Once In A Lifetime (Livet är en schlager)

Are harsh realities, dreams of a better life and even impending death really laughing matters?They are in this comedy about real people and their very real problems, inspired by the British tradition of communicating strong social commitment by making us laugh. The Swedish near-obsession with the world of the Eurovision Song Contest and the Swedish hit parade is the inspiration for this gritty comedy. Care worker Mona Berglund shares the national obsession. She has written her first song and lets her brother talk her into submitting it to the national finals of the Eurovision Song Contest. One small hitch, though; the composer doesn't know she swiped his tune. We get a hilarious look at what happens to Mona when her hit parade dreams come true - and things start spinning out of control for her and those close to her: disabled David, her unemployed husband, transvestite brother and AIDS patient Candy Darling and her four daughters. (www.trust-film.dk)