Always a risk, reformulating an already impressive film, in this case from Icelandic into an English. Just about gets away with it, with Sam Neil herding it skilfully into the pen - the message and the meaning as sentimental as any but always worth the effort reflecting upon, to keep those green shoots fresh and the future firmly built on the lessons of the past.
49 Reviews
Surpasses the Original!
spookyrat19 March 2021
I've seen both versions and in my opinion this Australian remake of the Icelandic original is superior. Though 20 minutes longer, it successfully wall - papers over the main points of criticism of the original. There's more humour, an explanation offered for the brothers' enmity (a valid criticism of the original) and a far more satisfactory ending, with much less ambiguity.
The Great Southern Region of Western Australia proves an excellent substitute for the admittedly stunning Icelandic rural locations and Sam Neill contributes a superlative, warmly amusing turn, as the pastoralist brother who just can't quite let go. It really is the stand-out performance of both films. Ewe shouldn't miss it.
The Great Southern Region of Western Australia proves an excellent substitute for the admittedly stunning Icelandic rural locations and Sam Neill contributes a superlative, warmly amusing turn, as the pastoralist brother who just can't quite let go. It really is the stand-out performance of both films. Ewe shouldn't miss it.
Emotive and Moving
Jackblyth827 December 2021
Inspired by the sensational Icelandic picture of the same tale (where funnily enough, the sheep were credited as actors), Rams is a 2020 Australian screenplay of writer Jules Duncan, a former TV reporter with Channel 9 and GWN.
Starring Sam Neill, the film depicts the story of the striking illness that spreads through the local sheep flocks in Western Australia, causing chaos among the local farmers. Brothers Les and Colin are made to set aside their differences and help fight back against the governmental authorities, in order to protect their animals.
Most movie's featuring animals as their core narrative possess a heart-warming and comforting tone to accompany the delicate and at-times saddening rhythm that is seen on-screen. There is also a more communal film with productions outside the usual American / English billboards, giving the spectacle a more communal display and allowing you as the audience to immerse yourself in empathy of the characters, offering you to feel a part of the story, and connect with the personalities within.
Amassing over $4.3 million in a Box Office struck by COVID-19 preventing a strong cinematic turnover, Rams is a film with compassion, illustrating a devastating crisis in a wonderful, sincere way, its honest form bodes well with perfect dry humour to compliment its tinged sorrow.
I would usually make an overall summarisation in a few lines of what a surprising movie this was, but no one puts it better than Leigh Paatsch of the Herald Sun who said, "At times, it is as charming a (blackish) comedy as they come. At others, it is a strikingly well-observed drama."
Starring Sam Neill, the film depicts the story of the striking illness that spreads through the local sheep flocks in Western Australia, causing chaos among the local farmers. Brothers Les and Colin are made to set aside their differences and help fight back against the governmental authorities, in order to protect their animals.
Most movie's featuring animals as their core narrative possess a heart-warming and comforting tone to accompany the delicate and at-times saddening rhythm that is seen on-screen. There is also a more communal film with productions outside the usual American / English billboards, giving the spectacle a more communal display and allowing you as the audience to immerse yourself in empathy of the characters, offering you to feel a part of the story, and connect with the personalities within.
Amassing over $4.3 million in a Box Office struck by COVID-19 preventing a strong cinematic turnover, Rams is a film with compassion, illustrating a devastating crisis in a wonderful, sincere way, its honest form bodes well with perfect dry humour to compliment its tinged sorrow.
I would usually make an overall summarisation in a few lines of what a surprising movie this was, but no one puts it better than Leigh Paatsch of the Herald Sun who said, "At times, it is as charming a (blackish) comedy as they come. At others, it is a strikingly well-observed drama."
A Great Family Film
shelly-freer-883-98977215 November 2020
Homespun Tale Of Farming Folk.
martimusross11 February 2021
Rams
A homespun tale of farming folk, this movies was really great from start to finish, Sam Neil was excellent, he dominated the screen with a physical presence as there was hardly any script to mention.
The whole cast was brilliant and there was a good deal of comedy throughout, but overall the whole thing was an emotional rollercoaster.
I'm not going to mention this was a remake of an Icelandic film but I'm sure others will see some significance in this but this would be merely an indulgence.
I giving this a solid 7 outta 10 for gentle Sunday night viewing.
A homespun tale of farming folk, this movies was really great from start to finish, Sam Neil was excellent, he dominated the screen with a physical presence as there was hardly any script to mention.
The whole cast was brilliant and there was a good deal of comedy throughout, but overall the whole thing was an emotional rollercoaster.
I'm not going to mention this was a remake of an Icelandic film but I'm sure others will see some significance in this but this would be merely an indulgence.
I giving this a solid 7 outta 10 for gentle Sunday night viewing.
Great remake, but the extra half an hour added to the running time just detracts from the overall pleasure
instagav14 November 2020
If only they'd kept this movie to 90 minutes, it would have been great. Instead we have half an hour of padding which adds nothing to the plot and just bores the audience. A great movie that needs a serious trim to its running time to reveal just how great it actually is.
Western Australia, two brothers don't speak to each other but raise sheep.
TxMike30 May 2021
My wife and I watched this at home on DVD from our public library. It appears to be an almost exact remake of a 2015 Icelandic movie of the same name, but this one is set in Western Australia.
Two brothers in their 70s live adjacent to each other. Their homes are about a pitching wedge distance apart. But they never speak to each other, it has been that way for over 40 years. They never really explain why but it is hinted the older brother is angry that the deceased dad gave all the property to the younger brother who allows the older to remain living and working there.
The brothers raise prized rams that carry an ancient lineage and in yearly contests the ram of one or the other always wins first place. Tragedy strikes when it is discovered that a disease is infecting the sheep and all animals are ordered destroyed. But one brother has an idea to bypass the system when he believes his rams are not infected.
We enjoyed the movie mainly for the actors. If this had been "based on real events" it might have been more interesting. But overall, while it is entertaining most of the time, there is not particular substantial message here. It is a low risk movie to watch on a Saturday evening after dinner.
Two brothers in their 70s live adjacent to each other. Their homes are about a pitching wedge distance apart. But they never speak to each other, it has been that way for over 40 years. They never really explain why but it is hinted the older brother is angry that the deceased dad gave all the property to the younger brother who allows the older to remain living and working there.
The brothers raise prized rams that carry an ancient lineage and in yearly contests the ram of one or the other always wins first place. Tragedy strikes when it is discovered that a disease is infecting the sheep and all animals are ordered destroyed. But one brother has an idea to bypass the system when he believes his rams are not infected.
We enjoyed the movie mainly for the actors. If this had been "based on real events" it might have been more interesting. But overall, while it is entertaining most of the time, there is not particular substantial message here. It is a low risk movie to watch on a Saturday evening after dinner.
Has trouble finding its feet
pinkfatrat7 November 2020
It has a great cast and they really carry this film, but they have a lot of work on their shoulders.
No idea what the book is like but as a movie it has problems with where it wants to go. There's a bush fire story at the edge of it but it doesn't really get hooked in, just some vague mentions. There is great scope for humour , but it's not played on that much, and is almost over in the first 30 minutes. There's two love stories that don't go anywhere And the main plot? Other than the caricature of the government worker, there's so much that could of been better put together
This could have been a real feel good movie or bit more Aussie larkism , but left me and my friend flat .
No idea what the book is like but as a movie it has problems with where it wants to go. There's a bush fire story at the edge of it but it doesn't really get hooked in, just some vague mentions. There is great scope for humour , but it's not played on that much, and is almost over in the first 30 minutes. There's two love stories that don't go anywhere And the main plot? Other than the caricature of the government worker, there's so much that could of been better put together
This could have been a real feel good movie or bit more Aussie larkism , but left me and my friend flat .
Perfect
cooper91627 March 2021
I might wonder why I would choose to rent this movie. Well, partly because I had Amazon credits to use, but mostly because the available selection was rather pathetic. Plain bad movies. Or movies for which they wanted $20 to rent since you couldn't go see them in a theater.
Not only was Rams a wonderful movie in every respect, it was touching, entertaining, and without the boilerplate plot that we are forced to become accustomed to.
Not only was Rams a wonderful movie in every respect, it was touching, entertaining, and without the boilerplate plot that we are forced to become accustomed to.
Six stars will do.
xpat-551923 March 2021
Much as I respect and like Sam Neill, Miranda Richardson and Michael Caton as actors and still do, I thought this movie would deliver me much more entertainment than it did.
A story without any breathtaking highs or spectacular lows, outrageous laughs or shoulder-shaking melancholy had me almost begging for it to end.
The funniest parts in the movie involved the constant handling of the prized ram's prized plums by all and sundry.
Honestly? It was.
I gave the cast three stars and the lucky ram the other three.
A story without any breathtaking highs or spectacular lows, outrageous laughs or shoulder-shaking melancholy had me almost begging for it to end.
The funniest parts in the movie involved the constant handling of the prized ram's prized plums by all and sundry.
Honestly? It was.
I gave the cast three stars and the lucky ram the other three.
Why a remake?
n-g-marks2 November 2020
The original movie is a beautiful and balanced story, set in its natural background. There is really no need for any remake, except maybe for those that are limited in watching movies in other language than their own.
Realistic.
cfilleke23 December 2021
I run a small cheese and yogurt making facility serving the dairy sheep farming community of upstate NY. We pasture our dairy shepherds' dry flocks on our farm. Communities like this are quite interconnected as depicted in the movie Rams.
The diseases bugs and parasites are no joke. In dry dry WA they didn't mention what happens when their feet are perpetually wet outdoors. And even in a good year, there's quite a lot of heartbreak because not all the lambs make it.
You can start to feel beset from all sides: the elements, contagious disease, other people, the government, and you yourself chief among them. You have your whole life invested in a way of life. All of these elements were pretty realistically portrayed in this movie.
Given the topic, I did not expect it to be a laugh riot, but the setting, the writing and the acting brought a gentle and refreshing perspective on what can seem like a slog when you are in the thick of it yourself.
The diseases bugs and parasites are no joke. In dry dry WA they didn't mention what happens when their feet are perpetually wet outdoors. And even in a good year, there's quite a lot of heartbreak because not all the lambs make it.
You can start to feel beset from all sides: the elements, contagious disease, other people, the government, and you yourself chief among them. You have your whole life invested in a way of life. All of these elements were pretty realistically portrayed in this movie.
Given the topic, I did not expect it to be a laugh riot, but the setting, the writing and the acting brought a gentle and refreshing perspective on what can seem like a slog when you are in the thick of it yourself.
Expected Better
crumpytv5 July 2021
When I started watching I did not realise it was a remake of the Icelandic film I had seen a few years ago.
For the most part it worked, but it wasn't as humorous as I had expected it to be.
As ever Sam Neill is eminently watchable. Normally the same can be said of Michael Caton but his character for the most part was so obnoxious it was difficult to come to terms with.
Nice nod to Steve Marriott and Humble Pie, not only in the sound track but also the tee shirt!
For the most part it worked, but it wasn't as humorous as I had expected it to be.
As ever Sam Neill is eminently watchable. Normally the same can be said of Michael Caton but his character for the most part was so obnoxious it was difficult to come to terms with.
Nice nod to Steve Marriott and Humble Pie, not only in the sound track but also the tee shirt!
What a fizzer!!
dharruk3 February 2021
Warning: Spoilers
My wife and I decided to buy Rams for our movie night, being the owner of over 2,000 acres including angus cattle and 250 merino sheep and the premise of Sam Neil and Michael Caton as great actors we though we could not be disappointed, boy were we wrong!
The movie is slow , it's empty, there is nothing interesting that keeps you glued to the film, barely any serious drama, but also no serious comedy or another genre to replace the lacking of drama, it's got nothing going for it, in one scene his brother shoots his house up with a shotgun whilst blind drunk , it's just an awful portrayal of the farming community , obviously someone from the city greenlighted the remake.
They could have gone another direction with serious and believable Australian rural script but decided to go the route of a 10 year old's portrayal of the Aussie rural/farmers life. Very disappointing film.
The movie is slow , it's empty, there is nothing interesting that keeps you glued to the film, barely any serious drama, but also no serious comedy or another genre to replace the lacking of drama, it's got nothing going for it, in one scene his brother shoots his house up with a shotgun whilst blind drunk , it's just an awful portrayal of the farming community , obviously someone from the city greenlighted the remake.
They could have gone another direction with serious and believable Australian rural script but decided to go the route of a 10 year old's portrayal of the Aussie rural/farmers life. Very disappointing film.
A soft spoken film
unwhosearmy8 February 2021
There will be countless reviews better than mine, but I thought I would start making an effort and comment more on all I watch. I assume that you are more likely to appreciate this if you are an Australian or Kiwi, from the outback, or from the hills of Wales or Scotland.
You might perhaps have a deeper understanding and appreciation of this story and/or scenery.
However, it's definitely not a requirement. Apparently this is originally an Icelandic story. I have not seen it and I am sure it possibly not only holds it ground but possibly owns it too. Had I known before watching the movie (I never read reviews or watch trailers before watching a movie), I would have watched that. But too late for that, so here we are.
Sam Neill? Well, I would like to know what his deal is? Is it the pure organic nature and produce he lives on/and off to defy age? 73?!? Wow/How!?! That aside, it is simple and endearing. The acting is pure and simple, nothing more or less than what it deserves. You will struggle to find any faults in any of the acting. Most of the movie is implied and felt through the looks, actions, scenery, without "needless" words. In some ways, it made me think of "The Straight Story" (- I do prefer the latter and if you enjoy this, you will definitely like the Straight Story).
If you are looking for action, keep looking. If you want a simple story with some heart, then you might enjoy this. It's reassuring and important that these kind of movies are still being made.
Strong 6,5/10.
Sam Neill? Well, I would like to know what his deal is? Is it the pure organic nature and produce he lives on/and off to defy age? 73?!? Wow/How!?! That aside, it is simple and endearing. The acting is pure and simple, nothing more or less than what it deserves. You will struggle to find any faults in any of the acting. Most of the movie is implied and felt through the looks, actions, scenery, without "needless" words. In some ways, it made me think of "The Straight Story" (- I do prefer the latter and if you enjoy this, you will definitely like the Straight Story).
If you are looking for action, keep looking. If you want a simple story with some heart, then you might enjoy this. It's reassuring and important that these kind of movies are still being made.
Strong 6,5/10.
a couple of brothers make up
robeik5 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Just watched this at the Dongara drive-in.
The premise of the film is how a devastating sheep disease brings together two estranged brothers. It's quite a somber film; not many laughs to find. Loads of tension. Some of the storyline is a bit impossible (ignoring some of the geographical problems - you'll know this if you are familiar with Mt Barker).But the scenery is fantastic.
The performances of Michael Caton and Sam Neill are fantastic. Besides Miranda Richardson's and Asher Keddie's roles, the rest of the cast play caricatures. The film can't make up it's mind if it wants to be drama, or comedy.
Quietly brilliant!
Amyth4715 December 2020
My Rating : 7/10
Cinematography, music, actors, dialogues, story, good humour - it's all quietly brilliant over here!
This sheep drama remade from an Iceland feature works just as well down under. If you like good humour, a bit of drama and Sam Neill, 'Rams' is certainly your ticket to having a great time at the movies this year!
Cinematography, music, actors, dialogues, story, good humour - it's all quietly brilliant over here!
This sheep drama remade from an Iceland feature works just as well down under. If you like good humour, a bit of drama and Sam Neill, 'Rams' is certainly your ticket to having a great time at the movies this year!
Outback makes a comeback
pilot100917 August 2021
Rams - An Aussie Re-run
krocheav6 August 2021
This Australian remake of a prizewinning 2015 Icelandic film classic (of the same name) makes for a pleasing watch but goes for a lighter approach than its famous predecessor. The bright Western Australian countryside is well utilized as against the bleak, frosty, windblown setting of the dramatic original. Performances are uniformly fine with all bringing this well made, sorrowful tale, of family dysfunction to a satisfying (albeit upbeat) close. Antony Partos provides the music score.
Not exactly rammed with laughs
valleyjohn18 April 2021
This is the story of two brothers who have a decades-long feud . They live on sheep farms next to each other but only communicate through a sheep dog. The conflict comes to a head when disaster strikes their flocks and fires threaten to destroy their homes .
This is a remake of an an Icelandic film released five years previous , which I think I saw but can't remember too much about .
It's labelled as a comedy but it really has no laugh out loud moments to speak of . I'd describe it as gentle comedy that makes you smile rather than laugh.
Sam Neil is good as is Michael Caron . Both actors have the experience and that lived in looks to carry this off well .
It's a film that is telling you that family conflict is not worth it . Sort out your issues before it's too late , life's too short .
Despite its predictability and it being twenty minutes too long , it's still enjoyable fair .
This is a remake of an an Icelandic film released five years previous , which I think I saw but can't remember too much about .
It's labelled as a comedy but it really has no laugh out loud moments to speak of . I'd describe it as gentle comedy that makes you smile rather than laugh.
Sam Neil is good as is Michael Caron . Both actors have the experience and that lived in looks to carry this off well .
It's a film that is telling you that family conflict is not worth it . Sort out your issues before it's too late , life's too short .
Despite its predictability and it being twenty minutes too long , it's still enjoyable fair .
A shocking misrepresentation of the Australian sheep industry
johannetaylor16 November 2020
As a person, who sent many years working in the Australian sheep industry, and some of them as a stock inspector, all that I can say is that everything in this movie about sheep farming and management of Ovine Johnes Disease is ridiculous. The over the top response to OJD was better suited to something airborne and highly infectious, like Foot and Mouth Disease. I understand that they had to pick something and BSE (or mad cow disease) that appears in the Icelandic original is not something that has ever occurred in Australia and doesn't fit the bill.
The farms are too small, the flocks are too small (for Australia), the brothers are each too poor to not have jobs off farm, the "breed" of sheep is made up, the inspector shows up in a suit and tie and seems to not understand anything about farming (apparently) and has a really flash 4WD ute! (Where did the cash strapped Department get the funding for that?) The sheep stand quietly while being variously grabbed by random people. None of this is realistic.
I gave it 4 stars because the underlying story of two brothers and their fractious relationship was worth watching. And I didn't walk out in disgust. I especially enjoyed the scene where Col drives Les to the hospital (I'll allow the lack of realism to slide for that one).
I will appeal to the Arts community to stop producing nonsense about farming, please? Just for once, can we get some well researched work that doesn't misrepresent our people and culture? Thanking you in advance.
The farms are too small, the flocks are too small (for Australia), the brothers are each too poor to not have jobs off farm, the "breed" of sheep is made up, the inspector shows up in a suit and tie and seems to not understand anything about farming (apparently) and has a really flash 4WD ute! (Where did the cash strapped Department get the funding for that?) The sheep stand quietly while being variously grabbed by random people. None of this is realistic.
I gave it 4 stars because the underlying story of two brothers and their fractious relationship was worth watching. And I didn't walk out in disgust. I especially enjoyed the scene where Col drives Les to the hospital (I'll allow the lack of realism to slide for that one).
I will appeal to the Arts community to stop producing nonsense about farming, please? Just for once, can we get some well researched work that doesn't misrepresent our people and culture? Thanking you in advance.
Loved it!!!
antonio_perth5 February 2021
A quiet film about sheep
thekarmicnomad26 February 2021
This is a story about sheep farmers in a remote part of Australia.
This is one of those films where not a whole lot happens in the big scheme of things.
There is lots of people talking about sheep and the people who rely on them. The film does a good job of trying to underline how important sheep are to the farmers and their way of life.
This is very gentle with not much action or drama but the struggles the characters have feel sizable and important to them.
Well filmed, acted and produced.
A modest, enjoyable watch.
This is one of those films where not a whole lot happens in the big scheme of things.
There is lots of people talking about sheep and the people who rely on them. The film does a good job of trying to underline how important sheep are to the farmers and their way of life.
This is very gentle with not much action or drama but the struggles the characters have feel sizable and important to them.
Well filmed, acted and produced.
A modest, enjoyable watch.
A mid-tier Australian film that fails to make its mark
eddie_baggins8 February 2021
Based on the 2015 Icelandic movie of the same name, the Australian reimagining of Rams is the type of gentle and generic local affair that has plagued the Oz film industry for a number of years, with this harmless but instantly forgettable drama one that is unlikely to make a legacy in local audiences minds in the years to come.
Teaming up industry icons Sam Neill and Michael Caton for the first time since the late 70's, Jeremy Sims's film is one that is made and delivered with an assured hand in all instances but it plays out in such an uninspired and formulaic manner that its hard to get overly invested in the trials and tribulations of estranged farming brothers Colin and Les.
Oddly marketed during its cinematic run last year (a long standing showing at cineplexes thanks to Covid-19) as some type of odd ball dramedy, Sim's film skews far more towards straight up drama as the small town of Mount Barker in Western Australia finds itself in the midst of a deadly disease affecting their sheep herds and the livelihoods of Sam Neill's and Michael Caton's aging farmer brothers, with the duo having to put the past behind them as they look to save themselves and way of life they are familiar with.
Rams was always ahead of the game in some regards as soon as it cast Neill and Caton, who at this age of their careers are like everyone's favorite elderly uncles or grandfathers and they make for affable company in the film as it trudges through the motions and both long standing performers acquit themselves well in their roles but neither the kindly Colin or the more grouchy Les make for overly intriguing characters in what ends up feeling like an underwritten and developed tale that is merely ticking off key boxes as it drives towards its destination.
Throughout the films near two hour runtime you'd be hard pressed to remember a significant stand out scene or component while everyone outside of Neill and Caton may as well have slept through their various side parts in the film with the likes of TV favourite Asher Keddie, veteran Miranda Richardson or recognizable face Wayne Blair getting very little to do as Colin and Les plot ways to outsmart government agencies, learn to be friends once more and save their small town from ruin.
Final Say -
An Australian film that merely feels as though its going through the motions rather than doing anything special in its own way or right, Rams has the benefit of starring two local mainstays that are always a pleasure to watch but very little else that is worth recommending for viewers seeking their next dosage of Australian film goodness.
2 1/2 outside showers out of 5
Teaming up industry icons Sam Neill and Michael Caton for the first time since the late 70's, Jeremy Sims's film is one that is made and delivered with an assured hand in all instances but it plays out in such an uninspired and formulaic manner that its hard to get overly invested in the trials and tribulations of estranged farming brothers Colin and Les.
Oddly marketed during its cinematic run last year (a long standing showing at cineplexes thanks to Covid-19) as some type of odd ball dramedy, Sim's film skews far more towards straight up drama as the small town of Mount Barker in Western Australia finds itself in the midst of a deadly disease affecting their sheep herds and the livelihoods of Sam Neill's and Michael Caton's aging farmer brothers, with the duo having to put the past behind them as they look to save themselves and way of life they are familiar with.
Rams was always ahead of the game in some regards as soon as it cast Neill and Caton, who at this age of their careers are like everyone's favorite elderly uncles or grandfathers and they make for affable company in the film as it trudges through the motions and both long standing performers acquit themselves well in their roles but neither the kindly Colin or the more grouchy Les make for overly intriguing characters in what ends up feeling like an underwritten and developed tale that is merely ticking off key boxes as it drives towards its destination.
Throughout the films near two hour runtime you'd be hard pressed to remember a significant stand out scene or component while everyone outside of Neill and Caton may as well have slept through their various side parts in the film with the likes of TV favourite Asher Keddie, veteran Miranda Richardson or recognizable face Wayne Blair getting very little to do as Colin and Les plot ways to outsmart government agencies, learn to be friends once more and save their small town from ruin.
Final Say -
An Australian film that merely feels as though its going through the motions rather than doing anything special in its own way or right, Rams has the benefit of starring two local mainstays that are always a pleasure to watch but very little else that is worth recommending for viewers seeking their next dosage of Australian film goodness.
2 1/2 outside showers out of 5
Memorable characters
Gordon-1123 April 2021
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