and appreciate many aspects of this movie, from the striking uses of color to the beautiful closeups and fantastic acting from Harriet Andersson, Ingrid Thulin, and Liv Ullman. The emotional dynamics of the four women involved (which includes Anna, the maid) are all very interesting. I wanted to know more about their younger years to understand why Karin ended up seeming so detached yet feeling everything acutely, or why Maria overdoes everything but probably feels nothing. There's one glimpse into the past, when we see their mother, and it's a window, but a tiny one.

Overall, I felt like I was skimming the surface of these women while simultaneously being dumped into some of their most secret moments. It was uncomfortable yet powerful. I have yet to grow up enough to say that I liked this movie, but appreciated much of what Bergman was trying to do. But ultimately, I wouldn't necessarily recommend it to anyone except the serious Bergman fan.