Movie Review: Mans Herngren's The Swimsuit Issue

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However, when the men do the routine a second time in the middle of a party, they receive no laughs and are run out of the party. It’s following this event that Fredrik realizes his team has actual potential to compete in the synchronized swimming world championships, though everyone initially laughs in his face when he presents the idea.

What is interesting about The Swimsuit Issue is the way it uses reverse sexism, as the men are discriminated against when they first try to enter the sport (though synchro was originally created by men). They are criticized and laughed at for wanting to compete at the world cup in Berlin — especially by women.

Because the film is in Swedish (with English subtitles), it's somewhat difficult to follow early on. Fortunately, Swimsuit will gradually suck you in as you begin to relate to the characters, mainly Fredrik, who seems the most desperate to make something of himself. There’s also Victor (Peter Gardiner), a character I found very fun to watch, as he is always worried and uncomfortable about the way people will look at him for being a male synchronized swimmer.

As a comedy, The Swimsuit Issue is a success, because it's simple and funny enough to make people from all walks of life laugh. For example: In one scene, the men are sitting in a locker room discussing whether or not they should get pedicures to make their feet softer and more pleasant to look at during routines. If that's not universal comedy, I don't know what is.

If you like comedies that don’t try too hard to be funny and are actually backed by solid story structure (and a mellow rock soundtrack that helps it maintain a good flow), you'll want to dive right in to The Swimsuit Issue.