Madicken is a character appearing in several books by Astrid Lindgren, best known for Pippi Longstocking. This movie captures a great deal of what is good in the books, providing a warm and authentic view on life in a small Swedish town around the time of World War I. Indeed, while this movie is superficially for children, it can be enjoyed as much if not more by many adults.

The story is nominally about Madicken, a 7-year-old girl, and the small events occurring in her everyday life. In addition there is great portrayal of the entire community. We are introduced a number of people important in Madicken's life, each with distinct personality. While all of these people have an easily understandable role, such as "jolly, handsome chimney sweep", "slightly comical mayor", or "mayor's evil wife", they at the same time aren't overly simplified as in many children's movies.

No particular plot exists; instead we see several somewhat interconnected slices from Madicken's life. The topics covered include harmless, child-sized events as well as more serious ones. For example: Madicken's new, pretty shoes are almost ruined the first day she uses them; Madicken's poor school mate Mia steals a wallet, and receives severe punishment; Madicken's friend becomes dangerously ill. The treatment of these and other subjects is understandable enough for children, but also include tones and levels that speak to audience of any age. This is a difference to the Lotta movies of the same series, which have a somewhat lighter tone, and don't address social issues like poverty.

Even if it weren't immediately clear that this film is of Swedish making, a high familiarity with Swedish life of the time period is apparent. Also, although the times were different back in 1979 when this, it's was rare Hollywood movie that showed naked children so openly and naturally as this one. In the opening scene Madicken and her little sister shed their clothes and run around the room for sheer joy of life. Later on they are seen bathing naked in a river, as was normal at the time, and still is in many cultures. Perhaps it is for this reason that Amazon appears not to be selling this DVD, but it's readily purchasable for example from CDON.COM, as linked on the right.

Jonna makes great Madicken, comfortably ranging from the merry, impulsive child to one who watches with pity a drunk who can't get up on his own, and feels compassion for his wife. The acting overall doesn't achieve realism, but is nonetheless enjoyable. The actors communicate the nuances of their characters affectively, and it's easy to suspend belief. Jonna as Madicken is the naturally the most important actor, and a delight to watch. She's very natural, and expressive without any overacting. Her composed mannerisms give an impression of an actress who is about 10 years old rather than her actual age of 8, let alone the character's age of 7.

Madicken's little sister Lisabet is played by Liv. Her role is considerably smaller than Madicken's, but is still easily worth a mention. The dynamics between the siblings are very credible, and Lisabet's comments often have the attractive uncencored quality of a younger child.

Kerstin plays Mia, a class mate of Madicken's. She's poor, untidy, and hostile, a big contrast to friendly Madicken from a wealthy family. She's a catalyst for some of the most serious messages of the film, and Kerstin is a good fit for the slightly grim role. Madicken eventually befriends Mia, but full equality is not possible where such pronounced differences in welfare exist.

There exists also another Madicken DVD release named Madicken på Junibacken, with the same actors, film crew, and style. It's composed of some episodes of a TV series, and has a little lower quality than Du är inte klok, Madicken.