Review of Kona fer í stríð

"Kona fer í stríð" is a relatively new Icelandic movie from 2018 that already garnered a pretty solid amount of awards recognition. It runs for 100 minutes approximately and was written and directed by Benedikt Erlingsson, his second full feature non-documentary and from what I saw here he is also a pretty prolific actor. But now to this movie. The main character is played by Halldóra Geirharðsdóttir and the name tells you of course that she is also Icelandic as is the rest of the cast pretty much, so don't worry if you have never come across any of the cast members here. You don't need to in order to enjoy the watch. By the way, the lead actress also plays the character that is the main character's identical twin sister, so she is really in each and every scene here, sometimes twice in fact. This film is about eco-terrorism, not only, but that is very much at the center of it all. And despite how likable the main character is depicted here, it should not be forgotten that she is a criminal and not just a petty thief or so. Her actions cause millions of dollars damage to companies and to the country. So no surprise the police is constantly after her. It is also interesting to discuss how much she maybe loves the thrill of it all, but actually I believe it is more about the message and her motivations really than about a need for thrill. It is also a bit of an addiction you could say because even after she has a chance to find private happiness by adopting a daughter, she cannot stop with her actions and they become more and more intense. Sure you can also see it she wants to stop with these sabotage procedures at a peak and that's why she virtually blows stuff up, but yeah. I would not be entirely surprised if she gets back to what she does when having her daughter. Sounds fairly serious so far and there are many serious moments and plot components for sure here, but there is also some comedy. Of course you'd think immediately about the tourist fella who keeps getting arrested and humiliated instead of the actual offender and this is a pretty nice running gag, even if it is entirely realistic. But it is funny for sure, especially in the last scene. What else is funny? How she constantly keeps getting away with tricks from the police. It's the little details there like the Mandela mask etc. You will recognize them when you see them. Or the guy they call the uncle. The only recurring comedic reference I did not approve of was how the soundtrack was displayed visually by depicting the actual musicians on many occasions, also have them walk through the water at the very end. Not that the music was bad or so and of course my perception there is also entirely subjective. Maybe this lighter side is also an indicator that the film ended in a happy fashion perhaps. I am not sure if this was the right choice or if the sister's actions felt really realistic given what happened to her because of her sister's crimes and if she'd really give up on her 2-year plan. Maybe it does not need to be entirely realistic to succeed. Still there are more than enough realistic moments. It was for good reason this film got picked by the Icelandic film comitee to represent the country at the Oscars, even if it did not get in. May have needed a 15-country field perhaps. Anyway, this movie is definitely worth seeing. Not only because of Erlingsson's vision, the beautiful cinematography, the strong lead performance, but also for elaborating on an important and serious subject while still managing to put a smile on people's lips and never become condescending or so. It is a smart movie. It is an entertaining movie. It is a good movie. Go check it out if you get the chance. Always nice to see such little countries produce quality films like this one we have here. Thumbs up!