The Juniper Tree

Margit (Björk) and older sister Katla leave their home after their mother is stoned to death for witchcraft. Katla casts a love spell on farmer Jóhann. Jóhann is helplessly spellbound but his son Jónas refuses to accept her.

It's black and white. It's Icelandic. It's brooding. There is no pale-faced death playing chess but there is some weirder stuff. I don't know what the black hole is meant to be. The movie misses an opportunity to start with a more visceral intensity by showing the stoning and the sisters being chased by the angry villagers. Of course, I stuck with this mostly for Björk. She has an intriguing charisma although her acting has limitations. This is what one can expect from an Icelandic black and white movie about death and witchcraft.

Katla and her little sister Margit must flee their hometown after their mother is stoned to death for witchcraft. Katla's spell to find a husband nets them a new place to live, but comes with the emnity of the new husband's son. An independent American film shot in Iceland, the Juniper Tree is a beautiful interpretation of the brothers Grimm story of the same name. Fine performances, good costumes, and stunning landscapes bring this tale to life.

Bjork shines in this film. I cannot say that for the rest of the actors. The setting is great and moody. I love the black and white film stock. Everything is so atmospheric and beautiful, even though it does not conform at all to Hollywood narrative and aesthetic. A must see for all Bjork and Grimm's fairytale fans. See Bjork's video "Isobel," it's a beautiful manifestation of the seed planted here.

The Juniper Tree is one of the grimmer of the classic folktales recorded by the Grimm brothers. This movie is a artfully rendered interpretation of that fairytale.

Scandinavian films have a tendency towards a slower, subdued style and this movie is no exception. The grainy quality of the black and white images and that slower pace creates a dreamlike experience for the viewer that suits the plot well.

I would not recommend this movie for everyone. It is not particularly scary or exciting. It is however a great movie for fans of surreal dramas. People who enjoy David Lynch and Lars Fontrier movies will probably enjoy The Juniper Tree.

I find it sad that the only recognition this movie gets is Bjork's

involvement in it. While I do admit that she's an asset to it (she

looks peculiar and is talented), I also think that the movie has

qualities of its own.

The eerie mood of the film is heightened by a lot of silence and a

slow pace. Put that against a rocky landscape in black and white,

and add a beautiful raw score, and you get a nice result. I wish it

were a little longer. The setting (architecture) and costumes really

take the viewer to another time and place.

I definitely recommend this movie, keeping in mind that it's not an

action movie, nor a horror movie. It's full of earth and soul.