Mini Review: We Are The Best! (Vi Är Bäst!)

Released: 18^th April

Certificate: 15

Director: Lukas Moodysson

Cast: Mira Barkhammar, Mira Grosin, Liv LeMoyne

In 1980s Stockholm, Punk is not dead. At least according to 13-year-old Bobo (Barkhammar) and her irrepressible friend Klara (Grosin), who wear Doc Martens and mohawks and despair at the preoccupation of the establishment with sport over environmental issues. When Bobo and Klara decide to start a punk band together, they find themselves in need of someone with any musical knowledge at all, and recruit reserved guitarist Hedvig (LeMoyne).

Moodysson directs a naturalistic feature, with the camera panning to follow conversations in a loose, almost mockumentary-esque style. This approach lends a refreshingly low-key and realistic tone to the film. The leads actually look like their character’s ages rather than older teenagers (as is so common in movie casting), and their meandering exploits, feuds and reconciliations are true to preteen friendships. Unfortunately, this veracity also includes a certain amount of truly irritating behaviour, making for tedious watching at times. However, there is also plenty of genuine humour and tenderness, and several laugh-out-loud moments.

Verdict: 3/5