A Ship Bound for India (1947)

After a seven-year odyssey across the seas, the hunchbacked sailor Johannes Blom, returns home, drawn by the magnetic memory of Sally. He finds her in a state of desolation, a stark contrast to the vibrant woman that had haunted his thoughts during his time away. The narrative sails back in time, uncovering the turbulent waters of Johannes' past. Seven years prior, life aboard a rickety old salvage vessel was dictated by the iron hand of Captain Alexander Blom, Johannes' brutal and despotic father. The ship was not just their workplace, but also a home to Johannes, his abused mother Alice, the hardened crew, and Alexander's mistress, Sally. Alexander's command over the ship was as ruthless as his disregard for Johannes, whom he has rejected since birth due to his physical deformity. With the impending blindness threatening to shroud Alexander's world in darkness, he makes a bold move. He brings Sally to live with him on the ship, dreaming of a future where he leaves Alice and sails into the horizon with Sally. However, destiny charts a different course. Amidst the claustrophobic confines and mounting tensions of the salvage boat, a surprising love blossoms between Johannes and Sally. This unexpected twist fans the flames of Alexander’s hatred for Johannes, setting them on a collision course with fate. As the waves of resentment and passion crash against the vessel’s hull, the family is steered towards a tragic end. A Ship Bound for India is a voyage into the stormy seas of love, betrayal, and vengeance, where the only compass guiding the characters is their raw, untamed emotions.

A Ship Bound for India is a drama movie featuring Holger Löwenadler and directed by Ingmar Bergman.

A Ship Bound for India is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.

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