In my opinion, the two greatest directors to emerge from the nexus of international cinema in the 1990s were both Scandinavian. One of them, Lars von Trier, became quite famous, for reasons both good and bad. The other director I’m speaking of never got famous, and his movies, even during his brief heyday, didn’t become art-house sensations. Yet for a time, Sweden’s Lukas Moodysson burned with an intoxicating flame.
He made three films of astonishing organic craft and humanistic purity: “Show Me Love” (1998), a shockingly lyrical love story about two high-school girls who fall for each other in a small town that didn’t look very tolerantly upon them; “Together” (2000), an ensemble comedy set in a sharehome commune in Stockholm in 1975 that is one of the only films that totally gets the counterculture; and “Lilya 4-ever” (2002), a haunting tragedy about a wayward girl in the former Soviet...
He made three films of astonishing organic craft and humanistic purity: “Show Me Love” (1998), a shockingly lyrical love story about two high-school girls who fall for each other in a small town that didn’t look very tolerantly upon them; “Together” (2000), an ensemble comedy set in a sharehome commune in Stockholm in 1975 that is one of the only films that totally gets the counterculture; and “Lilya 4-ever” (2002), a haunting tragedy about a wayward girl in the former Soviet...
- 9/24/2023
- by Owen Gleiberman
- Variety Film + TV
Confrontational, provocative, outrageous, heartbreaking, hilarious – all can be applied to director Lukas Moodysson, who has been hailed internationally as one of Sweden’s greatest filmmaking talents, delighting and confounding audiences in equal measure. Drawing his inspiration from an eclectic and startling array of subjects, including commune living, teenage angst, punk rock, reality TV and graphic novels, Moodysson’s extraordinary filmography is keenly observed and deeply felt. Later this month, on the essential, alternative streaming service Arrow, you can see all of his films together for the first time (and the collection is released on a Limited Edition Blu-ray boxset on January 30th by Arrow Video). Here’s a look at each film and what to expect from this unique talent.
Show Me Love (Aka F*Cking Amal) (1998)
Moodysson’s multiple-award winning first film, Fucking Åmål (released overseas as Show Me Love), tells the story of awkward smalltown teenager Agnes and...
Show Me Love (Aka F*Cking Amal) (1998)
Moodysson’s multiple-award winning first film, Fucking Åmål (released overseas as Show Me Love), tells the story of awkward smalltown teenager Agnes and...
- 1/31/2023
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
“The Fam” (“La Mif”), Swiss filmmaker Fred Baillif’s bruising, raw portrait of the residents and staff of a Geneva, Switzerland, teen girl care home, has won the Berlinale’s Generation 14plus Grand Prix
“Like a rushing, energetic, pulsing heartbeat, this film pushes its characters and viewers in brutal honesty through different stories and incidents. Carried by captivating and strong acting performances, it never loses its balance between power and vulnerability. The film pulls you in, never lets go and hits straight to the heart,” the jurors said in their praise of the pic.
“The Fam,” which features remarkable performances for non-pro actors, is produced by the director’s own outfit, Freshprod, and Rts, the Swiss French-language public television. It is sold by Latido Films.
A Special Mention in the category Feature Film Generation 14plus went to U.S. director Dash Shaw’s animated fantasy “Cryptozoo,” which premiered at Sundance.
“Like a rushing, energetic, pulsing heartbeat, this film pushes its characters and viewers in brutal honesty through different stories and incidents. Carried by captivating and strong acting performances, it never loses its balance between power and vulnerability. The film pulls you in, never lets go and hits straight to the heart,” the jurors said in their praise of the pic.
“The Fam,” which features remarkable performances for non-pro actors, is produced by the director’s own outfit, Freshprod, and Rts, the Swiss French-language public television. It is sold by Latido Films.
A Special Mention in the category Feature Film Generation 14plus went to U.S. director Dash Shaw’s animated fantasy “Cryptozoo,” which premiered at Sundance.
- 3/4/2021
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Peijnenburg’s first feature debuts at Iffr before going to Berlin.
There has been a growing interest in Dutch director Mees Peijnenburg’s debut feature ever since his Netherlands Film Academy graduation short Even Cowboys Get To Cry appeared in the 2014 Berlinale.
He followed that with another Berlinale entry, A Hole In My Heart which received the prestigious Dutch Directors’ Guild award for the film in 2016.
His 2015 television drama We Will Never Be Royals, inspired by the Lorde song and about a teenage brother and sister in care, won a Golden Calf, his country’s equivalent to the Oscars.
“When...
There has been a growing interest in Dutch director Mees Peijnenburg’s debut feature ever since his Netherlands Film Academy graduation short Even Cowboys Get To Cry appeared in the 2014 Berlinale.
He followed that with another Berlinale entry, A Hole In My Heart which received the prestigious Dutch Directors’ Guild award for the film in 2016.
His 2015 television drama We Will Never Be Royals, inspired by the Lorde song and about a teenage brother and sister in care, won a Golden Calf, his country’s equivalent to the Oscars.
“When...
- 1/30/2020
- by 1101321¦Ben Dalton¦26¦
- ScreenDaily
Orange Studio, the film and TV banner of France’s leading telco company Orange, has acquired Mees Peijnenburg’s feature debut, “Paradise Drifters,” a project that the Dutch actor-turned-director developed at the Cannes Film festival’s Cinefondation residency.
“Paradise Drifters” follows the journey of three homeless young adults who are heading to Southern Europe in search of money, love and happiness. Now in post-production, the film stars Jonas Smulders, Bilal Wahib and Tamar van Waning.
Peijnenburg (pictured) has already presented two short films, “A Hole in My Heart” and “Even Cowboys Get to Cry,” in competition at the Berlin Film Festival in 2015 and 2014, respectively. “A Hole in My Heart” was also the Dutch candidate for the short film Oscars in 2016. “Even Cowboys Get to Cry” also played at SXSW. The director has also helmed music videos and commercials for Iconoclast.
Andrei Kamarowsky, Orange Studio’s head of international, said he...
“Paradise Drifters” follows the journey of three homeless young adults who are heading to Southern Europe in search of money, love and happiness. Now in post-production, the film stars Jonas Smulders, Bilal Wahib and Tamar van Waning.
Peijnenburg (pictured) has already presented two short films, “A Hole in My Heart” and “Even Cowboys Get to Cry,” in competition at the Berlin Film Festival in 2015 and 2014, respectively. “A Hole in My Heart” was also the Dutch candidate for the short film Oscars in 2016. “Even Cowboys Get to Cry” also played at SXSW. The director has also helmed music videos and commercials for Iconoclast.
Andrei Kamarowsky, Orange Studio’s head of international, said he...
- 2/9/2019
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
With a seemingly endless amount of streaming options — not only the titles at our disposal, but services themselves — we’ve taken it upon ourselves to highlight the titles that have recently hit platforms. Every week, one will be able to see the cream of the crop (or perhaps some simply interesting picks) of streaming titles (new and old) across platforms such as Netflix, iTunes, Amazon, and more (note: U.S. only). Check out our rundown for this week’s selections below.
Always Shine (Sophia Takal)
With the excess of low-budget, retreat-in-the-woods dramas often finding characters hashing out their insecurities through a meta-narrative, a certain initial resistance can occur when presented with such a derivative scenario at virtually every film festival. While Sophia Takal‘s psychological drama Always Shine ultimately stumbles, the chemistry of its leads and a sense of foreboding dread in its formal execution ensures its heightened view of...
Always Shine (Sophia Takal)
With the excess of low-budget, retreat-in-the-woods dramas often finding characters hashing out their insecurities through a meta-narrative, a certain initial resistance can occur when presented with such a derivative scenario at virtually every film festival. While Sophia Takal‘s psychological drama Always Shine ultimately stumbles, the chemistry of its leads and a sense of foreboding dread in its formal execution ensures its heightened view of...
- 12/2/2016
- by The Film Stage
- The Film Stage
The 59Th BFI London Film Festival Announces Full 2015 Programme
You can peruse the programme at your leisure here.
The programme for the 59th BFI London Film Festival in partnership launched today, with Festival Director Clare Stewart presenting this year’s rich and diverse selection of films and events. BFI London Film Festival is Britain’s leading film event and one of the world’s oldest film festivals. It introduces the finest new British and international films to an expanding London and UK-wide audience. The Festival provides an essential platform for films seeking global success; and promotes the careers of British and international filmmakers through its industry and awards programmes. With this year’s industry programme stronger than ever, offering international filmmakers and leaders a programme of insightful events covering every area of the film industry Lff positions London as the world’s leading creative city.
The Festival will screen a...
You can peruse the programme at your leisure here.
The programme for the 59th BFI London Film Festival in partnership launched today, with Festival Director Clare Stewart presenting this year’s rich and diverse selection of films and events. BFI London Film Festival is Britain’s leading film event and one of the world’s oldest film festivals. It introduces the finest new British and international films to an expanding London and UK-wide audience. The Festival provides an essential platform for films seeking global success; and promotes the careers of British and international filmmakers through its industry and awards programmes. With this year’s industry programme stronger than ever, offering international filmmakers and leaders a programme of insightful events covering every area of the film industry Lff positions London as the world’s leading creative city.
The Festival will screen a...
- 9/1/2015
- by John
- SoundOnSight
Swedish director Lukas Moodysson's filmography has had a spotty history of even being seen in the United States. His earlier works Show Me Love and Together managed to receive distribution here, but some of his more serious films (like the brutal sex-trafficking drama Lilya 4-ever and A Hole In My Heart) never were even properly released here. In 2009, he made his English-language debut with a film called Mammoth that IFC released stateside and then he fell off the radar for a few years.
He's finally returned to the big screen with We Are the Best!, a lighthearted adaptation of the graphic novel Never Goodnight, written by his wife Coco Moodysson. Set in 1982 Stockholm, we're introduced to Bobo (Mira Barkhammar) and Klara (Mira Grosin), two 13-year-old best friends who don't really fit in socially at school. They're tomboyish and seem to live in their own little world, mostly happy to...
He's finally returned to the big screen with We Are the Best!, a lighthearted adaptation of the graphic novel Never Goodnight, written by his wife Coco Moodysson. Set in 1982 Stockholm, we're introduced to Bobo (Mira Barkhammar) and Klara (Mira Grosin), two 13-year-old best friends who don't really fit in socially at school. They're tomboyish and seem to live in their own little world, mostly happy to...
- 6/16/2014
- by Matt Shiverdecker
- Slackerwood
The work of director Lukas Moodysson has always been challenging, with the filmmaker coming to the attention of cinephiles with 1998's "Fucking Åmål," and earning further attention for his often tough dramas such as "Lilja-4-Ever," "A Hole In My Heart" and "Mammoth." But Moodysson's latest couldn't be more different. Hilarious, and infused with pure joy and a playfully rebellious spirit, "We Are The Best!" might be one of the, well, best times you have at the movies this summer. Based on the graphic novel by the director's wife, Coco Moodysson, the film follows the travails of three young girls who decide to form a punk band in 1980s Stockholm. The decision finds them battling against what's expected of their gender, all while they navigate coming of age and learning who they really are as people and friends. It's effortlessly charming and sweet with a streak of authenticity that makes every moment feel real.
- 5/29/2014
- by Edward Davis
- The Playlist
We Are The Best!
Director/Writer: Lukas Moodysson
Producer(s): Memfis Film’s Lars Jönsson
U.S. Distributor: Rights Available
Cast: Mira Barkhammar, Mira Grosin, Liv LeMoyne in the main roles as Bobo, Klara and Hedvig with supporting cast includes: David Dencik, Johan Liljemark, Anna Rydgren and Mattias Wiberg.
We qualify 2013 as a definite “it” year for output of auteur-driven graphic novel adaptations and first on our countdown we find this Swedish item (expect a more fitting international title). Most recently known for his lesser items such as the experimental Container and existentialism inside a world romance in Mammoth, this adaptation, Moodysson’s 7th feature film could be considered a throwback, yet nifty counter-film when measured up against his more nihilistic beginnings in Fucking Åmål, Lilya 4-ever, and the fierce, A Hole in My Heart. If Moodysson manages to add a punk/alternative soundtrack, then this coming-of-ager should be sought out.
Director/Writer: Lukas Moodysson
Producer(s): Memfis Film’s Lars Jönsson
U.S. Distributor: Rights Available
Cast: Mira Barkhammar, Mira Grosin, Liv LeMoyne in the main roles as Bobo, Klara and Hedvig with supporting cast includes: David Dencik, Johan Liljemark, Anna Rydgren and Mattias Wiberg.
We qualify 2013 as a definite “it” year for output of auteur-driven graphic novel adaptations and first on our countdown we find this Swedish item (expect a more fitting international title). Most recently known for his lesser items such as the experimental Container and existentialism inside a world romance in Mammoth, this adaptation, Moodysson’s 7th feature film could be considered a throwback, yet nifty counter-film when measured up against his more nihilistic beginnings in Fucking Åmål, Lilya 4-ever, and the fierce, A Hole in My Heart. If Moodysson manages to add a punk/alternative soundtrack, then this coming-of-ager should be sought out.
- 1/10/2013
- by Eric Lavallee
- IONCINEMA.com
After a string of films that seemed to challenge Michael Haneke in terms of unrelenting bleakness, it's then perhaps a slight shock to hear director Lukas Moodyson ("Lilya-4-Ever," "A Hole In My Heart") contemplating brighter pastures for his next film. However, earlier this year he claimed just that with a “feel good” adaptation of his wife Coco's graphic novel, "Never Goodnight," and now the project, along with two other similarly promising efforts, have found their next step toward production. Moodyson has received $1.65 million from the Swedish Film Institute for his next film, “We Are the Best,” which centers on three teenage girls living in 1982 Stockholm who decide to form a punk band. Owing itself to a marketable premise and music-centric storyline, it's clear why the Sfi designated their highest amount of funding to the film, for which Moodyson should have no problem sticking to his planned fall start...
- 11/21/2012
- by Charlie Schmidlin
- The Playlist
Lukas Moodysson sure knows how to bring a bad time. Films like "Lilya-4-Ever," "A Hole In My Heart" and "Mammoth" viewers were left stung with unrelenting and at times, hard to watch drama that was unshakeable even after you left the theater. But for his next effort, he's trying some little breezier, a bit more musical and hell, a bit more punk rock.
THR reports that Moodysson will next get behind the camera on "VI ÄR BÄST!" (roughly translated as "We Are The Best") based on the graphic novel "Never Goodnight" by his wife Coco. The promising film will center once get put female protagonists at the fore, this time centering three, 12 and 13 year-old girls in 1982 Stockholm who decide to form a punk band in what is said to be a "feel good" film. Certainly, one can imagine The Shaggs having some kind of influence here (and indeed, there...
THR reports that Moodysson will next get behind the camera on "VI ÄR BÄST!" (roughly translated as "We Are The Best") based on the graphic novel "Never Goodnight" by his wife Coco. The promising film will center once get put female protagonists at the fore, this time centering three, 12 and 13 year-old girls in 1982 Stockholm who decide to form a punk band in what is said to be a "feel good" film. Certainly, one can imagine The Shaggs having some kind of influence here (and indeed, there...
- 4/16/2012
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
It's time for our weekly pick of your responses to our favourite film series, for which Guardian writers have selected the movies they just can't get enough of
Here's a roundup of what you thought in week seven, when the selections were The Goonies, Together, The Ladykillers, Night of the Hunter and Star Trek II – The Wrath of Kahn
My favourite film's fish and visitors moment finally arrived at the start of week seven. We'd got away with Back to the Future, slipped Predator past you in a cloak of respectability and zapped Ghostbusters's critical hot spots. Yet Matt Andrews's championing of The Goonies was a flashback too far for those suffering from nostalgia fatigue. "Is there anything edifying at this point in another Guardian contributor picking some 80s kids' movie as their favourite?" asked JohnBarnesOnToast. "The articles are basically the same (and in this instance it's not...
Here's a roundup of what you thought in week seven, when the selections were The Goonies, Together, The Ladykillers, Night of the Hunter and Star Trek II – The Wrath of Kahn
My favourite film's fish and visitors moment finally arrived at the start of week seven. We'd got away with Back to the Future, slipped Predator past you in a cloak of respectability and zapped Ghostbusters's critical hot spots. Yet Matt Andrews's championing of The Goonies was a flashback too far for those suffering from nostalgia fatigue. "Is there anything edifying at this point in another Guardian contributor picking some 80s kids' movie as their favourite?" asked JohnBarnesOnToast. "The articles are basically the same (and in this instance it's not...
- 12/21/2011
- The Guardian - Film News
Here I am. Where are you? I love you. I miss you.
Lukas Moodysson woefully neglected (at least in North America) new film starring Michelle Williams, Gael Garcia Bernal and Marife Necesito (a wonderful Filipino actress who is the real heart and soul of the film) steps back from flirtations with pornographic explicitness (A Hole in My Heart) or the baffling bauble of Container and takes on the large task of trying to understand family bonds in the 21st century. A film as timely as Up In The Air or the 2006 film it is inevitably compared to: Alejandro González Iñárritu's Babel (if only because of the world-hopping story and Gael Garcia Bernal who is, more or less, in the Brad Pitt role), it may be even better than either of those two because of its quiet (distant) empathic confusion. While it eventually comes to a boil, for the most part,...
Lukas Moodysson woefully neglected (at least in North America) new film starring Michelle Williams, Gael Garcia Bernal and Marife Necesito (a wonderful Filipino actress who is the real heart and soul of the film) steps back from flirtations with pornographic explicitness (A Hole in My Heart) or the baffling bauble of Container and takes on the large task of trying to understand family bonds in the 21st century. A film as timely as Up In The Air or the 2006 film it is inevitably compared to: Alejandro González Iñárritu's Babel (if only because of the world-hopping story and Gael Garcia Bernal who is, more or less, in the Brad Pitt role), it may be even better than either of those two because of its quiet (distant) empathic confusion. While it eventually comes to a boil, for the most part,...
- 12/17/2009
- Screen Anarchy
Sweden's Lukas Moodysson burst onto the international film scene with 1998's "Fucking Åmål" (or, as it was cowardly renamed in English-speaking countries, "Show Me Love"), a carefree, naturalistic drama about a reluctant romance between two small-town teenage girls. Just as ebullient is his 2000 period satire and popular favorite "Together," which focuses on the dysfunctional relationships and values of '70s left-wingers living in a commune, after which Moodysson began pursuing darker, moodier fare. 2002's critical darling "Lilya 4-ever" couldn't get much bleaker, tracing a Russian girl's journey from drop-out to prostitute to kidnapped sex slave. Following that were two avant-garde experiments: 2004's shockingly explicit take on amateur porn, "A Hole in My Heart," and his 2006 stream-of-consciousness curiosity, "Container."
Though American actress Jena Malone provided narration to that last film, Moodysson's new drama is also his first English-language production, mostly. "Mammoth" splits between three related storylines in New York, the Philippines and Thailand.
Though American actress Jena Malone provided narration to that last film, Moodysson's new drama is also his first English-language production, mostly. "Mammoth" splits between three related storylines in New York, the Philippines and Thailand.
- 11/20/2009
- by Aaron Hillis
- ifc.com
Rarely has a filmmaker experienced as rapid a rise and fall as Swedish director Lukas Moodysson. His intimate 1999 romance Fucking Åmål (a.k.a. Show Me Love) and his sprawling 2000 comedy Together were praised for their warmth and insight. Then he swapped optimism for pessimism with 2002’s heartbreaking (but artful) Lilya 4-Ever. After that, Moodysson tested audiences with the intentionally repellant A Hole In My Heart and the aggressively experimental Container, and in just a few short years, he went from being a favorite of critics and audiences to being a director whose name evokes winces ...
- 11/19/2009
- avclub.com
Below we have the trailer and poster for Lukas Moodysson new drama “Mammoth“
Synopsis: “Mammoth” revolves around successful New York couple Leo (Gael García Bernal) and Ellen (Michelle Williams). Leo is the creator of a booming website, and has stumbled into a world of money and big decisions. Ellen is a dedicated emergency surgeon who devotes her long shifts to saving lives. Their 8-year old daughter Jackie (Sophie Nyweide) spends most of her time with her Filipino nanny Gloria (Marife Necesito), a situation that is making Ellen start to question her priorities. When Leo travels to Thailand on business, he unwittingly sets off a chain of events that will have dramatic consequences for everyone.
“Mammoth” is the first English-language film from acclaimed Swedish writer/director Lukas Moodysson (A Hole in My Heart, Together, Lilya 4-Ever).
Mammoth Poster
IFC Films will open “Mammoth” in Us on November 20, 2009.
Click here to view the embedded video.
Synopsis: “Mammoth” revolves around successful New York couple Leo (Gael García Bernal) and Ellen (Michelle Williams). Leo is the creator of a booming website, and has stumbled into a world of money and big decisions. Ellen is a dedicated emergency surgeon who devotes her long shifts to saving lives. Their 8-year old daughter Jackie (Sophie Nyweide) spends most of her time with her Filipino nanny Gloria (Marife Necesito), a situation that is making Ellen start to question her priorities. When Leo travels to Thailand on business, he unwittingly sets off a chain of events that will have dramatic consequences for everyone.
“Mammoth” is the first English-language film from acclaimed Swedish writer/director Lukas Moodysson (A Hole in My Heart, Together, Lilya 4-Ever).
Mammoth Poster
IFC Films will open “Mammoth” in Us on November 20, 2009.
Click here to view the embedded video.
- 11/2/2009
- by Allan Ford
- Filmofilia
It should come as no surprise, really, that Lukas Moodysson’s Mammut - or Mammoth as it will be known in English - seems to have very little in common with the Swedish director’s previous films Container and A Hole In My Heart. Really, that much was guaranteed the moment that Gael Garcia Bernal and Michelle Williams were cast in the leads. You just can’t cast actors like that and then ask them to endure the sorts of things Moodysson has subjected his actors to in earlier efforts and while I could see Bernal doing it I can’t imagine Williams ever willingly subjecting herself to the sort of raw emotional battering - to say nothing of the expose flesh - of those sorts of films. But, honestly, I don’t know that I expected it to be quite this much of a change.
Mammut is quite easily...
Mammut is quite easily...
- 11/29/2008
- by Todd Brown
- Screen Anarchy
TORONTO -- Several film titles found new homes at the Toronto International Film Festival on Monday. Focus Features, Universal's specialty arm, picked up My Summer of Love for the United States and other territories; Newmarket Films inked a pact to acquire Lukas Moodysson's A Hole in My Heart in North America; and Fine Line Features said it will roll out Lucrecia Martel's Spanish-language feature Holy Girl (La Nina Santa) through its partnership with HBO Films. The activity typifies the continuing prominence of foreign fare at TIFF. The sole domestic fictional feature to sell so far is the star-studded ensemble piece Crash, which Lions Gate picked up. In addition to U.S. rights, Focus also nabbed rights to Summer in Canada, Scandinavia, Australia, New Zealand and the Commonwealth of Independent States. The feature was a hot commodity here, and sources said bidding went as high as $2.5 million. The film had piqued interest from a bevy of suitors, including Miramax Films, Roadside Attractions and Sony Pictures Classics, after it screened Saturday in the World Contemporary Cinema section.
- 9/14/2004
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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