We Are the Best!

We Are the Best! is an expressive representation of adolescent rebellion, friendship, and self-discovery. This intimate, heart-warming film was released in 2013 and stars Mira Barkhammar, Mira Grosin, and Liv LeMoyne. The Swedish filmmaker, Lukas Moodysson, uses his characteristic raw approach and observant style to tell a captivating story about three young girls on a journey to express themselves in a society that often overlooks and underestimates them.

Set against the backdrop of 1980s Stockholm, We Are the Best! introduces us to Bobo (played by Mira Barkhammar) and Klara (portrayed by Mira Grosin), two 13-year-old best friends with unimpressive social status at school but armed with a shared vision to rebel against the traditional norms, particularly the musical ones. In their desire to fight against the popular disco and punk rock trends, they stumble upon the idea to start their own punk band, despite being told that punk is dead and also having no musical training or experience.

This immature, light-hearted, and rebellious feat adds the third member Hedvig (Liv LeMoyne) to the band, a shy and devout Christian with a considerable talent for playing the guitar. Despite stark differences in their personalities and beliefs, the determine girls unite in their urge to stand apart and express themselves through their music.

As the narrative progresses, Moodysson beautifully showcases each girl's personal growth while they explore the territory of growing up. Their characters are depicted with laudable depth and complexity, which could only not captivate the audience but also make them empathize with their struggles and aspirations. The movie does not shy away from highlighting the most innocuous to significant issues endured by teenagers, such as the awkwardness of first love, the sting of bullying, and the need to fit in or stand out.

One of the striking aspects of We Are the Best! is the authenticity reflected in its characters. Even though it revolves around the punk subculture, the movie manages to retain a touch of relatable innocence and vulnerability associated with teenagers. Each actor delivers a commendable performance, exhibiting the raw energy and rebellious spirit of youth, while also portraying the tender emotions and confusion that come with adolescence.

The film’s music is another fundamental element. The soundtrack, dominated by the noisy, uncomplicated punk music created by the characters, perfectly complements the film’s storyline and ambience of adolescent rebellion. The poignant scenes of the protagonists learning, practicing, and performing their music are intensely impactful and form an essential part of the narrative.

Some significant themes that run throughout We Are the Best! include friendship, self-expression, and defiance of societal stereotypes. The dynamic friendship between Bobo, Klara, and Hedvig serves as the movie's backbone. Their bond depicted in the film, whether it's their laughter-filled luncheons, their collective rebellious antics, or comforting each other in times of sadness, is a heartening depiction of fierce friendship and loyalty. Self-expression resonates through their effort to express their dissent through punk music, while their refusal to adhere to societal expectations turns the movie into a symbolic saga of defiance and self-belief.

We Are the Best! is not just about punk music or teenage rebellion. Instead, it is a brilliant illustration of the complexity and beauty of growing up and finding one's identity. From humorous interactions to emotional confrontations, it provides a realistic glimpse into the lives of teenagers on the cusp of adulthood. While the protagonists are girls, their experiences and struggles resonate across genders and generations.

Adapted from the graphic novel “Never Goodnight” by Coco Moodysson, We Are the Best! stands out as a coming of-age film that brilliantly combines humor, honesty, and nostalgia. This film does not only strike a chord with individuals who lived through the 1980s punk scene, but it also resonates with anyone who has experienced the struggles and triumphs of adolescence. The convincing performances, engaging script, and memorable soundtrack make We Are the Best! a must-watch for cinema lovers.