MovieChat Forums > L.I.E. (2002) Discussion > This is the American Lilja 4-Ever

This is the American Lilja 4-Ever


I would say that the two films are equal. Not much to say, other then if you haven't seen Lilja 4-Ever and you liked L.I.E. try to get your hands on a copy of Lilja 4-Ever.


Would anyone agree who has seen both?

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I definitely see how you can make a comparison. Both movies explore youth and those who would exploit it.

However, L.I.E. leaves the character relatively unscathed at the films end and there is hope. Lilja 4-Ever is utterly hopeless and is truly one of the most depressing movies I've seen. Right up there with Requiem for a Dream. It's well-made and I recommend it, but I don't think I can watch it again.

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exactly.

When I watch L.I.E. I feel like this could turn out 2 ways, leading to an ending like Lilja 4-Ever, or the way it actually ended.

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I don't think it's anything like it. Lilya is absolutely devastating, almost to the point of being beautiful at the end. It's so desperate and awful to watch every minute, and I'm so glad I saw it, but I don't think I'll ever watch it again.

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It is funny that you say that because that is exactly what I thought when I saw this. The tone and the basic subject matter is pretty similar.

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No offence but how can you say this is the American Lilja 4-ever? I don't see any similarities Lilja is about a russian girl that is forced into prostitution and L.I.E is about a teen guy and a old man that are attracted to each other I don't see the connection. I mena both are good movies but that is the only thing they have in common.

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They are similar to me. They are both about troubled youth being subjected by older men. They both deal with kids growing up far to fast and getting into things they shouldn't be. Both main characters are in a way abandoned by their one single parent. Of course there is also the fact they both stand on an over pass while one jumps and one doesn't. I also thought they shared a similar tone.

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They are intensely different stories. And she was literally a prisoner. Sorry I guess it bugs me because Lilja was one of the most intense experiences I've ever had with a film, and since I don't find this one as powerful, I can't see even remotely comparing them. Btw countless movie characters have been abandoned by one parent.

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[deleted]

There are a few similarities between both films.
Both are about teenagers who have been failed by their parents. Both teens feel alone and confused. Both face exploitation from older men.

LIE though is more of a coming of age film about a teenage boy who escapes relatively unscathed. Lilya-4-Ever is about human trafficking and the victims eventual demise.

Lilya was based on a true story too. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danguol%C4%97_Rasalait%C4%97

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