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Fucking Åmål

Åmål is a town, not a person. And Fucking, here, is an adjective, not a gerund... This charming movie about a lesbian's coming of age, after winning awards in its native Sweden, was rebaptised "Show Me Love" for its US release in 1998, an FCC-ready title six full years before we new you need one. : - ) The film concerns the travails of Agnes (pictured left), a smart, low-key teenager whose parents have moved to the small town of Åmål, the armpit of the Swedish universe. At 16, Agnes feels the stirrings of her sexuality, and is suffering a hopeless crush on Elin, a popular and wild girl she knows from high school. Beautifully acted and written, and directed with a deft hand by Lucas Moodysson, this small movie makes an indelible impression with humor, pathos, unpredictable plotting and smart editing, all in less than 90 minutes. Highly recommended.

Just learned that I've seen Moodysson's subsequent film, Together, already, in a NY theater with Brian in 2001. It was also great, about life on an Swedish urban commune in 1975, capturing the whole hippie-70s-mother earth vibe with a sharp eye for character and human interaction. This guy is major major talented.

I was home sick today, I woke up with a bad sore throat, and decided to sleep it off. I will work tomorrow, and rest over the 3-day weekend. Bye, mates....