On the Screen in Norway:

“Tilsammens” Sticky, Sweet, and Satisfying.

A few years ago Lukas Moodyson kicked up a politically correct fuss with his teenage love story “Fucking Åmal” (Show Me Love). For those of you who aren’t familiar with the film, Åmal is a little town in Sweden, not a person, and the title’s expletive is an adjective in this case. The education department in Norway actively promoted the film for its near Disney-ish portrayal of two teen girls coming to terms with their love for each other and provided free screenings to high school students during school hours. I thought the film was a sweet story with a generous amount of escapism. I didn’t rush to see his next film.

Well, better late than never—“Tilsammens” (Together) is a wonderful, grown-up film. 

It’s Idealism in the 70’s Swedish commune: a politically motivated lesbian, a radical communists who trades sex for the promise of a political discussion, an open marriage, a young man longing for Prince Charming, no meat, no TV, and definitely no Coca-Cola. This is where Doris takes her two kids when she leaves her alcoholic husband and moves in with her brother Goren and his “family”.

Political slogans are put to the test and some pass, others fail, but this film is more than an extended hippy sit-com. From the lonely old man who damages his pipes just to have the company of the plumber, to the young, angry boy whose father leaves him standing on the street corner— each of the characters is developed beyond caricature. The audience sees through the eyes of the children struggling with the adult world paraded before them. And sees with a child’s compassion for adult weaknesses.

I like movies where there are no bad guys, no easy villains. Sometimes life is just hard. Yes, it is a “feel good film”. A bit of tear-jerking, a lot of laughter. But it is also a Good Film.

What is nostalgia if not loving irony? In this case, kids playing Pinochet and the Prisoner instead of Cowboys and Indians, and uncle Goren explaining how people are like oatmeal: fragile, individual flakes who come together in a sticky, soft, porridge.

Directed by Lukas Moodyson.

With Lisa Lindgren, Gustaf Hammarsten, Michael Nyqvist, Anja Lundqvist, Jessica Leidberg, and Emma Samuelsson.
Swedish film

On the Stage in Norway:

On the Main Stage at Det Norske Teatret in Oslo:

“The Emperor of Portugal” based on a Swedish novel.

“Ronja Røvardotter” by Astrid Lindgren (better known as the author of Pippi Longstockings)

At Rogaland Teater in Stavanger:

Opening next week: “Uncle Vanya” by Checkov

© 2000 Ren Powell ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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