Oct. 23, 1998|Sweden | Denmark|86 Min.|n/A
Genre: Comedy;Drama;Romance
Description: “Show Me Love,” a 1998 Swedish film, follows the lives of two girls, Agnes and Elin, in the small town of Åmål, Sweden. Elin is popular and outgoing but feels her life is unfulfilling and monotonous. In contrast, Agnes is lonely, withdrawn, and struggles with depression. Secretly, Agnes is in love with Elin but cannot express her feelings.
Agnes’s parents, concerned about her isolated lifestyle, plan a 16th birthday party for her despite her objections. Fearing no one will attend, Agnes becomes distraught when only Viktoria, a girl in a wheelchair, arrives. In a moment of anger, Agnes lashes out at Viktoria, claiming they are only friends because no one else talks to them. Overwhelmed with despair, Agnes retreats to her room, wishing she were dead, while her father tries to comfort her.
Meanwhile, Elin, looking for an excuse to avoid another party where Johan, a boy she dislikes, will be present, stops by Agnes’s house with her older sister Jessica. Jessica dares Elin to kiss Agnes, who is rumored to be a lesbian. Elin complies but immediately feels guilty for humiliating Agnes and leaves.
Later, Elin attends the other party, where she drinks excessively and becomes sick. Johan confesses his love for her, but Elin leaves and returns to Agnes’s house to apologize. During their conversation, Elin prevents Agnes from self-harming and convinces her to join her at the party.
The film explores themes of love, identity, and the challenges of adolescence.
Cast director: Lukas Moodysson
Cast actor: Alexandra Dahlström, Rebecka Liljeberg, Mathias Rust, Erica Carlson, Stefan Hörberg, Josefine Nyberg, Ralph Carlsson, Maria Hedborg, Axel Widegren, Jill Ung
Original name: Fucking Åmål