Here Is Your Life

Here Is Your Life

Year: 1966

Runtime: 169 mins

Language: Swedish

Director: Jan Troell

DramaHistory

A working class teenager comes of age in 1910s rural Sweden, moving through a series of jobs and romances that gradually shape his future.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Here Is Your Life (1966)

Trace every key event in Here Is Your Life (1966) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Olof's Father Becomes Ill and Finds Work

When Olof Persson's father falls ill, Olof begins taking on various working-class jobs to support his family. His first job is log driving, where he encounters August, who shares stories about death and past tragedies, including his own family loss. This marks the beginning of Olof's journey into working-class life and self-discovery.

2

Olof Finds a Dead Moth

While working at the logging site, Olof discovers a dead moth. He carefully picks it up and flies it through the air, symbolizing fragility and fleeting life. This moment reflects the movie’s recurring themes of mortality and introspection.

3

Olof Attends Father’s Funeral

During Olof’s father’s funeral, Smålands-Pelle, an old friend, speaks fondly of their shared memories involving Olof’s father. After the service, Pelle engages in a private conversation with Olof, deepening the film’s focus on memories and personal history.

Funeral site
4

Olof Starts Working at a Sawmill

Olof secures a job at a sawmill, where he witnesses workers socializing and sharing stories about women. He encounters hostility from some colleagues, and an incident occurs when a log injures Oskar, a young boy working there, leading to Oskar's hospitalization and death.

Sawmill
5

Olof Reads Philosophy and Seeks Promotion

After the tragic accident, Olof requests a higher position at the sawmill but is denied. He turns to reading novels and philosophical works, seeking deeper understanding and meaning amidst his working-class struggles.

6

Olof Changes Jobs and Enters Cinema Work

Olof leaves the sawmill and begins working at a cinema selling candy, where he meets the eccentric owner. He learns about potential promotion to a projectionist and becomes interested in a girl named Maria, although he later sees her with another boy.

Cinema
7

Olof Befriends Fredrik and Explores Ideas

Olof befriends Fredrik, sharing conversations about books, philosophy, and life. They explore their ideas together, reflecting Olof's search for identity and meaning outside his working environment. Olof also visits home, where his mother questions his employment status.

8

Olof Joins Touring and Meets Olivia

Olof starts working for a touring projectionist, Mr. Larsson, traveling with the circus. He meets Olivia, the 'queen' of a traveling shooting gallery, and begins a romantic relationship with her, which eventually ends.

Circus and touring locations
9

Olof Meets Maja and Engages in Communist Activities

During a break from touring, Olof stays with a blacksmith’s family and develops a bond with Maja, with whom he has an emotional farewell after they share a kiss. Olof starts attending communist meetings and writing poetry, seeking purpose and social justice.

Blacksmith's village
10

Olof Quits Cinema and Continues Communist Advocacy

After a conflict with his boss over sharing socialist literature, Olof quits his cinema job. He resumes touring work, continues his involvement in communist circles, and maintains his advocacy for the working class, which strains his personal relationships.

11

Olof Works for the Railroad and Declares His Politics

Olof begins working for the railroad company alongside Niklas, sharing pro-socialist views and protesting capitalism. They prank their supervisor, Byberg, and Olof starts leading communist meetings, solidifying his political convictions.

Railroad
12

Climactic Party and Reflection

At a party, Olof becomes very intoxicated, experiencing physical illness and humiliation, highlighting his internal struggles. Olivia gives him a final message about life’s hardships, and the film revisits the bird flying scene from the beginning, symbolizing freedom and journey.

Party location
13

Olof Bids Farewell and Walks Into the Snow

In the concluding scene, Olof visits his foster mother before heading out into the snowy landscape. He finally purchases a hat he admired earlier, symbolizing a step towards his future as he walks along railroad tracks into the unknown.

Railroad tracks

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:16

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Here Is Your Life Summary

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Here Is Your Life Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Here Is Your Life

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Here Is Your Life

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Here Is Your Life Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Here Is Your Life

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