Subtle and moving
- Rams review by RB
The bleak backdrop of Iceland had its own beauty, rather like the relationship between the two brothers, who lived side by side but hadn't spoken to each other for 30 years. There was an understated humour which we found appealing and the characterisation and plot built in a way that kept us involved throughout.
The acting was superb.
If you like small independent films that are as far removed from Hollywood as possible, see this film.
Strongly recommended.
10 out of 11 members found this review helpful.
Best Icelandic Sheep Based Film I've Seen
- Rams review by RW
Had I knew what the film was about before sitting down to watch it, I would have gone down the pub, however I'm glad I did watch it. Superb story, acting and cinematography. Humorous (subtle and not "laugh out loud"), but also dark and poignant. Please take a punt and watch it, unless your favourite film is "Dude, where's my car?".
7 out of 7 members found this review helpful.
Beautiful landscapes and sheep based drama, what more could you want.
- Rams review by DerekW
Great independent film.
Highly recommended, high drama and tragedy.
Beautiful landscapes and sheep based drama, what more could you want.
4 out of 4 members found this review helpful.
Bleak, unfunny, ovine, Icelandic, alleged 'comedy'.
- Rams review by PV
Well, if this is a 'comedy', I'm a Greenland shark! Not one laugh from this little film about 2 squabbling brothers.
It's basically all set in irredeemably bleak Iceland (this is the 2nd Icelandic film I have seen - the first, 'Of Horses and Men' was equally dour and bleak, but better overall).
And it's all about sheep and scrapie, with flocks being destroyed etc.
I like little independent films and would like to give it more, but even at its short length, I was clock-watching after the half-way point. So 2 stars.
3 out of 4 members found this review helpful.
Left me ice cold!
- Rams review by BE
I generally enjoy movies that are different from the norm - but not this one. I should like to know who classed it as a comedy as I found it bleak and depressing beyond words. Animal lovers also need to be warned that there are some very upsetting scenes in it. Extremely disappointing movie with no redeeming qualities.
2 out of 3 members found this review helpful.
A small quiet brilliant film.
- Rams review by CW
The story is partly based on true story of 2 estranged brothers who were sheepherders in a small remote village in Iceland. It was filmed with a very limited budget and produced a much richer and important lim that most ridiculously expensive schlock coming out of Hollywood. This is a sad and distressing movie about determination, hard work, pride, redemption and love. A movie to think about for a long time afterwards. There are some funny moments but it is a serious drama. Curious short story film called Wrestling included with the extras.
2 out of 2 members found this review helpful.
Brothers Grim?
- Rams review by ST
A very different set of cinematic characters - Including the sheep who, I'm glad to note, also get their names on the final credits.
An original, memorable film exploring a family feud between two farming brothers; finely balanced tragi-comic tale, beautifully observed & brilliantly played out. A fine original soundtrack too while some of the best moments are purely visual. A real treat.
1 out of 1 members found this review helpful.
This is a comedy?
- Rams review by RS
"Twelve Years A Slave" had more laughs than this. The film is slow and bleak, and has little dialogue. It is interesting as an insight into rural Iceland, but as with many independent films, it seems to run out of plot before the end. At least you can surf the web whilst watching it and not miss anything!
1 out of 2 members found this review helpful.
Great independent film
- Rams review by KD
An engaging and unusual story beautifully realised. It is worth listening to the interview with the director on the DVD which provides interesting commentary on the similarities with events in Iceland.
0 out of 0 members found this review helpful.
Rams
- Rams review by JC
I think you need to re-classify this film Cinema Paradiso. Comedy definitely does not describe it in any way. It was grim!
0 out of 0 members found this review helpful.