Hjartasteinn

This film tells the story of two young boys, who are experiencing and exploring romantic feelings in their Icelandic summer.

Much of the first half of the film portrays violence, bullying and animal cruelty. The antisocial behaviors are quite shocking to me, as I have always imagined the idyllic Iceland to be a peaceful place with nice people. As the turbulence grows, the tension between the children increases. It is sad to see that Thor does not see what is blindingly obvious, and it takes a tragic event to wake him up. This story is a harsh coming of age film.

I first saw this film at bfi Southbank as terrorists were attacking innocent pedestrians on Westminster Bridge and at the House of Commons. Both events left a lasting impression.

The harsh reality of our real world is reflected just as powerfully in the setting of a remote Icelandic coastal community. The power and beauty of mountain scenery and harsh climate is paralleled in the lives of the young protagonists as they work their way through the trials and tribulations of conflict, confusion and burgeoning sexuality. With few, if any, adult role models, there is minimal control over the freedom to play in vast spaces where inner tensions can be acted out. Personal secrets in such a small community are (as in each episode of 'Eastenders') impossible to keep. Others who learn of them are empowered by the knowledge. There is no escape.

The director fully understands every aspect of this community and succeeds in bringing out superb performances, especially from the young actors who play Thor and Christian.

The first half-hour can be a 'difficult watch' but stick with it. Once the music kicks in at around 40m the emotional intensity never ceases to build. I was fully captivated and eagerly await future work by this very talented director.

Sensitive. So beautifully constructed in each detail and raw in his way to describe what it's like to growing up.

Hjartasteinn (Heartstone) Iceland, Viewed at 2016 Venice Film Festival Director Guðmundur Arnar Guðmundsson, 34, Debut film. It's been a while since the films of Friðrik Þór Friðriksson put Iceland on the Cinema map in the eighties and nineties. This epic scale coming of age drama set in a remote fishing village far from the capital Reykjavik looks like the start of a new Icelandic wave. Fresh energy and a keen re-observing of what it's like to be a teenager on the verge of puberty, even dabbling a bit in homosexuality, makes this coming of age story something else. Against a magnificent backdrop of sea and mountains Guðmundur follows the entanglements of two simple outback families and their kids.

The film centers mainly on Thor, a sensitive twelve year old boy and his slightly older, taller, buddy Kristján who is probably gay, but also on their rough friendship with a couple of teenage girls and their problems with rough hewn parents. The performances of the two boys is astounding and Guðmundur's direction is totally assured. Given the setting this is a one of a kind new film experience on a set of old themes. Bravo! The two teenage actors, Baldur Einsasson (Thor) and Blær Hinriksson, (Kristján) are both talents to watch for in upcoming films from the Land of Geysers.

I loved the movie. It was incredible, the actings were great! I've watched it two times so far already. I'll buy it's dvd/bluray and watch it many more times. Very natural and realistic movie.. Unique! 👌🏼