Watch They Call Us Misfits Online

They Call Us Misfits

Where to Watch They Call Us Misfits

NR
1968

"They Call Us Misfits", made in 1968, is a compelling documentary that examines the lives of two young troublemakers from Stockholm, Sweden. The film is an entry in acclaimed director Stefan Jarl’s Mod Trilogy, exploiting cinema as a powerful tool for societal reflection and critique. Featuring Kenneth 'Kenta' Gustafsson and Gustav 'Stoffe' Svensson as central characters, the film paints a vivid portrayal of disaffected youth, with a particular focus on the connection between isolation, marginalization, and substance abuse.

Through a series of candid interviews and scenes, Jarl narrates the stories of Kenta and Stoffe, who belong to Rågsved’s nineteen-sixties mod culture. The 'Mods', as they are known, are a group known for their distinctive fashion choices, obsession with music, and feisty lifestyle. The film provides a genuine and touching account of these underprivileged young men's lives, their escapades, their camaraderie, and their fight for survival in a society that seems to have forgotten them.

Though Jarl had originally intended to portray an authentic portrayal of 'Mod' culture in Sweden, he instead became captivated by Kenta and Stoffe’s lives on the fringe of Stockholm society. Straddling the boundary between participatory and observational cinema, Jarl embeds himself within their community bringing to the forefront their narratives of drug abuse and disillusionment. It raises pertinent questions of personal responsibility and societal neglect while exploring the characters’ struggle for identity, sense of belonging, and a yearning for a life beyond their immediate environment.

Kenneth 'Kenta' Gustafsson and Gustav 'Stoffe' Svensson, authentically play themselves, adding an element of reality to the movie. Their performances are raw and direct, capturing the essence of their lifestyles. Kenta is particularly striking, embodying the rebellion and restlessness of the generation. He showcases a surprisingly tender side beneath his tough exterior, adding a dimensionality that makes his character relatable.

On the other side of the spectrum, Stoffe’s journey is punctuated by challenges of survival. His life on the streets, constant struggle for money, and reckless lifestyle elicit sympathy and illuminate the unfortunate predicament of many who live on the periphery of society. As with Kenta, his journey also brings to light the dichotomy of toughness and vulnerability that often comes with living a life of relative societal neglect.

Jarl’s direction is noteworthy, blending keen observation, empathy, and cinematic craftsmanship. His camera work follows Kenta and Stoffe closely, creating a sense of immediacy that manifests itself in the way the film unfolds. The narrative is immersive and intimate, with the audience experiencing every high and low that comes with the uncertainty and chaos of their lives. Far from being judgmental, Jarl invites the audience to understand and empathize with their struggles. He depicts the rebellion and spark of youth contrast against the heartbreaking realities of their life choices and circumstances, managing to humanize, rather than vilify, their lifestyles.

The film also excels in the technical aspects, with a gritty, black-and-white aesthetic that brings forth the harsh reality of Kenta and Stoffe's lives in stark detail. The sound design is noteworthy, capturing the pulsating energy of the mod music that characterizes their community. Despite its raw quality, the film maintains a poetic sensibility that adds to its lasting impact.

In many ways, "They Call Us Misfits" is more than just a documentary; it is social commentary and an exploration of human behavior through the lens of two magnetic, complex individuals. It is a reminder of the youth disconnection that is as relevant today as it was when the film was made over fifty years ago. With extraordinary candidness and sensitivity, Stefan Jarl, Kenneth 'Kenta' Gustafsson and Gustav 'Stoffe' Svensson have created a cinematic masterpiece that transcends cultural and temporal boundaries.

The raw and unfiltered honesty of "They Call Us Misfits" makes it a poignant and timeless piece of cinema. It is a film that challenges and provokes, enabling the audience to engage with the human experience in its myriad manifestations. This powerful documentary is a must-see for those interested in sociocultural phenomena, human psychology, and cinema as a tool for societal reflection.

They Call Us Misfits is a Documentary movie released in 1968. It has a runtime of 100 minutes Critics and viewers have rated it moderate reviews, with an IMDb score of 7.3..

7.3/10
Director
Stefan Jarl, Jan Lindkvist
Stars
Kenneth 'Kenta' Gustafsson, Gustav 'Stoffe' Svensson