“Autumn Sonata” (秋のソナタ), Original Japanese Movie Poster 1978, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) D235
This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster for Ingmar Bergman’s acclaimed 1978 drama Autumn Sonata (秋のソナタ / Aki no Sonata), starring Ingrid Bergman and Liv Ullmann. A beautifully understated and emotionally resonant design, this poster was printed for the film’s Japanese theatrical release and captures the refined, art-house sensibility that defined Japanese marketing for major European cinema of this period.
Poster design
The design is elegant, restrained, and highly effective. At the center is a vertically framed photographic image of Ingrid Bergman and Liv Ullmann, set before glowing autumn trees in warm gold and amber tones. The composition immediately conveys the emotional core of the film: a troubled, intimate confrontation between mother and daughter. Ingrid Bergman’s expression is distant and pensive, while Ullmann leans in with quiet urgency, reinforcing the film’s psychological and emotional tension.
The surrounding layout makes sophisticated use of white space, allowing the central image to breathe and lending the whole sheet a refined gallery-like presence. The title 秋のソナタ is printed prominently near the bottom in a beautiful multi-toned calligraphic style, accompanied by the English subtitle Autumn Sonata: Ingmar Bergman + Ingrid Bergman. The vertical text on the left identifies it as a film directed by Ingmar Bergman, while the vertical copy on the right serves as a lyrical promotional line, describing the sorrow of a woman who lived for art and love, and presenting the film as a long-awaited major work born from the first collaboration between a master director and a great actress.
The overall effect is graceful and dignified, perfectly suited to the tone of the film and especially attractive as a display piece.
Historical context & significance
Autumn Sonata is one of Ingmar Bergman’s most celebrated late works and is particularly notable as Ingrid Bergman’s final theatrical feature film performance. Her appearance opposite Liv Ullmann, one of Ingmar Bergman’s most important collaborators, gives the film enormous significance within European and world cinema. The film is widely admired for its intense chamber-drama structure, emotional intelligence, and devastating performances.
This Japanese poster is also interesting for the way it frames the film for domestic audiences: not through sensational imagery, but through emotional seriousness, artistic prestige, and the meeting of two towering Bergmans. The text at the lower right further notes that the film was a recipient of the Showa 56 Art Festival Excellence Award (昭和56年度芸術祭優秀賞受賞作品), underscoring the esteem in which it was held in Japan.
As a result, this poster is appealing not only to collectors of Ingmar Bergman, Ingrid Bergman, and European art-house cinema, but also to those who appreciate the subtle and highly sophisticated graphic language of Japanese release posters from the late 1970s and early 1980s.
It is over 46 years old!
Condition
Excellent. The poster presents extremely well, with clean overall appearance, strong colour, and very attractive display quality. There are no major issues apparent that detract from the visual impact of the piece. Please study the photograph carefully, as it shows the exact poster for sale.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.
Certificate of Authenticity included.
