Jar City
Jar City

Movie spotlight

Jar City

2006
Movie
93 min
Icelandic

A murder opens up a bleak trail of long buried secrets and small town corruption for a worn out police detective and his squad.

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes90%
Metacritic76/100
Google Users89%
Director: Baltasar KormákurGenres: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Plot Summary

Detective Erlendur deals with a baffling case involving a reclusive old man who is found dead in his apartment, surrounded by an unusual collection of jars. As Erlendur delves deeper, he uncovers a complex web of past betrayals, hidden family secrets, and long-simmering resentments that stretch back decades. The investigation forces him to confront his own troubled past and the consequences of his actions.

Critical Reception

Jar City received widespread critical acclaim for its dark, atmospheric portrayal of Icelandic society and its compelling crime narrative. Critics praised its strong performances, particularly from lead Ingvar Eggert Sigurðsson, and director Baltasar Kormákur's masterful handling of suspense and character development. It was lauded as a standout example of Nordic noir, showcasing a gritty realism often absent in the genre.

What Reviewers Say

  • A grim and gripping crime thriller with a complex, character-driven plot.

  • Stellar performances, especially from the lead, anchor the film's dark atmosphere.

  • Explores the dark underbelly of Icelandic society with unflinching realism.

Google audience: Audiences consistently praise "Jar City" for its intense suspense and compelling story, with many highlighting the strong acting and atmospheric direction. Some viewers found the plot to be intricate and deeply engaging, while others appreciated its departure from typical crime film tropes.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the prestigious Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Also won multiple Edda Awards (Icelandic Film Awards) including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Actor.

Fun Fact

The film is based on the novel "Mýrin" (The Ditch) by Arnaldur Indriðason, a highly successful Icelandic crime writer whose books often feature Detective Erlendur.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
rajashanmugam83

rajashanmugam83

A decent thriller which keeps you at edge of the seat till the end. It's worth watching. Go for it.