Hrútar (or) Rams (Icelandic, 2015)

Sigurður Sigurjónsson as the meek yet kind Gummi & Theodór Júlíusson as the bombastic Kiddi are perfect for their respective roles. Just by their body language they convey their characters brilliantly. Umpteen satirical situations form the core of the film with the almost straightforward way in which Gummi sends a handwritten bill for damages caused by his brother taking the cake.

The themes that the film handles are such that they appeal to any nation across the world. The will to survive, to preserve their heritage for the next generation, love towards their pets & other animals they rear and so on are the reasons why this film has made waves in many film festivals.

It is credit to the writer-director Grímur Hákonarson and his screenplay that we are kept hooked in a film that actually is filled with lonely frames occupied by sheep, a dog and two brothers with a few passer-bys. In fact the bland women-less existence which leads to the men showering so much love on their animals is fabulously brought out.

The spectacular Icelandic landscape is brought out in all its glory in naturally lit frames by the cinematographer, Sturla Brandth Grøvlen.What’s more surprising is that he also handled 138 minutes long single-shot German film Victoria – Talk about variety! The mellifluous score by Atli Örvarsson helps in sustaining the mood throughout.

Having delighted us throughout the course of the film, the ending although poetic is quite abrupt and succeeded in bringing out exasperated cries from the audience.