Movie Review: Lila 4-Ever
Apr 24th, 2008 by admin
- Director: Lukas Moodyson
- Genre: Drama
- Year: 2002
Here is a bomb of a film to watch, in a way very reminiscent of “Nobody Knows” which I still hold as the saddest movie I have ever seen in my life. Here, as in the previously mentioned movie, the primary concept is that of abandonment, which in the case of Lilya, is explored with an older child, in this case a 16 year old girl who is abandoned by her selfish mother when she recieves the opportunity to go to the United States with her internet boyfriend.
Left behind with nothing, a handful of money and an aunt that has no desire to care for her, Lilya soon finds herself struggling to survive and the world tightens in on her as an easy target, due to her trusting spirit and naive nature. Accompanied by a fourteen year old neighbor with problems of his own, the two team up and form a bond that sheds the only bit of light in this movie. Though I am never one to hail child actors, both Oksana Akinshina and Artyom Bogucharsky breathe a life into their characters that is both touching and heartbreaking.
Difficult to watch, shocking and brutally cold in its portrayal of a world that often fails to protect its children, this film opens the eyes of the audience to some of the most ugly things we are capable of doing as humans.
Technically the film is strong, often times utilizing a hand held technique that draws the viewer into the film itself. Its shortcomings arrive in the form of the music editing, which I feel could have been stronger, some plot predictability and the usage of the wings. In order to not give away any spoilers I will leave it at that, but I can personally think of various ways to portray what the director wanted to portray, without using the fake wings.
But…do not let that stop you from watching this powerful film.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Notes: Very adult content, sexual content and a rape scene.
Quote: Lilja: That’s stupid. I’m not going to die. I’m going to America.