Filmed in Iceland and undoubtedly an Art film I expected it to have long lingering shots and be heavier on atmosphere than plot, but at the end of the day there was so little story that it basically kept repeating itself. Nice landscape not particularly captured well. Bjork was awesome but the other sister was wooden and unimpressive. The little boy was good, the father kind of tolerable. For a Grimm's fairy tale about witches it had the feel of neither type of film. I stuck it out but it shouldn't have been an effort, and it was. Needed a better script, something fleshed out.
32 Reviews
Beyond Bjork
msultan30 July 2003
I find it sad that the only recognition this movie gets is Bjork's
involvement in it. While I do admit that she's an asset to it (she
looks peculiar and is talented), I also think that the movie has
qualities of its own.
The eerie mood of the film is heightened by a lot of silence and a
slow pace. Put that against a rocky landscape in black and white,
and add a beautiful raw score, and you get a nice result. I wish it
were a little longer. The setting (architecture) and costumes really
take the viewer to another time and place.
I definitely recommend this movie, keeping in mind that it's not an
action movie, nor a horror movie. It's full of earth and soul.
involvement in it. While I do admit that she's an asset to it (she
looks peculiar and is talented), I also think that the movie has
qualities of its own.
The eerie mood of the film is heightened by a lot of silence and a
slow pace. Put that against a rocky landscape in black and white,
and add a beautiful raw score, and you get a nice result. I wish it
were a little longer. The setting (architecture) and costumes really
take the viewer to another time and place.
I definitely recommend this movie, keeping in mind that it's not an
action movie, nor a horror movie. It's full of earth and soul.
"My Own Private Branch of this Tree"
bjorgy200010 April 2002
Bjork shines in this film. I cannot say that for the rest of the actors. The setting is great and moody. I love the black and white film stock. Everything is so atmospheric and beautiful, even though it does not conform at all to Hollywood narrative and aesthetic. A must see for all Bjork and Grimm's fairytale fans. See Bjork's video "Isobel," it's a beautiful manifestation of the seed planted here.
This One Has Me Sitting On The Fence......
BillDP17 August 2003
......which usually means that I'm going to need a second viewing to make up my mind as to whether or not I liked this film or not. I happen to have a fondness for slow paced films because a lot of times that slow pace is essential for character development and for the building of certain emotions whether it be sadness, happiness, action, scares or whatever. With "The Juniper Tree", I came away from it's slow and at times snail-like pace feeling rather empty and void of specific emotions. I don't see this as a film for everyone and I can certainly see where many will really dislike it but even though I cam away empty there is something about it that made me glad to have seen it and wanting to see it again sometime in order to see if I "get it". Now, all that being said, the film does have some good things going for it. The black and white photography and the Icelandic locations are astounding and make you feel like your in another time and place. The ambient sounds and the simple music score add to the overall feeling as well. It's a sort of brooding tale with a couple of bizarre moments but I certainly wouldn't classify it as a "horror" film or an out-and-out tale of witchcraft. It pretty much plays as a drama with some mystic overtones. The movie is probably known to some for the mere fact that it stars Bjork, and she is quite good, but there is more to it then just that. I just wish I knew what it was. I'll give it another watch because I think there is something here that I'm missing and that something is probably the one thing that in the end, will have me giving this film the thumbs up.
Björk, black and white, Icelandic
SnoopyStyle24 September 2020
Margit (Björk) and older sister Katla leave their home after their mother is stoned to death for witchcraft. Katla casts a love spell on farmer Jóhann. Jóhann is helplessly spellbound but his son Jónas refuses to accept her.
It's black and white. It's Icelandic. It's brooding. There is no pale-faced death playing chess but there is some weirder stuff. I don't know what the black hole is meant to be. The movie misses an opportunity to start with a more visceral intensity by showing the stoning and the sisters being chased by the angry villagers. Of course, I stuck with this mostly for Björk. She has an intriguing charisma although her acting has limitations. This is what one can expect from an Icelandic black and white movie about death and witchcraft.
It's black and white. It's Icelandic. It's brooding. There is no pale-faced death playing chess but there is some weirder stuff. I don't know what the black hole is meant to be. The movie misses an opportunity to start with a more visceral intensity by showing the stoning and the sisters being chased by the angry villagers. Of course, I stuck with this mostly for Björk. She has an intriguing charisma although her acting has limitations. This is what one can expect from an Icelandic black and white movie about death and witchcraft.
A Hauntingly Beautiful, but Ultimately, Insubstantial Film
AnirudhGod2 September 2021
Heavily experimental, with borderline confusing dialogue and narrative, the movie stands out for its exquisite imagery. The music is so calming, and the overall mood was pretty isolatingly chipper. One could say the movie tells a story about abandonment and selfishness in a trauma inducing reality, while I interpreted it as some quasi-spiritual drama about the place of women, and hope and reincarnation in times of pathlessness. The film feels pretty insubstantial for the most part and a lot of the runtime feels like it's stretched out to the max, with decorative and repetitive imagery and no meaningful moments of revelation that move you-except that one moment of death halfway through the film, that's just as it is. Even though the movie was a pretty feel good one with solid imagery and music, all of it felt like a huge excercise in ambiguous storytelling, with little substance that deserves your investment and that which has little rewards-except that soothing music during the end credits.
Overall, I liked it, but I doubt people looking for any real substance will find any here.
Overall, I liked it, but I doubt people looking for any real substance will find any here.
Beautiful film
buddypatrick22 October 2006
The Juniper tree is a tale based on whether or not witchcraft exists, and its also based on a tale by the same title written by the Brothers Grimm. It's a pretty nifty little movie, unknown by many, found by only Björk fans most likely, but its really good, and a great insight into Icelandic living. In fact, it was Bryndis Petra Gradadóttir who told director Nietzchka Keene that this movie captured pure and realistic Iceland culture.
Its a film about two daughters who flee their homeland after their mother is stoned and burnt for being a witch. Margit (Björk) and Katla (Bryndis Petra Gradadóttir) find a man by the name of Jóhann (Valdimar Örn Flygenring) and casts a spell on him that will make him fall in love with Katla. Jónas (Geirlaug Sunna Þormar), the son of Jóhann gets suspicious that Katla is a witch, and thinks Katla is trying to destroy the everlasting spirit of the deceased mother to Jónas spirit inside Jóhann. Meanwhile Jónas befriends Margit, and Margit is seeing visions of her mother's ghosts. Trust me, if the names were like John and Beth it would be a lot more coherent than what I just wrote.
Performances from the entire cast are great, well not astonishing but good enough for such a low budget film. Björk, Bryndis and Jónas particularly do great performances, of course the lovely Björk is a little weird in this movie, but isn't she always in real life too? So there is no difference between reality and this film when it comes to Björk's personality. Which is funny, because when asked about this she says it was much of a dream because she was just two weeks after pregnancy with Sindri, and her "out of it" self at the time works well with her character of Margot. So her character is somewhat incidentally made into a mysterious young, kind hearted witch because she was so deluded at the time.
It is also really well written, not so much the pacing but dialogue and characters are well placed in the film. I like the simple lines used when the entire cast has conversations with one another, as they are simple and atmospheric lines, and Björk does a great job on making her sad lines sound as they are supposed to "She didn't mean to hurt him, let her go" which is pretty eye watering.
The tale, in a way, ends in tragedy, but it doesn't leave you completely bleak. It is a confusing movie, it took me three viewings before I completely understood this film, but I love it either way. It's a bit muddled mainly because we as the western world are so unfamiliar to such culture and witchcraft like this. Either way, the movie is very good and works well with what it orbits around.
Although this is a quite film and its only recognition is Björk, it is a great movie, although will bore some with it's slow pace movement, but it is a very beautiful country it is filmed in, Iceland, and deserves everlasting shots on such a wonderful country. I highly recommend this film to anyone who likes Björk, because whether or not you're bound to like it with her acting.
Its a film about two daughters who flee their homeland after their mother is stoned and burnt for being a witch. Margit (Björk) and Katla (Bryndis Petra Gradadóttir) find a man by the name of Jóhann (Valdimar Örn Flygenring) and casts a spell on him that will make him fall in love with Katla. Jónas (Geirlaug Sunna Þormar), the son of Jóhann gets suspicious that Katla is a witch, and thinks Katla is trying to destroy the everlasting spirit of the deceased mother to Jónas spirit inside Jóhann. Meanwhile Jónas befriends Margit, and Margit is seeing visions of her mother's ghosts. Trust me, if the names were like John and Beth it would be a lot more coherent than what I just wrote.
Performances from the entire cast are great, well not astonishing but good enough for such a low budget film. Björk, Bryndis and Jónas particularly do great performances, of course the lovely Björk is a little weird in this movie, but isn't she always in real life too? So there is no difference between reality and this film when it comes to Björk's personality. Which is funny, because when asked about this she says it was much of a dream because she was just two weeks after pregnancy with Sindri, and her "out of it" self at the time works well with her character of Margot. So her character is somewhat incidentally made into a mysterious young, kind hearted witch because she was so deluded at the time.
It is also really well written, not so much the pacing but dialogue and characters are well placed in the film. I like the simple lines used when the entire cast has conversations with one another, as they are simple and atmospheric lines, and Björk does a great job on making her sad lines sound as they are supposed to "She didn't mean to hurt him, let her go" which is pretty eye watering.
The tale, in a way, ends in tragedy, but it doesn't leave you completely bleak. It is a confusing movie, it took me three viewings before I completely understood this film, but I love it either way. It's a bit muddled mainly because we as the western world are so unfamiliar to such culture and witchcraft like this. Either way, the movie is very good and works well with what it orbits around.
Although this is a quite film and its only recognition is Björk, it is a great movie, although will bore some with it's slow pace movement, but it is a very beautiful country it is filmed in, Iceland, and deserves everlasting shots on such a wonderful country. I highly recommend this film to anyone who likes Björk, because whether or not you're bound to like it with her acting.
See It For The Pictures
boblipton4 October 2020
Their mother is killed for being a witch, so the sisters flee to a bleak farmstead composed entirely of scree. Bryndis Petra Bragadóttir. casts a spell on farmer Valdimar Örn Flygenring to make him fall in love with her, while Björk holds conversations with their mother to bring in her fans.
I don't know how they eat on a farm without anything but stone on the place, but there are sheepskins everywhere, this being Iceland and all. This movie version of a tale from the Brothers Grimm is told with an underacted air, but the black-and-white camerawork of Randolph Sellars is bleak and beautiful.
I don't know how they eat on a farm without anything but stone on the place, but there are sheepskins everywhere, this being Iceland and all. This movie version of a tale from the Brothers Grimm is told with an underacted air, but the black-and-white camerawork of Randolph Sellars is bleak and beautiful.
Thanks George Lucas.
Beautiful and meditative. One of the most visually stunning movies I've ever seen, with a dreary medieval score that completes the incredible fairy tale atmosphere. It's a movie that deals with a lot of Bergman esque themes like life, death, the afterlife, etc, but it trades in the blatant, occasionally annoying, philosophical ramblings for more subtle and period accurate, but purposeful dialogue that's brought to life incredibly by all four actors. Genuinely blown away by this underrated masterpiece. The only thing that disappoints me is that there's no more movies I can watch with Bjork in them.
yusufpiskin27 November 2020
- and your soul?
Beautiful and meditative. One of the most visually stunning movies I've ever seen, with a dreary medieval score that completes the incredible fairy tale atmosphere. It's a movie that deals with a lot of Bergman esque themes like life, death, the afterlife, etc, but it trades in the blatant, occasionally annoying, philosophical ramblings for more subtle and period accurate, but purposeful dialogue that's brought to life incredibly by all four actors. Genuinely blown away by this underrated masterpiece. The only thing that disappoints me is that there's no more movies I can watch with Bjork in them.
7/10. Recommended
athanasiosze10 April 2024
Maybe a bit overrated (86/100 Metascore), still better than i expected. A weird art/drama/fantasy movie, filmed in black and white, which kept my attention until the ending. Not the most interesting movie of the world, but it never got boring. Morally ambiguous characters, i admit that i was a bit confused because i wasn't sure what kind of people were they. I was confused as well regarding movie's lore, i mean, witchcraft, old Testament, Moses, Elijah.. I am no sure if there was an interface between all of them. However, maybe it was not that important. I enjoyed this movie, i was curious where the story goes, i cared about the characters and it was all that matters. So, if you like this genre, you will like this as well.
Good actors. Björk is charismatic as another reviewer said, and i am not her biggest fan.
Good actors. Björk is charismatic as another reviewer said, and i am not her biggest fan.
Well shot art-house movie but lacks substance
zerodeaths4345 May 2020
This is a movie for those who are really deep into art-films and I cannot ascertain whether they will like it or not. Yes the movie is well directed and the cinematography is also good.The shots of the landscapes are somewhat soothing too. However I really wished that there was something more to this film.
If fairy tales move you you will love it. If you like Björk you will love it. If you don't like slow, sad movies this is nothing for you.
haewatein4 December 2007
This is a truly beautiful movie!
I'm a movie maniac AND also a big Björk fan. I got to know this movie only through Björk but I think that it's really great.
The movie really feels like a fairytale (it is based on one). The feeling of it is just fantastic, the black & white creates a special atmosphere and I love the actors, not only Björk is grandiose in it! The unique Icelandic accent makes it very special to me (I'm Austrian). The story is VERY sad but at an extreme high artistic level I never expected from this little pearl.
It is it really worth to buy it on DVD.
Do it even if you like only Björk! You won't regret it. Björk is simply fantastic in it. She creates a huge part of the offered atmosphere. Support this movie, it's a masterpiece and I don't know anything similar to it's unique style.
It's not only a fairytale, it's more... enjoy it!
And something else: You can hear Björk singing even pretty often in the movie, one more reason to get it!
I gave it 9/10 here on IMDb. It's a pity it isn't well-known.
If you want to see one the best movies ever check out Dancer in the Dark (WITH BJÖRK). That one is probably the saddest movie I've ever seen. It's HEART RIPPING, so watch out. I think this is the only movie ever that me cry. Lars von Trier created with Dancer in the Dark such a great masterpiece it's nearly unbelievable. And I tell you, that one is really hard and worth gold.
Hey, if you enjoyed Juniper Tree and like Björk, let me know please!
I'm a movie maniac AND also a big Björk fan. I got to know this movie only through Björk but I think that it's really great.
The movie really feels like a fairytale (it is based on one). The feeling of it is just fantastic, the black & white creates a special atmosphere and I love the actors, not only Björk is grandiose in it! The unique Icelandic accent makes it very special to me (I'm Austrian). The story is VERY sad but at an extreme high artistic level I never expected from this little pearl.
It is it really worth to buy it on DVD.
Do it even if you like only Björk! You won't regret it. Björk is simply fantastic in it. She creates a huge part of the offered atmosphere. Support this movie, it's a masterpiece and I don't know anything similar to it's unique style.
It's not only a fairytale, it's more... enjoy it!
And something else: You can hear Björk singing even pretty often in the movie, one more reason to get it!
I gave it 9/10 here on IMDb. It's a pity it isn't well-known.
If you want to see one the best movies ever check out Dancer in the Dark (WITH BJÖRK). That one is probably the saddest movie I've ever seen. It's HEART RIPPING, so watch out. I think this is the only movie ever that me cry. Lars von Trier created with Dancer in the Dark such a great masterpiece it's nearly unbelievable. And I tell you, that one is really hard and worth gold.
Hey, if you enjoyed Juniper Tree and like Björk, let me know please!
The Most Underrated Adaption of Grimm Fairy Tale
ongoam10 November 2021
I was prepared to love this movie.
23626012 January 2011
Part of the reason I watched this was because I was so completely captivated by Dancer In the Dark. In fact, that movie has long held a place in my top ten favorites of all time. I am also a fan of disjointed movies that employ ambiance and subtle moods to elevate themselves to the level of art. For some reason, this movie just didn't click with me. I may be missing something, but my feelings about this film stand as equal and opposite to my feelings about Dancer In the Dark.
The deficit, as I saw it, was not due to Björk's acting, and it would delight me to see her take on more cinematic projects.
The deficit, as I saw it, was not due to Björk's acting, and it would delight me to see her take on more cinematic projects.
A brooding fairytale...
reicreature4 June 2006
The Juniper Tree is one of the grimmer of the classic folktales recorded by the Grimm brothers. This movie is a artfully rendered interpretation of that fairytale.
Scandinavian films have a tendency towards a slower, subdued style and this movie is no exception. The grainy quality of the black and white images and that slower pace creates a dreamlike experience for the viewer that suits the plot well.
I would not recommend this movie for everyone. It is not particularly scary or exciting. It is however a great movie for fans of surreal dramas. People who enjoy David Lynch and Lars Fontrier movies will probably enjoy The Juniper Tree.
Scandinavian films have a tendency towards a slower, subdued style and this movie is no exception. The grainy quality of the black and white images and that slower pace creates a dreamlike experience for the viewer that suits the plot well.
I would not recommend this movie for everyone. It is not particularly scary or exciting. It is however a great movie for fans of surreal dramas. People who enjoy David Lynch and Lars Fontrier movies will probably enjoy The Juniper Tree.
Enjoyable artistic fairy tale (for select audiences)
I_Ailurophile27 March 2022
Sometimes the line between "low-budget" and "art film" is very thin indeed, and without being especially familiar with filmmaker Nietzchka Keene, it's hard to say which influence is greater here. Despite the limitations of the feature, I think the art direction and production design are swell. Costume design, hair and makeup, and set design are all very suitable as they create the intended feel of a medieval setting. Of course it helps that the title was filmed in black and white, a choice which makes all the imagery and drama herein stark and bold in its presentation; likewise, Randy Sellars' cinematography is both crisp and rich. At the same time, nothing is seen of the world of the picture outside the immediate vicinity of the characters - much like a true fairy tale, there's a singular focus on only the essential elements of the movie.
Matching the fundamental visuals in a weird way, the greater substance of 'The juniper tree' bears an odd sense of being spartan yet beautiful. I assume these qualities can be chalked up to the writing and direction of Keene: The story is imparted through the realization of the barest essence of each plot point, scarcely expanding any into a larger, more elaborate scene - and where we do get such augmentation, it's an embellishment of fancy that may require multiple viewings to dissect. This quality is reflected in all aspects of the screenplay, including dialogue and characterizations. The cast demonstrate able nuanced range and poise, while their performances are nonetheless consistently restrained - which is to say, almost stilted, delivering each line and moment with apparent careful deliberation. In all these ways the film is complete, cohesive, and whole, yet dances on the edge of feeling bereft and insufficient. Once more: is this a reflection of few resources for the production, or of artful intent? Or perhaps both?
For all the peculiarities, including sometimes curt editing, 'The juniper tree' is really quite excellent, and quietly enchanting. Iceland is country filled with wondrous natural sights, and we get to see a fair amount of it here. Relatively austere and whimsical as much of the production may be, Keene nevertheless illustrates a deft intelligence for building shots and scenes, amplifying the drama. And while it's never a focus, Larry Lipkis' somber, somewhat melancholic score lends further to the simple beauty of each component part. Some of the artistic choices of the feature, rounding out Keene's interpretation of the Brothers Grimm, are arguably a bit dense; at other times the heart of the narrative is deemphasized such that one is best served by reading the source material before watching so as to fully understand the course of events. Even so, the story is engrossing, and compelling, and capably holds one's attention.
This is hardly going to be for everyone. I can't pretend that I grasp every last subtlety of Keene's vision, least of all from a single view, and anyone who can't get on board with more artful, sophisticated films are best served watching something else. Niche though it may be, however, 'The juniper tree' is ultimately well made, with solid acting, direction, and writing. The core is strong, and it's the additional flourishes that may particularly inspire or discourage. While I'm still slightly undecided myself, I think this is worth checking out if one has the opportunity.
Matching the fundamental visuals in a weird way, the greater substance of 'The juniper tree' bears an odd sense of being spartan yet beautiful. I assume these qualities can be chalked up to the writing and direction of Keene: The story is imparted through the realization of the barest essence of each plot point, scarcely expanding any into a larger, more elaborate scene - and where we do get such augmentation, it's an embellishment of fancy that may require multiple viewings to dissect. This quality is reflected in all aspects of the screenplay, including dialogue and characterizations. The cast demonstrate able nuanced range and poise, while their performances are nonetheless consistently restrained - which is to say, almost stilted, delivering each line and moment with apparent careful deliberation. In all these ways the film is complete, cohesive, and whole, yet dances on the edge of feeling bereft and insufficient. Once more: is this a reflection of few resources for the production, or of artful intent? Or perhaps both?
For all the peculiarities, including sometimes curt editing, 'The juniper tree' is really quite excellent, and quietly enchanting. Iceland is country filled with wondrous natural sights, and we get to see a fair amount of it here. Relatively austere and whimsical as much of the production may be, Keene nevertheless illustrates a deft intelligence for building shots and scenes, amplifying the drama. And while it's never a focus, Larry Lipkis' somber, somewhat melancholic score lends further to the simple beauty of each component part. Some of the artistic choices of the feature, rounding out Keene's interpretation of the Brothers Grimm, are arguably a bit dense; at other times the heart of the narrative is deemphasized such that one is best served by reading the source material before watching so as to fully understand the course of events. Even so, the story is engrossing, and compelling, and capably holds one's attention.
This is hardly going to be for everyone. I can't pretend that I grasp every last subtlety of Keene's vision, least of all from a single view, and anyone who can't get on board with more artful, sophisticated films are best served watching something else. Niche though it may be, however, 'The juniper tree' is ultimately well made, with solid acting, direction, and writing. The core is strong, and it's the additional flourishes that may particularly inspire or discourage. While I'm still slightly undecided myself, I think this is worth checking out if one has the opportunity.
an involving, beautiful tale
own-224 March 1999
Katla and her little sister Margit must flee their hometown after their mother is stoned to death for witchcraft. Katla's spell to find a husband nets them a new place to live, but comes with the emnity of the new husband's son. An independent American film shot in Iceland, the Juniper Tree is a beautiful interpretation of the brothers Grimm story of the same name. Fine performances, good costumes, and stunning landscapes bring this tale to life.
juniper tree
mossgrymk15 October 2020
Great movie
Todd-1814 November 1998
I originally bought the movie because I was a huge Björk fan. But after watching it several times, I see that the movie stands on its own and would be almost as good without Björk (not quite though). The plot was a little hard to follow at first, but after seeing it around 5 times I think I've caught everything. This movie is by no means a blockbuster or high budget. In fact, it's more like something you'd see on the Independent Film Channel. Juniper Tree is based on a Brothers Grimm tale and was filmed in Iceland. The scenery is rather barren (unlike some really beautiful landscape I've seen in books about Iceland) and the black and white photography doesn't help much to brighten the mood. All of this, however, adds to the film and the plot.
I agree that this movie will appeal to a very small percentage of the public, but if you fit into that category, you may have just found what you're looking for.
I agree that this movie will appeal to a very small percentage of the public, but if you fit into that category, you may have just found what you're looking for.
Excellent Art-House Cinema!
ggdva6 June 2001
This movie was quite surprising in its quality and originality. It starts off slow but eventually starts to unravel and become a haunting tale of revenge and witchcraft. Bjork, who was absolutely mesmerizing in "Dancer in the Dark" is very strong in this film as well. She carries the movie as the vulnerable little sister who sees visions of her dead mother and reaches out to the little boy she is living with.
You numbskulls, why didn't anyone tell me how great this movie is?
rooprect31 January 2011
I can't believe I had never heard of this movie until I happened to see it in the $3 used pile at my local video store. Being a casual Bjork fan I figured it would be an entertaining 90 mins with maybe a few decent songs.
Wow, was I surprised. First of all, there aren't any Bjork songs although the soundtrack does contain some haunting vocalizations that might be her (sounds a lot like the Volta album), but I can't be sure. Secondly, although Bjork is indeed the lead character, the movie is so much more than just her.
It's definitely a very artsy film, so if the phrase "artsy film" scares you, you might want to move along. If, on the other hand, you don't mind long, wordless, gorgeous b&w shots of the landscape and other photo-worthy images, read on.
If I had walked into a cinema that was playing this movie, I might think it was a Bergman film or something by Carl Theodor Dreyer or Robert Bresson. It has that same dreamy, haunting quality and careful attention to visuals. This is the kind of movie that you could take a snapshot of at any minute, hang it on your wall, and people would say 'ooh cool photo'. Bjork is particularly beautiful (in a Keebler elf sort of way), the locations are breathtaking, and the authentic sets add to the film's credibility. The exteriors were shot in rural Iceland, and the interiors were shot in various Icelandic historical museums. Everything we see transports us back to a timeless, legendary world.
You might have heard that this is based on a Grimm's fairytale of the same name, but the similarities end there. The Grimm's fairytale is a pretty straightforward, predictable moral lesson, whereas this adaptation is a complex and poetic experience that will linger in your mind for a long time. Also don't be misled by the DVD description; while witchcraft is a main component, the movie is not necessarily supernatural but instead shows us how belief can bend perception and influence outcomes.
I have to admit it took me a while to get into this film, and many others might also have some difficulty due to its unconventional presentation and heavy pacing. But it really gets interesting in the 2nd half, and I found the ending to be unexpected and provocative.
If you're a fan of the aforementioned directors as well as Jean Cocteau ("Beauty & the Beast"), Bela Tarr ("Werckmeister Harmonies"), Hiroshi Teshigahara ("Woman in the Dunes") and other surrealist masters, I think you'll really enjoy this. Oh yeah, it also has Bjork in it. How cool is that!
Wow, was I surprised. First of all, there aren't any Bjork songs although the soundtrack does contain some haunting vocalizations that might be her (sounds a lot like the Volta album), but I can't be sure. Secondly, although Bjork is indeed the lead character, the movie is so much more than just her.
It's definitely a very artsy film, so if the phrase "artsy film" scares you, you might want to move along. If, on the other hand, you don't mind long, wordless, gorgeous b&w shots of the landscape and other photo-worthy images, read on.
If I had walked into a cinema that was playing this movie, I might think it was a Bergman film or something by Carl Theodor Dreyer or Robert Bresson. It has that same dreamy, haunting quality and careful attention to visuals. This is the kind of movie that you could take a snapshot of at any minute, hang it on your wall, and people would say 'ooh cool photo'. Bjork is particularly beautiful (in a Keebler elf sort of way), the locations are breathtaking, and the authentic sets add to the film's credibility. The exteriors were shot in rural Iceland, and the interiors were shot in various Icelandic historical museums. Everything we see transports us back to a timeless, legendary world.
You might have heard that this is based on a Grimm's fairytale of the same name, but the similarities end there. The Grimm's fairytale is a pretty straightforward, predictable moral lesson, whereas this adaptation is a complex and poetic experience that will linger in your mind for a long time. Also don't be misled by the DVD description; while witchcraft is a main component, the movie is not necessarily supernatural but instead shows us how belief can bend perception and influence outcomes.
I have to admit it took me a while to get into this film, and many others might also have some difficulty due to its unconventional presentation and heavy pacing. But it really gets interesting in the 2nd half, and I found the ending to be unexpected and provocative.
If you're a fan of the aforementioned directors as well as Jean Cocteau ("Beauty & the Beast"), Bela Tarr ("Werckmeister Harmonies"), Hiroshi Teshigahara ("Woman in the Dunes") and other surrealist masters, I think you'll really enjoy this. Oh yeah, it also has Bjork in it. How cool is that!
Just good
rdvljunk20 May 2015
This movies tells the classic Grimm story of the Juniper tree, a story about a hateful woman with her daughter who comes to live with a good man and his son. The story is slightly adapted for this movie so it becomes less fairy tail and more movie. Filmed in stylish black and white it has a great atmosphere
Yes, this is a lovely movie but it would have been forgotten long ago if it wasn't for the presence of Bjork. It has all the charm of the Grimm fairy-tale combined with the magical Icelandic landscape, they fit together very well. The acting is however so-so, as are the dialogs and the imagery. Some shots are great but mostly it is very simple
All in all it is a very entertaining movie, with the charm of (very) low-budget
Yes, this is a lovely movie but it would have been forgotten long ago if it wasn't for the presence of Bjork. It has all the charm of the Grimm fairy-tale combined with the magical Icelandic landscape, they fit together very well. The acting is however so-so, as are the dialogs and the imagery. Some shots are great but mostly it is very simple
All in all it is a very entertaining movie, with the charm of (very) low-budget
Bjork adds quirkiness to even the driest of movies, which makes the movie quite enjoyable and, well, good.
Hayden2821 February 1999
Obviously, the major attraction of this film is the star, Bjork. But the film also has some little quirks that are hard to find in big budget movies of late. For instance, the "evil" stepmother sews the little boy's mouth shut, so that he may never speak badly about her again. The film is also very symbolic. And, if that's not enough, Bjork is in the movie!
An Icelandic gem
gbill-7487727 September 2020
Beautiful, rugged scenery in Iceland, a fairy tale that's every bit as dark as it is magical, and 21-year-old Björk, just before her Sugarcubes days - there's a lot to love about this film. As the story evolves we see that the supernatural witchcraft some women have been stoned and burned for is real, with one sister using it to seduce a widower and to try to handle his son's resentment of her, and the other (Björk) seeing visions of their own dead mother and messages in animal behavior. The film references other bits of folklore involving trolls and birds, and while the main story is based on Grimms' Fairy Tales, it feels very Icelandic in the way the harsh, barren world is alive with hidden mysticism. In that way, it seems to reflect the culture as much as the novels of Halldór Laxness do. The small cast is strong and the black and white cinematography is stunning. Really, just a lovely little film from Nietzchka Keene.
They know what the birds know now
mehobulls21 November 2020
I'm glad I watched this so close to 'The Virgin Spring'-the realistic handling of a folk tale gave me a good handle on this somewhat more mysterious work. What's most fascinating is the strong motivation and humanity it gives to the evil step-parent trope, and the charming Bjork's visions and gradual understanding of human darkness grow progressively eerier. The tactility only makes the weirdness more bizarre.
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