:: Together

We remember director Lukas Moodysson from his acclaimed feature debut “Show Me Love”. He returns with a much different kind of story that features the same focus on character interaction. The film is set in Stockholm in 1975, and is about different individuals & the problems & joys that they experience when living together. The place is a commune called Tillsammans (translated into the English title as Together). From the start, when the radio “Franco is dead, Franco id dead”, we see how moods are captured and the social conflicts of the period are reflected in the commune members, relationship. Eleisabethe (Lisa Lindgren) leaves her abusive husband Rolf (Michael Nyquist) and takes her 2 young children Stefan (Sam Kessel) and Eva (Emma Samuelsson) to stay with her brother Goran (Gustav Hammarsten). Goran lives in the already -–crowded commune. During their stay, they have to re-evaluate their priorities. Elisabeth is the paradoxical character of the film. She quickly one to conform – begins to mediate, becomes a socialist, and even finds a lesbian spark for another commune member Anna (Jessica Liedberg).

“Together” presents not only adult relationships but also adolescent emotions and yearnings, making it a striking coming-of-age tale. Working with a large cast, director Moodysson draws astonishingly realistic performances from the younger actors in particular. There are effective close-ups and has a gravity quality. The camera works well in probins the characters’ words, actions & reactions.

There are good deads of laughs amongst the entertaining & imightful portrait of the commune. By poking fun at the character. There is a charm that should appeal to viewers, despite the moments of suffering that the children experience. Pain & sadness are clearly depicted, yet they don’t overshadow a sense of compassion.

Moodysson’s sensitive understanding penetrates and he retains a good grass of the story. The use of the ABBA songs is also worthy & strategic. He remains a fine exponent of character development & simple story telling.