As the trailer suggests, this film really is for anyone who is 13 years old, was 13 years old or who will be 13 years old. Especially if you're a girl.
Known for his sometimes deep and depressing films, Lukas Moodysson's We Are the Best takes a cheerful and somewhat upbeat turn. Based on Moodysson's wife, Coco Moodysson's graphic novel 'Never Goodnight', the story is about best friends Bobo and Klara, two 13 year old punks in the 80s. Cutting their own hair, listening to music they are told is dead, bounds of engery they stand out from the crowd for more than one reason. When they decide to start a band (to prove a point first of all) they realise they can't play any instruments. They befriend outsider, devout Christian, Hedvig, a talented muscian and singer. Bringing her into the punk world, the three friends are unstoppable.
There isn't often a film that can illustrate how you felt at 13 years old. Even though I wasn't a punk, I was treated as outside the norm for my love of films (I went to an all girls school where they were all obsessed with 8 Mile and Big Daddy). I can easily relate to this story. I read and wrote my own post about the lack of films aimed at girls and I think We Are the Best should be shown to a younger audience so that they know there is an alternative to the dolls, make up and plastic lifestyle and they shouldn't be afraid or ashamed of it. They're hair may seem outrageous but to me, they look great! If only girls and teens were able to express themselves as freely as these three.
The girls all have a great energy and clear identity which is refreshing and reassuring to see that stories about girls, not teens, not young adults, not women, girls is still alive and compelling. Although there are dramatic moments and a mishap with fighting over boys, it is fun and the music is actually quite good in the end. They are the best!
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