Oh boy.

A tragedy in three acts.

I don’t know how many more films I can watch whose main purpose is to slam a hammer into the amygdala, triggering the most basic emotional instincts, at the expense of originality, ambiguity, depth, or narrative complexity.
But this one is… actually pretty good.
And it even left an impression on me—which is an achievement in itself.

In the first act: a grim depiction of poverty and rebellion. A collection of snapshots from a Russian housing estate with no future. Glue sniffing, grey buildings, misery, dysfunction, revolt.

In the second: torture porn. Brutal, uncompromising, explicit. It was unpleasant to watch. But I think the shock effect was absolutely intentional here.

In the third: drama and nightmare.

Not for a single second does Moodysson create anything particularly groundbreaking. At times, he slips into emotional kitsch and manipulation (showing innocence = showing violence).
Drama (and dramatics) are present in every aspect.

Still, I think Moodysson achieved something significant with this film. I may roll my eyes at the emotional kitsch and overwrought drama, but viewing "Lilya 4-ever" as an ideological film (which is suggested by the final message), it is truly effective in delivering its message.
The ending completely floored me.
And I believe this film will grow in value over time—the longer it lingers in my mind, the better it becomes.

A heart for Rammstein.