The multi-award winning movie Woman At War is a warm, quirky, hilarious delight about a middle aged choir master on a personal crusade. The message is simple, go see it.
Like so many good movies, the premise is simple.
Middle-aged woman, Halla (Halldóra Geirharðsdóttir), is on a mission to stop the heavy industry that threatens to destroy the stunning natural Icelandic environment. We know it’s stunning because we can see it firsthand. The action takes place over, around and through the beautiful rolling hills, filmed expertly by cinematographer Bergsteinn Björgúlfsson.
Halla’s has come up with a simple plan. By tripping the large electricity pylons the town, and more importantly local government, grinds to a halt. Getting to the pylons takes a marathon effort and as her notoriety increases, she is soon battling not only the terrain, but police helicopters and drones.
By day Halla is a choir leader, who no one would ever consider doubles as the ‘Mountain Woman’. Music is clearly a passion and this is bought home by the band of musicians that follow her around on her journey. Literally. Popping up when you least expect them, the Icelandic folk group and Ukrainian singers adds another hilarious and heartfelt layer to the movie.
During her campaign Halla is aided by a bear of a mountain man, and a nervous government employee. But with the police closing in, Halla is forced to reassess her goals when she finds out her application to adopt a child has been approved. Which is more important, save the planet or save a life?
Geirharðsdóttir is a delight, convincing as both the choir mistress and eco-warrior. There is more to say about her role but I don’t want to ruin the surprise. Equally delightful is the man who must be the most unlucky tourist in the world.
The movie touches on so many current day themes, climate change, adoption, drones, actually this has to be the best drone experience in a movie so far.
It’s fast becoming the case that ‘if it’s Nordic I’m there’ and I’ll definitely be looking out for more movies featuring Geirharðsdóttir.
Icelandic Language w English subtitles
WINNER: SADC AWARD, CANNES FILM FESTIVAL 2018
WINNER: BEST FILM, ART CINEMA AWARD, HAMBURG FILM FESTIVAL 2018
WINNER: BEST FILM, NORDIC COUNCIL’S FILM AWARD 2018
WINNER: BEST FILM, EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT LUX AWARD 2018
WINNER: BEST FILM, BEST DRAMATIC FEATURE, BYRON BAY FILM FESTIVAL 2018
WINNER: BEST ACTRESS, MONTREAL FESTIVAL OF NEW CINEMA 2018
WINNER: BEST ACTRESS, VALLADOLID INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2018
OFFICIAL SELECTION: CRITICS’ WEEK, CANNES FILM FESTIVAL 2018
For more information go to Luna Cinemas
Starts April 4th
Watch: Women at War Trailer
