Director: Lukas Moodysson.
Starring: Mira Barkhammar, Mira Grosin, Liv LeMoyne.
Running Time: 102 minutes.
Certificate: 15.
Synopsis: Set during the ’80s, a duo of punk-loving teenage girls, Bobo (Mira Barkhammar) and Klara (Mira Grosin), decide to form their own band. The problem? Neither know how to play an instrument, so they decide to recruit devout Christian and guitar player, Hedvig (Liv LeMoyne) to their cause.
WE ARE THE BEST is a Swedish film by LILYA 4-EVER director, Lukas Moodysson, which is based on the graphic novel written by his wife. Set in 1980s Stockholm, we follow two teenage girls, Bobo and Klara, who are best friends and social outcasts. Although at opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of family and personality, they are united by their love for dying music genre, punk.
After becoming fed-up of listening to the heavy-metal band at their local youth club, the pair decide to start a punk band of their own, even though neither can play an instrument. The duo quickly realise they need some talent and recruit fellow outsider, Hedvig, to teach them guitar.
The cast is truly stunning especially given their young age, and all three give powerfully realistic portrayals to the point that you could be forgiven for thinking you were watching one of the many teen documentaries that channels like BBC Three are so adept at. The young actresses are also incredibly brave to agree to the extreme hairstyles that accompany the world of punk, with all three treated to short, edgy locks.
Just like the Spice Girls, each girl has her own individual personality and style meaning that younger viewers can, and will, identify with one girl over the rest. Klara has a love of handkerchief scarves and is the most extroverted of the trio, coming from a loving and close family. Hedvig is quiet and polite with a fondness for jumpers, and Bobo is shy and lacking self-confidence, potentially due to her mother who is more interested in chasing men then raising her child.
Are they any good as a band? The music within the film is exceptionally catchy, and months on you will find yourself humming ‘Hate The Sports’, the perfect anthem for anyone who hated P.E. at school. Teenage girls will eat this film up, as it speaks to the awkwardness of those perilous years whilst showcasing the strength of the bond of young women. The film perfectly encapsulates the emotions and turmoil of being a teenage girl, following the group through first loves, broken homes and betrayals.
Don’t let the subtitles put you off. WE ARE THE BEST is a beautifully made, fun-filled, heartwarming and nostalgic tale of the best years of your life.
[usr=4] WE ARE THE BEST is released in UK cinemas on Friday 18th April, 2014.
