Raven's End is a 1963 Swedish drama film directed by Bo Widerberg, about an aspiring working-class writer in Malmö. The story bears some similarities to Widerberg's own background, although he claimed it to be entirely fictional.

Plot

In the mid-1930s, Anders dreams of becoming a writer. His friend Sixten dreams of becoming a football player so he can go to Paris and meet prostitutes in fur. Anders' ambitions are supported by his girlfriend, Elsie, and his parents. His mother supports the family by doing laundry, while his father, who is unemployed, struggles with alcohol and gambling. Anders sends a manuscript for a book he has written about the block they live in to a publisher in Stockholm. He is asked to come to Stockholm and discuss the book, which excites his father. However, the publisher declines to publish the book, and when Anders returns, they all become very disappointed. Elsie becomes pregnant with Anders' child. Anders seeks advice from his father, but his father is drunk, and they end up fighting. The father blames his wife for all the misery they are suffering, attributing it to an affair she once had. The mother blames the father, believing his violent behavior led to her infidelity. Anders decides to leave his family, his pregnant girlfriend, and all the misery behind. He joins Sixten, and they both travel to Stockholm.

Cast

Production

The film was shot on location in a run-down Malmö block that was soon to be demolished. Locals were used as extras to strengthen the feeling of authenticity.

Awards and nominations

At the 1st Guldbagge Awards Keve Hjelm was awarded the Guldbagge for Best Actor. The film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. It was also entered into the official selection at the 1964 Cannes Film Festival, competing for the Palme d'Or.