The Year I Started Masturbating

My wife picked this movie, and we enjoyed it for the most part. It's a comedy, but it's not hilarious funny. It has a few good cringe moments. The main character is believable and likeable. In general, I believe this movie was made for women, which is a bit unfortunate. The male characters are weak, whiny, and manipulative. Apparently, men are the single biggest problem in women's life. This message becomes painfully obvious in the last few minutes of the movie. This is a rather silly point of view, but it wouldn't have bothered me much, if they didn't push it so hard at the very end. If "the message" doesn't bother you, and you enjoy cringe comedy, then I would give it a shot.

This is your typical "Chick Flick", feminist, female empowerment movie, targeted to a very specific audience. The plot is all over the place, with dialog that is very explicit, and orgasmic scenes that appear to also in that vein. The ultimate result is boredom. The outcome is a predictable one, after the usual journey of self discovery and renaissance. The lead character comes out the other end as an strong independent female, one who has rediscovered her new power and new self. It will probably resonate well with its target audience, but certainly would not have wide audience appeal. The humor works at time, especially if one is familiar with that country's culture!

This is an absolutely terrible picture. The characters are just so unkind and repugnant they made me sick, throughout. I am not sure if this is supposed to be a comedy or a drama- but it is actually neither.. It is poorly scripted. It is poorly acted. It is poorly filmed and poorly Directed. It really has no redeeming qualities, although the lead actress is somewhat sympathetic; however, she is mostly pathetic. As my exposure to Swedish films is limited to some classics, I don't know if this is typical, or atypical; however, I would not rush to see another one anytime soon. This seemed twice as long as it actually was.

Ultimately, the film is a slow downward spiral until the third act's climax and tone shift. For what it lacks in originality, and the stereotypical tropes of female empowerment and middle age crisis it repetitively falls into, it makes up for with some lighthearted humor. I would caution to say it's an interesting character study, as much of the narrative is too predictable. This film is perhaps slightly more polished and mature than your typical Romcom is, though likely just as satiable for that target audience. There is little to like in this movie, which is why I would recommend to skip it.

Contrary to some other reviews, I found this movie hilarious and uplifting. Masturbation does feature, obviously, and it's up to the viewer to decide whether to take it literally or metaphorically - either way, it works. We follow the main character through what should be the most depressing period of her life, during which time circumstance forces her into the company of people she'd never have ordinarily met, all of whom enrich her life, while at the same time she re-evaluates her existing relationships from a new perspective. They say when you hit rock-bottom, the only way is up, and she rises like an surprised Phoenix from the ashes. If you do take my advice and watch this lovely movie - watch the credits to the very end.