It is always interesting to see a foreign film reach local shores that presents a window into an intimate society from a land far away. The Icelandic film Rams, directed by Grimur Hakonarson and the winner of the Un Certain Regard prize at Cannes last year, is such a film.
Set in a secluded Icelandic valley, the film is the story of two brothers who live next to each other yet haven't spoken in 40 years, who must interact when a fatal disease threatens the lives of what they love most: their sheep.
Rams is certainly niche, with subtle humour and slow pacing, though beautiful to look at with its Icelandic landscape. It is also a very quiet film, focused on silent emotions rather than dialogue. It may seem partly alienating, even monotonous at times, but this offbeat tale delivers in themes of love, community and family relations. The film is full of pathos — which grows stronger as you learn more about the characters — and its bleak ending will burn into memory.
The actors feel authentic, believable and sympathetic. As for the brothers: Sigurour Sigurjonsson is incredibly expressive as the main protagonist Gummi, while Theodor Juliusson in supporting role Kiddi is daring, and both are ultimately affecting.
Overall, Rams is a quaint little film worth seeing for its themes and landscapes.
