- Actors: Sigurður Sigurjónsson, Theodór Júlíusson, Charlotte Bøving
- Director: Grímur Hákonarson
- Format: Dolby, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
- Subtitles: English
- Number of discs: 1
- Rated: R
- Studio: Cohen Media Group
- Release Date: June 28, 2016
- Run Time: 93 minutes
American
audiences accustomed to narrative-driven cinema may have a difficult time with Rams, not because it is lacking in plot
but because the characters ultimately take precedence. The Icelandic dramedy
actually has an original premise to lean on, but the resolution to this clever
scenario is not the filmmaker’s priority. The events within the film service
the characters and their ultimate arc, rather than the other way around. For
those who can adjust or are more accustomed to this style of storytelling, Rams offers plenty of rewards. Those
expecting the film to resolve the dilemma offered by the plot may find the
conclusion less satisfying.
Gummi (Sigurður
Sigurjónsson) is a sheep farmer living nearly entirely in the seclusion of a
remote valley, despite having an immediate neighbor on his property. Living
beside him is his brother, Kiddi (Theodór Júlíusson), but neither has spoken to
each other in four decades. Both carry out their family tradition of raising
their ancestral breed of sheep with pride, never speaking of the disagreement
which split them apart after the death of their parents. Their rivalry is
carried out in livestock competitions until a lethal disease infects Kiddi’s
sheep and threatens the livestock in the entire valley.
Many are
crippled by this sudden outbreak, but Kiddi and Gummi refuse to leave their way
of life. Each has a plan for saving their prize rams and the famed sheep
lineage, though they eventually must rely on each other to avoid discovery by
the authorities. Kiddi’s reaction is more volatile, turning to his gun for
protection and alcohol for comfort, whereas Gummi cleverly pretends to obey the
laws demanding all stock be slaughtered, secretly hiding a prize few in the
basement of his home.
The narrative is
wisely simplified, slowing the pace and allowing for the subtleties of the
characters to come to the forefront. This provides the film some of its deadpan
humor, but it simultaneously fleshes them out in a way that we begin to care
about them, despite their curmudgeonly demeanor and minimal dialogue. A great
deal of the film’s success relies on the acting of the two leads, and their
grizzled appearances help to make their solitude and career choices all the
more believable. This is enhanced by the unforced way that the brothers are
reunited, never feeling contrived or emotionally manipulative as one might
expect from a Hollywood attempt at the same
story.
The Blu-ray
release includes an interview with the director, Grímur Hákonarson, as well as
one of his earlier short films. There is also a theatrical trailer for the
film.
Entertainment Value:
7/10
Quality of
Filmmaking: 8/10
Historical
Significance: 6.5/10
Special Features:5/10
No comments:
Post a Comment