We Are the Best! (Film Review)

The 2010s have been a very active decade for nostalgia, specifically towards the 80s and 90s.  For film it’s mostly been in the form of remakes, sequels, and reboots, yet there’s also been historical pieces such as We Are the Best!; a film about three punk-rock wannabe anarchists in a coming of age story.  The story takes place during the 80s, where punk-rock is being pushed underground by the recent surge of synthpop music; two young teenagers take it upon themselves to start their own punk-rock band (in defiance towards the pop craze), recruiting a third, talented member to help teach them the ropes of playing.  Did I by any chance mention these three punk rockers are girls?  I wish I didn't have too, seeing as I’m taking away from much of the film’s theme (it shouldn't matter if they’re male or female), yet to disregard such an aspect would be to disregard the most splendid part of the film. 

For a year lacking in strong female roles (in film at least), We Are the Best! offers a solid coming of age story about three teenage girls that: a) does not have romance as its primary focus and b) is absent of typical high school clichés.  Each teenager is personable, fleshed out, and enjoyably fun to watch; there’s Klara (Mira Grosin), the spunky, profanity-driven anarchist who’s all too eager to combine fun with a little chaos (if she even understands the difference between them).  Klara’s a perfect example of a growing rebellious teen; she’s prone to hate stuff, but what she hates varies on her mood and situation, holding strong beliefs which often contradict earlier statements.  There’s Hedvig (Liv LeMoyne), the best player out of the three, but also deeply religious in belief; several scenes involve Klara trying to sway Hedvig towards atheistic views, while in other scenes trying to convince her how punk-rock is religious (one song talks about hanging God for being a Fascist, which Klara argues “If you want to hang God, he has to exist, or you couldn't hang him”).  The film’s protagonist Bobo (Mira Barkhammar) is the most balanced of the three, often acting as the bridge of compromise between Klara and Hedvig's mindsets.  Notably, the film takes care not to let these roles solely define the characters, but rather represent portions of their personalities.  Each teen is a complex individual, capable of switching what in a lesser film would be their designated roles; sometimes it’s Hedvig who bridges their friendship together, while other times it’s Klara. 

When Klara becomes determined to buy an electric guitar for their band, she spends all day with Bobo and a reluctant Hedvig begging on the streets, creating far-fetched tales to obtain their money (they can’t get regular jobs, as it would be supporting the conservatives).  As the day goes on however, their empty stomachs quickly (and quite humorously) switches their mood, spending all the cash on chocolates and candy instead.  We Are the Best!’s primary theme can be found in this one scene; simply three teens learning to grow up, making mistakes most of the way, and having a ton of fun in the process.  It’s a shame how rare complex female characters are to come by, and why I (as previously stated) wish there wasn't such need for emphasis; yet there is a need for mention, and We Are the Best! is one of 2014’s strongest female empowered films.  It’s funny, charming, enjoyably touching and a delightful film to watch.

P.S. I'm aware We Are the Best!'s technical release was in 2013, but since it's U.S. release was in May 2014, I'm counting it as a 2014 film.