1939 (1989)
A sweeping Swedish wartime drama following one young woman's journey through love, disillusionment, and hard-won freedom.
1939 - Movie Information
- Release Year: 1989
- Directed by: Göran Carmback
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, War
- Runtime: 3h 13m
- Original Language: Swedish
- Spoken Languages: English, Swedish
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 23, 1989 (Romania - 18)
- Production Companies: SF Studios, Svenska Filminstitutet, SVT
- Production Countries: Sweden
1939 - Plot
When the war breaks out, Annika lives with her parents in Värmland, close to the border to Norway. Her cousin Harald is a dealer in the black market but has to escape from the police to Norway. Annika moves to Stockholm and gets a job as a waitress. She meets the happy-go-lucky Berit and together they have a wonderful time. She also meets a young man, Bengt, whom she marries. But almost immediately she discovers that her husband is different from the man who was courting her. Plot by Mattias Thuresson.
1939 - Trailer
Preview a glimpse of this Swedish wartime drama before you watch:
For many of us, the war meant the beginning of freedom.
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1939 - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Göran Carmback
Main Cast
- Helene Egelund
- Helena Bergström
- Per Morberg
- Ingvar Hirdwall
- Anita Ekström
- Per Oscarsson
- Per Grytt
- Johan Ulveson
- Stefan Larsson
- Keve Hjelm
Writers
- Kjell Sundstedt
- Waldemar Bergendahl
- Brasse Brännström
- Catti Edfeldt
Producers
- Waldemar Bergendahl
1939 - FAQs
What is 1939 about?
1939 follows Annika, a young Swedish woman living near the Norwegian border when World War II breaks out. After her cousin flees to Norway to escape the police, she moves to Stockholm, finds work as a waitress, befriends the spirited Berit, and marries a man who turns out to be very different from the person she thought she knew.
Does 1939 have a happy ending?
1939 is a coming-of-age wartime drama, so its ending leans bittersweet rather than triumphant. Annika's journey is shaped by disillusionment — particularly in her marriage — but also by resilience and personal growth. The film's tagline, 'For many of us, the war meant the beginning of freedom,' hints at a quietly hopeful resolution.
Where can you watch 1939 online?
You can check all current streaming and rental options for 1939 on JustWatch, which tracks availability across platforms in your region. Streaming libraries update frequently, so it's worth checking there for the most up-to-date viewing options.
What does the tagline of 1939 mean?
The tagline — 'For many of us, the war meant the beginning of freedom' — captures the film's central irony. While World War II brought fear and hardship to Europe, it also disrupted old social structures in neutral Sweden, giving young people like Annika unexpected opportunities for independence, self-discovery, and escape from constrained rural lives.
Who are the main actors in 1939?
The cast is led by Helene Egelund as Annika and Helena Bergström as her free-spirited friend Berit. Per Morberg plays Annika's husband Bengt, while Per Oscarsson, Ingvar Hirdwall, Johan Ulveson, and Keve Hjelm round out a strong ensemble of well-known Swedish actors.
How long is the film 1939?
1939 runs for 3 hours and 13 minutes — a notably long runtime that reflects its epic, miniseries-style scope. Originally produced for Swedish television, the film's extended length allows it to trace Annika's story across several years of wartime life with considerable depth and detail.
Is 1939 based on a true story?
1939 is not based on a single true story, but it is deeply rooted in historical reality. Set during World War II in neutral Sweden, the film authentically recreates the social atmosphere of the era — black market dealings, wartime rationing, and the upheaval of everyday life — drawing on the collective experience of that generation.
What are some films similar to 1939?
If you enjoyed 1939, you might also like Shame (1968), Ingmar Bergman's stark wartime drama, or Jacknife (1989) for its intimate character study set against conflict. The Scarlet and the Black (1983) and Fires Were Started (1943) also offer compelling wartime narratives worth exploring.
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