Rams review: Simplistic cinema gets emotionally complex in this stunning Icelandic comedy drama.
Rams review
Rams review by Luke Ryan Baldock: There are many ways to judge if a film is great, and one of those ways is the ability for a film to make you care about something you have very little interest in. Such is the case with Grimur Hakonarson’s Rams. In what is yet another tale of struggling through freezing weather, already used to brilliant affect in The Hateful Eight and The Revenant, comes a bizarrely heart warming dark comedy of sibling rivalry and family ties.
Set in Iceland, we follow Gummi (Sigurour Sigurjonsson), a sheep farmer prepping his best for a local sheep contest. Despite living on isolated farmland, Gummi shares this land with his nextdoor neighbour, and sheep competitor, Kiddi (Theodor Juliusson), Gummi’s brother. Depite living next door and seeing each other almost every day, the brothers have not spoken in 40 years. Their fragile relationship is stretched even further when Gummi discovers that Kiddi’s sheep may be infected with a disease that could wipe out all the sheep in the valley, effectively ruining all the farmers’ way of life.
Rams review
The film remains in its very isolated locals, which helps us unite with the desperate farmers. It may not seem like it, but the survival of any of the sheep has ramifications for the entire country. This should make Gummi’s efforts of hiding a select few sheep in his basement an almost villainous act, but instead it becomes a bittersweet tragedy. Hakonarson also does an amazing job at blending some unexpected genres into the mix. When part of the clean-up team needs to use Gummi’s toilet and the sheep in the basement start making noise, what follows is a memorable sequence shot like a terrifying and nerve wracking thriller. If Hitchcock had made a film about Icelandic sheep farming, this scene would have made the cut.
When not breaking your heart, Hakonarson’s tight script is making you laugh. It’s the simple visual touches that cause the most hearty chuckles, such as Gummi and Kiddi only communicating through messages delivered by Kiddi’s dog, or Gummi driving straight through a gate that Kiddi has just had to open. The humour keeps the film from becoming depressing, as well as giving us a lovely portion of hope in the process.
Rams review
The scenery may be hypnotic but we never take our eyes off the humans. The struggles of Gummi are made relatable and perfectly performed by Sigurjonsson. He has a world weary expression, but his passion comes alive when interacting with the sheep. You feel for this man and what he goes through, as well as understanding his desperate actions. Once Gummi and Kiddi work together for the good of their family’s sheep it becomes a heartwarming tale of forgiveness and love.
Rams is a miniature masterpiece that keeps things restrained, entertaining, and emotional. Glorious cinematography and a powerful climax that utilises blistering sound design, shoving you straight in the middle of the action, all equates to a technically astute, emotionally affecting, and well edited film that is the perfect length. A fantastic film that deserves your attention.
Rams review by Luke Ryan Baldock, January 2016.
Rams is playing in UK cinemas from 5th February.
