The Other Side of the Mirror: Welfare State in Swedish Director Lukas Moodysson's Lilya 4-ever (2002)

Abstract

Lukas Moodysson is one of the leading directors in contemporary Swedih cinema. He shot his first feature film in 1998 and his last film in 2013. Totally he has eight films. He is also scriptwriter in his all films and sometimes also the pruucer. He made films which influences from his own society, thmes he experienced and themes he cared. Minimalist style, natural acting are seen in the films of the director. He has created a unique style that frequently includes child actors, focuses on human relations in his own society, and deals with growing pains and social problems. Director’s most important film is Lilya 4-ever(2002). The importance of this film is because of its harsh criticism about both Swedish society and Europe in general about human trafficking and forcing young girls into prostitution. In this study, the film will examine the appearance of the welfare society and the effect of the film on society with the sociological analysis method. As a result, the social criticism of the film led the Swedish authorities to take action within the framework of the problem, and showed the power of cinema on society.