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Lilya 4-Ever

2002 · Movie · R · 109 min · ★ 7.6 · 84% critics

DramaCrime

In a struggling post-Soviet community, a teenage girl is left behind when her mother relocates to the United States. Alone, she faces neglect and poverty, but a promised job in Sweden gives her hope for a better life—setting her on a journey that changes everything.

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Watch free on Kanopy and Cineverse — also streaming on Philo, Fandor and BFI Player Classics.

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Details
Original title
Lilja 4-ever
Years
2002
Release date
2002-08-23
Language
Swedish
Rated
R
Runtime
109 min
Critic score
84/100
TMDB rating
7.6/10 (668 votes)
About

Expect a bleak, disturbing drama with a relentless emotional punch; Not for you if you want an uplifting, mainstream ride like City of God or Fish Tank.

Pros: devastatingly emotional; realistic and bleak; strong performances | Cons: draining misfortune; harsh subject matter; heavy and unrelenting

Themes

  • suicide
  • escape
  • underground
  • despair
  • sweden
  • nightclub
  • human trafficking
  • based on true story
  • poverty
  • prostitution
  • sex trafficking
  • sex slavery
  • +6 more

Awards & recognition

  • Greta
  • International Submission to the Academy Awards · 2003 · nominated
  • European Film AwardBest Film · 2002 · nominated
  • European Film AwardBest Actress · 2002 · nominated

Cast & crew

Directed by Lukas Moodysson