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| A refreshing new comedy from Lukas Moodysson. |
Directed by Lukas Moodysson
Produced by Lars Jönsson
Written by Lukas Moodysson (from Coco Moodysson's comic book)
Starring Mira Barkhammar, Mira Grosin and Liv LeMoyne
****
Moodysson's new comedy follows three teenage girls living in Stockholm in 1982. Bobo (Barkhammar) and Klara (Grosin) are best friends, and they love punk music. It inspires them to form a band, even if they can't play instruments. Booking a free rehearsal studio, they practice the bass and the drums, and write a song expressing their hate of sport. They soon drag schoolmate Hedvig (LeMoyne), an accomplished guitarist, into their group, learning basic chords from her as they hone their musical performance skills. The girls become inseparable, despite some boy problems, and the film culminates with their first gig.
If this - my first Moodysson experience - is any indication, I expect to enjoy more of the director's work in the future. His latest is an inviting, delightful tale of youth and the Swedish punk movement. The film may be small in scope, but its heart is bursting with joy and childhood angst and innocence. Barkhammar, Grosin and LeMoyne are naturals as the energetic young punks. As first-time actors, they're just girls having fun on screen, and it's thoroughly enjoyable to join in. Every year there seems to be one or two films that sneak up on me, and happily this is one such film. A light breath of fresh air, this Swedish coming-of-age tale is one of the year's best offerings.
Oscar Potential: None
I agree the film is highly recommendable. Does have predictable elements, but a sweet story, is well-acted(like you say impressive work by first-time actors), and the characters are so easy to root for.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I just loved this one! Glad you enjoyed it too.
DeleteI haven't heard of this, but now I'm intrigued. I'll have to check this out!
ReplyDeleteI don't think I could love this film more. I haven't stopped thinking about it since I saw it last weekend. Look out for it in a couple of posts later this week. ;)
DeleteIt's always nice when a movie *sneak up* on you like this one Josh. I've never even heard of Moodysson before, but this one does sound delightful.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I'm always thrilled to love a film when I didn't know what to expect. It's quite a charming movie. Hope you get a chance to see it.
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