Under The Sun

Despite some grunting sex in a barn, this Swedish import is mostly a moving, lyrical story about trust and the uncertainties of love and friendship. Nine years after his mother dies, large, illiterate 40-year-old gentle virgin Olof (portrayed by Rolf Lassgard, a sort of Scandinavian John Goodman) runs a personal ad in a newspaper. Leggy, curvy blonde Ellen (Helena Bergstrom) arrives and slowly begins to manage Olof’s daily affairs. The acting is excellent and Irish musician Paddy Maloney of the fabulous Chieftains provides a soothing, soulful soundtrack. Based on H.E. Bates’ The Little Farm and directed with a firm handle on nagging intrigue by Colin Nutley (House of Angels).