Massoud and Ali escape from a refugee center in Skåne after witnessing a heartbreaking deportation. In an old Mazda bought for a thousand crowns, they begin their journey through a sunny, lush Swedish summer landscape.
Ali, a 15-year-old from Somalia, is like a joyful child on summer vacation, while Massoud from Iran tries to keep them under the radar. The journey provides a fascinating glimpse into the Swedish people and their views on understanding and differences.
When they encounter Louise, a former "Miss Sweden" down on her luck, the story takes a new turn. It is a depiction of loneliness and alienation, but above all, about love and friendship.
Written by Peter Birro and Lukas Moodysson, the script balances perfectly between humor and gravity. Although the runtime of over two hours is a bit long for my taste, it is a film about everyone's longing for the good things in life.
Reviewed by Iva (November 2000)
