Det ska va gôtt å leva – En film om Galenskaparna After Shave chronicles the story of two distinct artistic groups who combined their talents to become one of Sweden’s most successful entertainment ensembles. Their transition from stage to television and film proved equally successful. The documentary explores both the triumphs and tribulations of the group, featuring previously unreleased clips from their productions and offering viewers a comprehensive, hundred-minute journey through the group’s history.
Galenskaparna After Shave has been a significant part of my viewing experience for many years. I have watched every episode of their acclaimed TV series, Macken (with the exception of one missed recording), countless times. Their feature film, LEIF, further solidified my appreciation. Claes Eriksson is a uniquely talented director; his success in directing and writing for stage, television, and cinema is unparalleled.
The group’s journey began on stage with the show Träsmak, which premiered in Gothenburg in the early 1980s. The group already possessed the lengthy name Galenskaparna After Shave (which they themselves considered “lousy”). Galenskaparna consisted of brothers Claes and Anders Eriksson, along with Kerstin Granlund. After Shave was comprised of Knut Angred, Jan Rippe, Per Fritzell, and Peter Rangmar. They initially met at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, and the subsequent story is now a part of Swedish entertainment history.
Det ska va gôtt å leva – En film om Galenskaparna After Shave begins with the group’s early days, showcasing Claes Eriksson’s amateur films featuring his brother Anders. The documentary includes early footage and previously unseen clips, representing a valuable collection for fans and newcomers alike.
Directed by Anna Hammarén, Håkan Hammarén, and Rasmus Ohlander, this documentary avoids the pitfalls often associated with multiple directors. The information presented remains engaging, and the documentary maintains a consistent pace. It thoughtfully addresses both the group’s successes and the challenges they faced behind the scenes, providing a comprehensive perspective. The documentary also poignantly addresses the passing of Peter Rangmar in 1997, a sequence that is genuinely moving.
Det ska va gôtt å leva – En film om Galenskaparna After Shave earns a strong recommendation. Regardless of one’s familiarity with the group, the documentary offers an insightful look at their evolution. The only minor critique is the desire for additional content, perhaps focusing on their more recent projects and future endeavors.
Scanbox provided a screening copy of this film. Provision of material does not influence editorial objectivity.
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