DaveTheNovelist (WriterDave)
Though the setting is Icelandic, the themes of this familial drama are universal. An aging fishing mogul invites his estranged children home and all hell breaks loose as dark family secrets are revealed and the future of the family and community at large is decided. While there is something to despise in every character (except for perhaps the French girlfriend of the youngest son trapped in the fray) the viewer is left feeling sympathy for almost everyone when all the family feels in the end is apathy for each other. The director seems to be saying that may be the greatest tragedy of all. Dark humor and small glimmers of hope (some family members escape to new lives abroad and the community seems to survive the meltdown and trudges forward) keep the film from becoming too depressing. A beautiful music score and some nice cinematography highlight the often bleak Icelandic landscape. Great direction and powerhouse performances from the international cast help the film soar to operatic heights. A must see for any fan of familial dramas.Also recommended: "Angels and Insects" and "American Beauty."
decelle
This film has been made before,its about a family reunion. With all the hidden emotions, frustations and dark secretsthat are revieled. But the most interesting aspect is the location. A small fisher village in Iceland it give us an idea howpeople survive, or not it a cold dark place. If this is real life it is not surprising that everybodyhas a secret in the film. At the end the everybodeis aims is to take the money and run away from everyone and anything. Even the sheep in the film tries to escape.
dogbertios
This movie was totally amazing. i loved all of the characters, and the scenery was breathtaking. Also, the scene in the hotspring was so beautiful. Great music all throughout the movie... i wanna go see it again. enough said.
RNQ
Douglas Sirk spends a family weekend in an Icelandic outport. Tyrannical father, dissipated children, conspiracy, destruction, alcohol, incest, and as a contemporary touch some spray painting. No Rock Hudson, though.
AD
