Synopsis

This documentary captivatingly tells the lesser-known story of how ABBA struggled to shake off the label of a “one-hit wonder” after Eurovision. Facing protests in Sweden and a radio ban in the UK, ABBA had to discover their own unique sound. Meanwhile, the birth of ABBAMania put a strain on the members’ relationships. ABBA: The Legend features timeless hit songs and archival footage, chronicling ABBA’s remarkable journey.

Program Note

ABBA: The Legend explores the story of the sensational band “ABBA,” who skyrocketed to fame after winning the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest with “Waterloo,” sparking a global phenomenon. While ABBA's songs remain well-known today thanks to the success of the Mamma Mia films, the band’s true identity and their rise to fame during the chaotic sociopolitical climate of 1970s and 1980s Europe are relatively less known. Overcoming dismissive views of their music as lightweight pop, ABBA: The Legend sheds light on their legendary beginnings, musical evolution, internal conflicts brought on by sudden fame, and personal stories. The film also delves into the band’s rise and fall, their controversial image that sparked debates on kitsch, media sexism, and their failed U.S. tour—offering a comprehensive view of how society perceived ABBA. Through fascinating archival material and meticulous direction, the film portrays ABBA not just as celebrities but as artists navigating the challenges of staying true to their musical vision. The global messages of empathy conveyed through ABBA’s music and their tumultuous journey in the showbiz industry resonate even more deeply today. (Choi Eun-young)

Director

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  • James Logan James Logan
  • James Logan is an award-winning filmmaker, known for Freddie Mercury: The Final Act (2021), which won an International Emmy and a Rose d'Or, and the series Uprising (2021), which won a BAFTA and a Realscreen Award. More recently, he has worked on Netflix’s feature documentary Final: The Wembley Siege (2024) and Channel 4’s series Defiance: Fighting the Far Right (2024).