Los Granjeros

When I started watching I did not realise it was a remake of the Icelandic film I had seen a few years ago.

For the most part it worked, but it wasn't as humorous as I had expected it to be.

As ever Sam Neill is eminently watchable. Normally the same can be said of Michael Caton but his character for the most part was so obnoxious it was difficult to come to terms with.

Nice nod to Steve Marriott and Humble Pie, not only in the sound track but also the tee shirt!

My wife and I watched this at home on DVD from our public library. It appears to be an almost exact remake of a 2015 Icelandic movie of the same name, but this one is set in Western Australia.

Two brothers in their 70s live adjacent to each other. Their homes are about a pitching wedge distance apart. But they never speak to each other, it has been that way for over 40 years. They never really explain why but it is hinted the older brother is angry that the deceased dad gave all the property to the younger brother who allows the older to remain living and working there.

The brothers raise prized rams that carry an ancient lineage and in yearly contests the ram of one or the other always wins first place. Tragedy strikes when it is discovered that a disease is infecting the sheep and all animals are ordered destroyed. But one brother has an idea to bypass the system when he believes his rams are not infected.

We enjoyed the movie mainly for the actors. If this had been "based on real events" it might have been more interesting. But overall, while it is entertaining most of the time, there is not particular substantial message here. It is a low risk movie to watch on a Saturday evening after dinner.

Seen the movie with the whole family 7 - 75, we all loved it, something in there for everyone with that uniquely Australian touch.

Rams

A homespun tale of farming folk, this movies was really great from start to finish, Sam Neil was excellent, he dominated the screen with a physical presence as there was hardly any script to mention.

The whole cast was brilliant and there was a good deal of comedy throughout, but overall the whole thing was an emotional rollercoaster.

I'm not going to mention this was a remake of an Icelandic film but I'm sure others will see some significance in this but this would be merely an indulgence.

I giving this a solid 7 outta 10 for gentle Sunday night viewing.

I've seen both versions and in my opinion this Australian remake of the Icelandic original is superior. Though 20 minutes longer, it successfully wall - papers over the main points of criticism of the original. There's more humour, an explanation offered for the brothers' enmity (a valid criticism of the original) and a far more satisfactory ending, with much less ambiguity.

The Great Southern Region of Western Australia proves an excellent substitute for the admittedly stunning Icelandic rural locations and Sam Neill contributes a superlative, warmly amusing turn, as the pastoralist brother who just can't quite let go. It really is the stand-out performance of both films. Ewe shouldn't miss it.