Liv Ullmann: The Timeless Muse of Ingmar Bergman and Her Cinematic Legacy
Explore the remarkable career of Liv Ullmann, the iconic actress and Ingmar Bergman’s muse who shaped European cinema with depth and emotion.

Os Emigrantes (1971), de Jan Troell: Uma família sueca que migra para a América por volta de 1850.
Liv Ullmann is much more than the muse and frequent partner of renowned Swedish director Ingmar Bergman . With a brilliant career, she has accumulated two Oscar nominations (for “The Immigrants” and “Face to Face” ), as well as several other international awards. In addition to being a talented actress, Liv also stood out as a director , leaving her mark on contemporary cinema.
Born in Tokyo on December 16, 1938 , Liv Johanne Ullmann has dual nationality: Norwegian and Japanese . During her childhood, she moved frequently due to her father’s work, but after his death, she settled in Norway with her mother. It was there that Liv discovered her passion for the performing arts, beginning her studies in theater.
Meeting Ingmar Bergman changed her life. The Swedish director, one of the most influential in world cinema, turned Liv into his muse , both in her personal and professional life. Together, they worked on 10 films , even after their romantic relationship ended. Their partnership produced cinematic masterpieces and a daughter, Linn Ullmann . Despite going their separate ways, they maintained a cordial and collaborative relationship over the years.
In the 1970s , Liv returned to her theater roots by performing the play “A Doll’s House” in the United States . In 1992 , she made her directorial debut with the film “Sofie” , which won the Grand Jury Prize in Montreal . This success encouraged her to pursue directing, and her most recent work, “Miss Julie” (2014), stars renowned actors such as Jessica Chastain and Colin Farrell . Although her work reveals influences from Bergman, Liv has developed her own style, which has been recognized by critics.
The film “Miss Julie” is marked by a theatrical narrative, with scenes that take place almost entirely in a single setting and a slow pace, which may not please everyone. However, its photography , editing , costumes and art direction are impeccable, highlighting Liv’s mastery as a director.
For those who want to learn more about Liv Ullmann’s life and work, the documentary “Liv & Ingmar – A Love Story” (2012) is an excellent choice. In it, the actress shares personal memories, reflections on her career and details of her relationship with Bergman, as well as paying tribute to friends who have passed away. A delicate and moving work, worth watching.