Here's a chance to explore a non-touristy side of Iceland -- the experience of farmers trying to survive north of the capital, in an era of Facebook and amazon.
Arndís Hrönn Egilsdóttir is quietly moving as hard-working dairy woman Inga, whose husband commits suicide over abuse by the local agricultural co-op. In a theme recalling "Battleship Potemkin" of 1925, she reaches a point where she just can't take anymore.
Along the way, we savor some of Iceland's exquisite geography, and revisit the friction that simmers between people in the countryside and those "down south" in Reykjavik, a theme sounded in director Grímur Hákonarson's earlier hit, "Rams" of 2015.
Although not as dramatic as its predecessor, "The County" offers much to enjoy. And as a student of Icelandic, I appreciated the understated dialogue:
Ertu svangur?
Frábær hugmynd!
Hann var góður maður.
Ég veit.
Þrjú ár.
Iceland's film industry is more vibrant than some might assume, with many of the same actors circulating among productions. I recognized several familiar faces here, all turning in excellent performances.
My only quibble with this film is its ending -- our heroine driving into the sunset with her radio blaring. A character of Inga's originality deserved something better.
Arndís Hrönn Egilsdóttir is quietly moving as hard-working dairy woman Inga, whose husband commits suicide over abuse by the local agricultural co-op. In a theme recalling "Battleship Potemkin" of 1925, she reaches a point where she just can't take anymore.
Along the way, we savor some of Iceland's exquisite geography, and revisit the friction that simmers between people in the countryside and those "down south" in Reykjavik, a theme sounded in director Grímur Hákonarson's earlier hit, "Rams" of 2015.
Although not as dramatic as its predecessor, "The County" offers much to enjoy. And as a student of Icelandic, I appreciated the understated dialogue:
Ertu svangur?
Frábær hugmynd!
Hann var góður maður.
Ég veit.
Þrjú ár.
Iceland's film industry is more vibrant than some might assume, with many of the same actors circulating among productions. I recognized several familiar faces here, all turning in excellent performances.
My only quibble with this film is its ending -- our heroine driving into the sunset with her radio blaring. A character of Inga's originality deserved something better.