The film is set in an un-named 'former republic of the Soviet Union' (Estonian currency is used in one scene); the 'Soviet' scenes were filmed in Paldiski a former closed city and base for the Soviet nuclear submarine fleet and Tallinn, both in Estonia. Paldiski became a bleak enclave for ethnic Russians, mostly dependents of members of the military, who were left behind when the military evacuated Estonia. While many characteristics of the ex-Soviet world are present, understanding the precarious position of these Russians as marginalised residents of Estonia makes the film even more compelling. The Swedish scenes were filmed in Malmo.

Lukas Moodysson told audiences at the 2002 London Film Festival that he hoped the film would make them want to change the world for the better. Despite its bleak nature, Moodysson claims that the film is about the power of God, and shows how the human spirit clings to optimism even in the face of the most terrible adversity.

The film has been shown in various countries in Eastern Europe in campaigns to stop trafficking in human beings, in particular, women. In Moldova, The International Organization for Migration has shown it to 60,000 people. It was also shown at an anti-trafficking conference that took place in Israel in 2002, although Moodysson initially refused permission to show the film due to his anger at Israeli policies before reversing course and OK'ing the screening there.

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