In this Swedish film, most of the action takes place in a communal household--called Together--set in 1975. Apropos to the time, there is a philosophical idealism that binds the "family". It encompasses anti-materialism, vegetarianism, socialism and sexual freedom of choice. I felt it was a very accurate representation of the communal or anti-establishment viewpoint.
Since politics plays a part in the movie (the house is decorated with depictions of Che, Mao, Gandhi and the Olympic black power salute), it is difficult to not discuss the political issues at play. I will just say that those who wished to break away from the status quo and define themselves without the traditional roles of society did not always embrace a common political agenda. Those many who did gravitated toward socialism in their idealism, and that was one of the mistakes that ended their experiments in freedom. The film addresses this. We see a couple leave the house because of its changing values. Another, who fancies himself a hardcore Communist revolutionary, leaves because the others are not political enough for him.
But the main theme of the movie is togetherness. As humans, we are always reaching out to others. The film creates situations in which there are some unusual connections. To an extent, that is how life works. Worthwhile bonds are created when people reach out.
In contrast, we see others who seek to draw lines between various peoples because of political beliefs, sexual orientation, or other man-made distinctions. In one scene, two men argue about who is more useful to the social revolution--a worker who see himself as the "common man" or a student who represents the intellectual or academic.
The film shows that individuals are more important than factions. And when groups are created without exclusive group definitions--like the impromptu soccer teams in the film--the only agenda is bonding and fun.
The director keeps it interesting. And their is enough comedy in Together to keep it light, even when dealing with the weightier issues, like the impact of parental negligence on their children.
Since politics plays a part in the movie (the house is decorated with depictions of Che, Mao, Gandhi and the Olympic black power salute), it is difficult to not discuss the political issues at play. I will just say that those who wished to break away from the status quo and define themselves without the traditional roles of society did not always embrace a common political agenda. Those many who did gravitated toward socialism in their idealism, and that was one of the mistakes that ended their experiments in freedom. The film addresses this. We see a couple leave the house because of its changing values. Another, who fancies himself a hardcore Communist revolutionary, leaves because the others are not political enough for him.
But the main theme of the movie is togetherness. As humans, we are always reaching out to others. The film creates situations in which there are some unusual connections. To an extent, that is how life works. Worthwhile bonds are created when people reach out.
In contrast, we see others who seek to draw lines between various peoples because of political beliefs, sexual orientation, or other man-made distinctions. In one scene, two men argue about who is more useful to the social revolution--a worker who see himself as the "common man" or a student who represents the intellectual or academic.
The film shows that individuals are more important than factions. And when groups are created without exclusive group definitions--like the impromptu soccer teams in the film--the only agenda is bonding and fun.
The director keeps it interesting. And their is enough comedy in Together to keep it light, even when dealing with the weightier issues, like the impact of parental negligence on their children.