Customer Reviews

Children of Nature [VHS]

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

F Fredriksson's _Children of Nature_ clearly shows how much it is possible to say in cinema when a director chooses to focus his or her attention upon essentials, striving to tell a story without resorting to that sort overstatement and trickery all to familiar to audiences of typical Hollywood fare. There is nothing to find in its viewing which should have been left out. There is nothing wanted which must have been left out in its making that a viewer would wish he or she could see.

Portrayal of the elderly protagonists' simple human dignity did not preclude letting us come to know them through their foibles as well as their particular strengths. The spare and moving scenery of Iceland is not gratuitiously included. It is there to tell its part of the story. (One might even suggest that the landscape is one of the 'characters' in the film.) The situation which drives the story forward is commonplace enough, but it is given just sufficient push in the direction of the mystical and the humorous as to soften inevitable sorrow and grief with the only sort of hope an ironically 'post-modernist' era might bear.

Most of all, the story speaks plainly about the almost unbearable human cost of misplanned, onrushing change: Change now so commonplace, even in 'out of the way corners' of the world, that there is no escape, nor much hope of modifying its outcome, or negotiating a space to live even a brief span of years in peace--one can only refuse to go along, and pay the price of doing so.

(Of course we do not speak of how the wealthy must view the world, here. Wealth is to be understood, if it is to be understood at all, as the aberration it is, particularly when one marks the almost infantile renunciation of decency, restraint and responsibility displayed by those with the means to accomplish almost anything they could wish. Of course, with sufficient means, one can create almost any illusion of stability and sustainability.)

The scenes of embrace and of renunciation particular to the final moments of _Children of Nature_ bespeak of all that is best within the human spirit. The characters, from the first moments we see them, are anything but superficial or one-dimensional. The choices they must face are the choices we are going to have to face for ourselves.

I have not been so moved by a film in many years. This was so, even though I did not see it on the big screen.

I first heard about this movie when it premiered in L.A., but was unable to attend. Knowing that it was a nominee I was hopeful to find it in the video stores. Was I ever optimistic! Here, 8 yrs later on a whim I searched for it; what a bargain unlike the near $100 one of the major video rentals wanted to charge me for a special order.

Now that I've viewed it, I came back to re-read the other reviews and like one other reviewer I have to admit I ended up watching it 3 times to her 4. Subtitles never bothered me, but I know others are put off by it - this one has to be the easiest one to follow.

Trying to find the words to describe the movie - charming, endearing, mystical, the unique landscape and beauty of Iceland. Moments of humor, irony and yes sadness. In one sense, it's a "simple" movie by today's "standards" - but there are layers of issues going on - not only with the individuals portrayed but how the viewer may react to their own beliefs towards those very issues. I also was drawn to the soundtrack music. When Thorgeir twice asks the truck driver, "Do you think your brother will take us on the ferry?" He replies, " I don't think about what I know " I just loved that line! Never heard that before- don't know if anything was lost or made better in that translation. "Babette's Feast" was an instant favorite of mine many years ago - and somehow this movie found a place in my heart along with it. Do wished my husband had watched the movie with me, as I am looking forward to discussing a couple of scenes with him.

This film had such an endearing aspect, that I could not watch it enough (four times). I especially recommend it to people who live a fast paced "hurry up" type of life. It will definitely calm them down. The beautiful images of the sea, landscape, music, and the lives the main characters lead are extremely soothing and dignified. I also enjoyed the spiritual aspect and hope to see more of these types of themes in films.

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie and the power it has over the audience without complex dialogue. It was very easy to follow without having to concentrate too hard on the subtitles. It's one of the best movies I have ever seen. I whole-heartedly recommend this film for everyone!

Beautiful movie of how a simple dream can come true through love and dedication of ones life here on earth. Photography is beautiful, story line is pure, lesson is true to the heart.

Two old souls who have become prisoners to societies daily care, run away to find comfort in joining there ancestors. This will tug at your heart and soul, making you wish you could find that one soul here on earth that is willing to grow old with you.

As a former student of Scandinavian theatre and general studies, I felt that this film portrayed a view of the "elderly" bordering on lunacy. While the film itself was entertaining and well done, I disagreed with the image created in younger viewers' minds on the mental state of older people. Scandinavian film, from what I've seen, has been very dedicated to supernatural/metaphysical themes in addition to the nature/environmental themes. This holds true also in Scandinavian literature, in general. I've heard this film described both as uplifting and depressing. It is one which needs to be viewed and individually interpreted based on one's own experience with the older generation. I feel the film didn't give the amount of respect that I would have liked to see.