Tilsammans (Together)
January 24th 2009 17:07
This is a truly great film that comes to us from Sweden. Originally released in 2000, it has received no less than 14 different awards. It is set in 1974 Stockholm, and tells the story of a mother who leaves her alcoholic husband, taking her two children with her to live at her brother's commune. The film is humorous, lively, well-paced, and painfully real at times. For a full synopsis, and other fun facts, visit the Internet Film Database.
The production values are true to the time period in which the film is placed. It is shot on grainy low quality films,and the scenes rely mostly on natural lighting. All in all, it really felt like a movie from the seventies, which presented a very consistent tone throughout the movie.
The writing and acting are both exceptional. The plot elements are simple, even ordinary, being centered on human dramas, but they are such a diverse blend of human issues that it adds life to the characters and colors their interactions. The story revolves around the life of the commune, and so it is more like a conglomeration of supporting characters than a film driven through a singular protagonist. If you watch the film, chances are, you will find yourself resonating with each of the characters on some level.
The wide cast of characters allows for a great variety of social themes to be touched upon- teenage angst, young love, open relationships, political ideals, sexual orientation and exploration, alcoholism, growing up, getting old, and family values. Of course, the real spirit of the movie is conveyed in the title, which is the importance of togetherness to human beings.
This film is remarkable in that it manages to be a feel good movie without being sappy or saccharine. For those who like independent films and dramas that focus on acting and characters more than dramatic events to move a story forward, Together will not disappoint.
The production values are true to the time period in which the film is placed. It is shot on grainy low quality films,and the scenes rely mostly on natural lighting. All in all, it really felt like a movie from the seventies, which presented a very consistent tone throughout the movie.
The writing and acting are both exceptional. The plot elements are simple, even ordinary, being centered on human dramas, but they are such a diverse blend of human issues that it adds life to the characters and colors their interactions. The story revolves around the life of the commune, and so it is more like a conglomeration of supporting characters than a film driven through a singular protagonist. If you watch the film, chances are, you will find yourself resonating with each of the characters on some level.
The wide cast of characters allows for a great variety of social themes to be touched upon- teenage angst, young love, open relationships, political ideals, sexual orientation and exploration, alcoholism, growing up, getting old, and family values. Of course, the real spirit of the movie is conveyed in the title, which is the importance of togetherness to human beings.
This film is remarkable in that it manages to be a feel good movie without being sappy or saccharine. For those who like independent films and dramas that focus on acting and characters more than dramatic events to move a story forward, Together will not disappoint.
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