‘We Are the Best!’ is a film that spells out the strong-willed nature of three young girls who decide to form a punk band. ‘Never Goodnight’, on the other hand, is a comic book that takes us into the everyday lives of these characters, offering a more intimate, detailed, and nuanced perspective. The comic book was later adapted into the movie ‘We Are the Best!’, directed by Moodysson’s husband, acclaimed filmmaker Lukas Moodysson.
Both works encapsulate the essence of teenage life in the 1980s, filled with raw emotion, rebellion, and an incorrigible spirit of not conforming to societal norms. Now, let’s go deeper and explore the comic and movie summaries of these works.
Comic summary of ‘We Are the Best!’ and ‘Never Goodnight’
The comic summary of ‘Never Goodnight’ revolves around three friends – Bobo, Klara, and Hedvig, living in Stockholm, Sweden, in the 1980s. The comic book provides an intimate glance into their lives, their relationships with their parents, and the world around them. Each character is unique, with their own quirks and perspectives that make them engaging and relatable.
Bobo and Klara, best friends and die-hard punk fans, are the rebellious spirits who refuse to conform to societal norms. Dismayed by the lack of punk bands within their age group, they decide to form their own, despite having no musical experience. They recruit Hedvig, a talented but socially awkward classical guitarist, to help them with their musical journey.
The comic book, filled with Moodysson’s distinctive line drawings and handwritten texts, captures the essence of punk culture, teenage rebellion, and the struggles of growing up. It’s an unfiltered view into their world, their challenges, their aspirations, and their dreams.
Movie summary of ‘We Are the Best!’ and ‘Never Goodnight’
The movie ‘We Are the Best!’ is a cinematic adaptation of the comic book ‘Never Goodnight’. It faithfully captures the spirit and essence of the comic book, bringing the characters to life on the big screen. The film is set in Stockholm in the 1980s and follows the lives of Bobo, Klara, and Hedvig, who form their own punk band.
The movie, much like the comic book, focuses on the everyday lives of these teenagers – their struggles, their victories, their friendships, and their rebellious streak. The characters are beautifully portrayed, with each one bringing their unique personality traits to the screen.
The film is a celebration of teenage rebellion, a homage to the punk movement, and a poignant reminder of the angst and struggles that come with being a teenager. It’s a heartwarming, funny, and at times, a tear-inducing journey of three friends who refuse to let the world dictate who they should be.
When and where: The timeline and film locations of both works
Both ‘We Are the Best!’ and ‘Never Goodnight’ are set in Stockholm, Sweden, in the early 1980s. The timeline is an interesting one as it was a period marked by significant social and cultural changes worldwide. Punk culture was at its peak, and the rebellious spirit of the youth was stronger than ever.
The film locations in ‘We Are the Best!’ are as authentic as they come. Filmed in various parts of Stockholm, the movie perfectly captures the essence of the city during the 1980s. The locations, ranging from the girls’ homes, the school, the community center where they practice their music, to the streets of Stockholm, all add to the realism and authenticity of the film.
The comic book ‘Never Goodnight’ also captures the essence of the time and place effectively. The hand-drawn illustrations and the attention to detail transport you back to the 1980s, making you feel a part of Bobo, Klara, and Hedvig’s world.
Who’s Who: Character Guide for ‘We Are the Best!’ and ‘Never Goodnight’
Let’s begin by introducing the main characters from these fascinating works. In ‘We Are the Best!’, we have the trio of young girls Bobo, Klara, and Hedvig who form the heart of the story. Bobo, the narrator, is a sensitive soul who often feels overshadowed by her more assertive friend Klara. Klara, on the other hand, is the driving force behind the formation of their punk band, while Hedvig is a talented but initially reluctant member.
‘Never Goodnight’ also focuses on Bobo and Klara but presents them in a more domestic setting. Here, the girls grapple with family issues, school troubles, and their budding interest in punk culture. Hedvig is absent in this narrative, replaced instead by the girls’ various family members and friends.
The characters’ detailed complexities in both the movie and comic make them engaging and relatable. Their struggles with conformity, friendship, and identity resonate with audiences, regardless of age.
Memorable Quotes from ‘We Are the Best!’ and ‘Never Goodnight’
Both ‘We Are the Best!’ and ‘Never Goodnight’ are filled with memorable quotes that capture the essence of adolescence and the punk spirit. In ‘We Are the Best!’, a standout line is Klara’s defiant assertion: “Punk’s not dead. It will never die.” This is a defining moment in the film, encapsulating the girls’ rebellious spirit and their determination to carve out their own path.
‘Never Goodnight’, on the other hand, gives us a more introspective Bobo. One of her most memorable quotes comes as she reflects on growing up: “It’s like my life is just a series of awkward moments separated by snacks.” This quote perfectly captures the awkwardness of adolescence, punctuated by the mundane day-to-day existence.
Exploring the Soundtrack: A Look at Rasmus Thord’s Contribution and Other Works
The soundtrack of ‘We Are the Best!’ is a critical part of the film’s success. Spearheaded by composer Rasmus Thord, it does a fantastic job of capturing the raw, unrefined energy of punk music. Thord’s background in jazz music adds a unique layer to the soundtrack, creating a distinctive sound that mirrors the girls’ journey.
In contrast, ‘Never Goodnight’ does not feature a traditional score. Instead, it allows the dialogue and visuals to take center stage. However, the comic does reference various punk bands and songs, providing an auditory dimension to the reading experience.
Thord’s other works, such as his score for ‘The Square’, display his versatility as a composer. His ability to create music that enhances the narrative without overpowering it is a testament to his talent.
Curiosities About ‘We Are the Best!’ and ‘Never Goodnight’
The making of ‘We Are the Best!’ and ‘Never Goodnight’ is filled with interesting trivia. For instance, ‘We Are the Best!’ was shot on 16mm film to give it a gritty, authentic feel, reflecting the punk aesthetic. Meanwhile, ‘Never Goodnight’ was initially published as a series of comic strips in a Swedish newspaper before being compiled into a graphic novel.
Another interesting fact is that ‘We Are the Best!’ is set in 1982, a time when punk was considered dead by most of society. This time period is a crucial element of the story. The girls’ determination to revive punk mirrors their struggle to find their own identities.
Tips for Cosplay: Dress Like Bobo and Klara
Emulating the style of Bobo and Klara can make for a fun and unique cosplay idea. Their punk-inspired outfits consist of oversized band t-shirts, torn jeans, and lots of leather. Bobo’s signature short hair and glasses can be recreated with a wig and a pair of round frames, while Klara’s wild, untamed mane is a crucial part of her look.
An important detail to remember when cosplaying as these characters is their DIY aesthetic. Their clothes and accessories should look homemade, reflecting their rejection of mainstream fashion. Punk was all about expressing individuality, and this should be reflected in your cosplay.
Meet the Creator: Coco Moodysson’s Bio and Best Works
Coco Moodysson, the creator of ‘Never Goodnight’, is a Swedish author and illustrator known for her autobiographical works. Born in 1970, Moodysson began her career as a nurse before turning to writing and illustrating. Her debut work, ‘Never Goodnight’, was a critical success and has been translated into several languages.
Apart from ‘Never Goodnight’, Moodysson’s other notable works include ‘Life’s a Party’ and ‘I’m Your Boyfriend Now’. These works, like ‘Never Goodnight’, draw on her personal experiences and present a candid, often humorous look at life.
Exploring Other Media by Lukas Moodysson
Lukas Moodysson, the director of ‘We Are the Best!’, is a prominent figure in Swedish cinema. His filmography is diverse, ranging from the gritty ‘Show Me Love’ to the heartwarming ‘Together’. His films often focus on youth and subcultures, presenting a nuanced portrayal of these themes.
In addition to his film work, Moodysson has also written several books, including ‘Vi Är Bäst!’, the novelization of ‘We Are the Best!’. This book expands on the film’s narrative, offering more depth to the characters and their world.
If You Liked These, You’ll Love: 10 Similar Movies to ‘We Are the Best!’
If you enjoyed ‘We Are the Best!’, there are many other films that explore similar themes. These include ‘Submarine’, ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’, ‘Juno’, ‘The Edge of Seventeen’, ‘The Breakfast Club’, ‘Lady Bird’, ‘Boyhood’, ‘Ghost World’, ‘The Spectacular Now’, and ‘Sing Street’. These films, like ‘We Are the Best!’, capture the highs and lows of adolescence with authenticity and sensitivity.
For the Readers: 10 Similar Novels to ‘Never Goodnight’
For fans of ‘Never Goodnight’, there are many graphic novels that offer similar coming-of-age narratives. These include ‘Persepolis’ by Marjane Satrapi, ‘Fun Home’ by Alison Bechdel, ‘Blankets’ by Craig Thompson, ‘Stitches’ by David Small, ‘This One Summer’ by Mariko and Jillian Tamaki, ‘Jane, the Fox and Me’ by Fanny Britt and Isabelle Arsenault, ‘American Born Chinese’ by Gene Luen Yang, ‘Ghost World’ by Daniel Clowes, ‘Essex County’ by Jeff Lemire, and ‘Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant?’ by Roz Chast.
Book Club Questions for ‘We Are the Best!’ and ‘Never Goodnight’
Creating a book club discussion around ‘We Are the Best!’ and ‘Never Goodnight’ can provide a deeper understanding of these works. Questions could include: How does punk culture influence the characters’ identities? How does the setting of the 1980s impact the story? What role does friendship play in these narratives? How does each work portray family dynamics?
Parent Guide for ‘We Are the Best!’ and ‘Never Goodnight’
As a parent, understanding the content of ‘We Are the Best!’ and ‘Never Goodnight’ can help in deciding if they are suitable for your child. Both works deal with themes of adolescence, identity, and rebellion, which can spark meaningful discussions with your child. However, they also contain some mature content, so parental discretion is advised.
Buying Guide and Gift Ideas for Fans of ‘We Are the Best!’ and ‘Never Goodnight’
For fans of ‘We Are the Best!’ and ‘Never Goodnight’, there are many gift ideas to consider. These could include merchandise such as t-shirts, posters, and vinyl records of the soundtrack. Additionally, buying the graphic novel or DVD of the film could make for thoughtful gifts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both ‘We Are the Best!’ and ‘Never Goodnight’ offer a captivating exploration of adolescence, friendship, and punk culture. Whether you’re a fan of film or graphic novels, these works provide a unique and engaging experience.
With the information provided in this article, I hope you have gained a deeper understanding of these works and their creators. If you’ve enjoyed these, I encourage you to explore the similar films and novels recommended. Happy reading and viewing!