While Elling Belonging

While Elling is an example of successful integration into Scandinavian society, in the film Together directed by Lukas Moodysson represents Scandinavian counter culture where the hippies commune was not well received in the Scandinavian identity. In the movie, each member of the commune has unique characteristics. Goran is in an open relationship with Lena; Anna is a self-proclaimed lesbian living with her ex-husband Lasse; Klas is gay; Erik is a Marxist. They all represent personalities that are outside of the generally accepted Scandinavian culture. Throughout the film, it is evident that the hippy commune is isolated through the negative view of their neighbors. Thus, Moodysson portrays how the hippies commune were rejected by Scandinavian mainstream culture as their individualistic nature threatens Scandinavia’s conformist society.
All the characters faced issues, including Fredrik’s family that are perceived as the most “normal.” For example, Elisabeth’s husband is abusive; Tet is caught up with divorced parents; Fredrik’s dad masturbates in the basement. Moodysson conveys despite Scandinavia’s façade and notoriety for its egalitarian idealism, the reality is not as glamorous. The Scandinavian society is also prone to set backs, but what is important is how they address these issues and continue to progress. In addition, despite the individual’s differences, they can embrace each other as a community. Overall, Together represented the progressive hippies commune which the Scandinavian majority decided to reject; however, the discourse contributed to the realization that there are cracks within Scandinavian egalitarianism that must be addressed and