19 reviews
(After watching only the first two episodes...)
Thank you for making a series that portraits life's tiny curiosities with great humor and beautiful acting.
- idachristinakroghjensen
- Jun 30, 2019
- Permalink
One of my random picks at the BFI London Film Festival, didn't really know anything about it going in, and was surprised to find it was actually a HBO Europe TV series, rather than a film.
The performance we saw featured 4 episodes out of 12, with notes to explain the characters we discovered that had originated in episodes we'd not seen.
A Swedish comedy-drama, about a TOO nice guy who can't say no to anyone in need, while also working as a child psychologist, it follows his life in a small town he's moved to for work, and the individuals who pass through.
The show seemed to be a reflection of director Lukas Moodysson who appeared for a Q&A afterwards, and captured underlying dark themes, but with brilliant sharp witty humour which seemed to help as a coping mechanism for this own personal demons.
Littered with joyful moments, cringe-worthy scenes, and heartfelt compassion, it looks like it'll be a great little show which I'll certainly look out for on Streaming services.
The performance we saw featured 4 episodes out of 12, with notes to explain the characters we discovered that had originated in episodes we'd not seen.
A Swedish comedy-drama, about a TOO nice guy who can't say no to anyone in need, while also working as a child psychologist, it follows his life in a small town he's moved to for work, and the individuals who pass through.
The show seemed to be a reflection of director Lukas Moodysson who appeared for a Q&A afterwards, and captured underlying dark themes, but with brilliant sharp witty humour which seemed to help as a coping mechanism for this own personal demons.
Littered with joyful moments, cringe-worthy scenes, and heartfelt compassion, it looks like it'll be a great little show which I'll certainly look out for on Streaming services.
- Reckless Monkey
- Oct 7, 2019
- Permalink
This is a series about the kindest man in the world. Maybe too kind for his best folk's. His kindness gets him in trouble Big time... It's a nice series, worth looking at 😃👍
- niklasronning
- May 9, 2020
- Permalink
Moodysson have a way of capturing simple life and ordinarities and making it interesting and on point. The series will make you laugh at all the small things that defines our present time. It highlights some of the western world mental health problems in a really enjoyable and also tragic way. Every interaction and relationship in the series is colored by it and thats what makes it so recognizable and genius. The acting itself is really classy and convincing in all simplicity, nothing else fancy needed.
I'm convinced the series will give you some new perspectives, some new hope, AND some new smiles!
I love this series. Having trouble with most Swedish tv-series for over dramatic acting, this is spot on. So real, yet totally absurd. The story is slow paced, yet there is always something happening to keep it interesting. The characters are all unique and equally interesting. A masterpiece if you ask me.
- hultbergmax
- Jul 23, 2019
- Permalink
True art piece that describes the ambivalence of kindness.
Really funny but also pitch black some times.
Legendary Lukas Moodysson at his very best.
probably a tomorrow classic.
- madeinswe-43336
- Jul 3, 2019
- Permalink
After 6 episodes in.
Its well made. Funny and interesting characters. But i feel that something is missing.
In the start of the series, youre interested to follow the main character Gösta's submissiveness. Then its goes over to become abit much repetitive and you start to look for something else. Then you start to suffer for Gösta, alot. This reminds me of one of the main character in Moodyssons earlier titles, "Together" (2002). Where the character Göran, finds himself in a similar situation like Gösta. Almost same name there. Coincidence, i think not?
If this series is about an exploration on why Gösta is too nice to people. Then it certainly makes its deal. Otherwise i understand why people misunderstands this show.
You have to see Moodyssons other films in order to understand this piece.
Its well made. Funny and interesting characters. But i feel that something is missing.
In the start of the series, youre interested to follow the main character Gösta's submissiveness. Then its goes over to become abit much repetitive and you start to look for something else. Then you start to suffer for Gösta, alot. This reminds me of one of the main character in Moodyssons earlier titles, "Together" (2002). Where the character Göran, finds himself in a similar situation like Gösta. Almost same name there. Coincidence, i think not?
If this series is about an exploration on why Gösta is too nice to people. Then it certainly makes its deal. Otherwise i understand why people misunderstands this show.
You have to see Moodyssons other films in order to understand this piece.
- gamer92-30-962308
- Jul 8, 2019
- Permalink
This is a slow moving Swedish comedy that captures the dull, absurd, and boring Swedish lifestyle. Understanding their form of humor helps a lot. The events swing between the antics of angst ridden individuals to the extremely morose. It's not the best effort or example of Swedish humor, and is really hard going at times to stick with it. Overall, one season would be enough so hopefully, there will not be a second season.
Moodysson is somewhat of a genius, but he's a Swedish genius. As such, his work is defined by his ability to translate the complexities of the social conflicts faced by in eid md the most homogenous cultures in Europe. As an American who grew up going to Sweden, I have both loved and been confounded by the culture, admired it and criticized it - so his films, and definitely this show, have reflected those feelings over and over and I can't get enough.
Thankfully most Swedes are not as crazy as the lot in this show, but the show is not only a critique of their behaviors but also a touching, and very real love letter. That said, the characters reflect many of my American friends and relatives so anyone can like this show - I just think Swedophiles will love it.
Thankfully most Swedes are not as crazy as the lot in this show, but the show is not only a critique of their behaviors but also a touching, and very real love letter. That said, the characters reflect many of my American friends and relatives so anyone can like this show - I just think Swedophiles will love it.
Don't know how to say this in some kind of respectful manner but this is not good. First episode is 29 minutes and the first 26 is totally pointless. It's categorized as a comedy/drama but wheres the humor?
- kensto-85493
- Jul 13, 2019
- Permalink
Captures what you would think to come out of a Swedish movie/series. The plot is somewhat predictable but very well played out. Brilliant acting from the main characters!
- mikaeljahr
- Jul 18, 2019
- Permalink
Gusto standing on the arms of the controversial arms of the rocking chair, swaying and jamming to wrecking ball was beautiful. Freedom looked sexy on him. Great characters. The father is lovable as well. I don't think you need to understand anything about Swedish life like someone mentioned in a review. I thought that te film captured what it's like to work in mental health. It becomes your life and where to draw boundaries is difficult. ..."you say I act better than you. It is because I am better than you, and you should all be trying to do that, not bring me down", or something like that. Anyway. Very fun and worth the watch. Bravo!
- amynoble-55771
- Dec 28, 2021
- Permalink
I just finished season 1 and it is inhumane to not give us a season 2. I'm really crossing my fingers for this one.
If you have any interest in psychology or the concept of boundaries, you will understand this show.
The people who didn't watch past a few episodes really cheated themselves. The people who accused it of being political are basically lying.
It's character-driven and amazing.
If you have any interest in psychology or the concept of boundaries, you will understand this show.
The people who didn't watch past a few episodes really cheated themselves. The people who accused it of being political are basically lying.
It's character-driven and amazing.
- englishroberts
- Mar 1, 2022
- Permalink
Series that made me laugh, feel empathy, see the reality of life as uncomfortable as it can be at times, contemplate why we do the things we do and the human condition. The lead Vilhelm is adorable and so lovely, he makes the show so enjoyable and will fall in love with his character.
- bo_filip_andersson
- Jul 30, 2019
- Permalink
- chako-13815
- Jul 18, 2019
- Permalink