Overview
A journey of rediscovery and reconciliation unfolds as a couple confronts their past.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- witty
- warm
- reflective
- date night
- classic film evening
What critics said
Critics broadly praised Bergman's clever, warm, and thought-provoking treatment of romantic complexity, supported by an exceptionally sympathetic cast.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
David and Marianne's affairs are framed through sympathy, humor, and renewed understanding.
The couple's time together includes recollections of their past marriage and conversations about its future.
Marianne's involvement with Carl-Adam intersects with David's affair and his friendship with Carl-Adam.
Bergman's Swedish production turns postwar marital conventions and infidelity into sophisticated social comedy.
Films like A Lesson in Love, and why
Smiles of a Summer Night
marital infidelity, witty romantic complications, and elegant Swedish social comedy
Scenes from a Marriage
adult relationship drama balancing emotional candor, comedy, and reconciliation
The Awful Truth
romantic uncertainty, sophisticated dialogue, and bittersweet marital introspection
Movie Details
- Director
- Ingmar Bergman
- Release Date
- 1954-10-04
- Runtime
- 97 min
- Rating
- 6.7 / 10 (76)
Cast
- Eva Dahlbeck
- Yvonne Lombard
- Harriet Andersson
- Olof Winnerstrand
- Gunnar Björnstrand
- Åke Grönberg
- John Elfström
- Renée Björling
- Dagmar Ebbesen
- Carl Ström
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Criterion Channel
- Rent
- Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is A Lesson in Love about?
- A witty Swedish marital comedy in which two estranged spouses rediscover tenderness while confronting their mutual infidelities.
- What is A Lesson in Love like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of A Lesson in Love as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is A Lesson in Love violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in A Lesson in Love.
- What did critics think of A Lesson in Love?
- Critics broadly praised Bergman's clever, warm, and thought-provoking treatment of romantic complexity, supported by an exceptionally sympathetic cast.
- Which films are like A Lesson in Love?
- Films with a similar feel include Smiles of a Summer Night, Scenes from a Marriage, and The Awful Truth.
- How long is A Lesson in Love?
- A Lesson in Love runs 97 minutes.
- Where can I watch A Lesson in Love?
- In United States, A Lesson in Love streams on Criterion Channel.
