Rams
Rams

Rams

2015Movie93 minIcelandic

In a secluded valley in Iceland, Gummi and Kiddi live side by side, tending to their sheep. Their ancestral sheep-stock is considered one of the country’s best and the two brothers are repeatedly awarded for their prized rams who carry an ancient lineage. Although they share the land and a way of life, Gummi and Kiddi have not spoken to each other in four decades. When a lethal disease suddenly infects Kiddi’s sheep, the entire valley comes under threat. The authorities decide to cull all the animals in the area to contain the outbreak. But Gummi and Kiddi don’t give up so easily – and each brother tries to stave off the disaster in his own fashion: Kiddi by using his rifle and Gummi by using his wits.

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Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes93%
Metacritic74/100
Google Users86%
Director: Grímur HákonarsonGenres: Drama, Comedy

Plot Summary

In a remote Icelandic valley, two aging brothers, Gummi and Kiddi, live separate lives on neighboring farms, tending to their prized flock of sheep. Their decades-long feud, stemming from a past grievance, has grown so bitter that they haven't spoken in years, communicating only through their dogs. When a devastating disease threatens to wipe out all sheep in the region, the brothers must set aside their animosity and work together to save their livelihoods and the local farming community.

Critical Reception

Rams garnered widespread critical acclaim for its understated performances, stark Icelandic landscape cinematography, and poignant exploration of sibling rivalry and community resilience. Critics lauded its blend of dry humor and emotional depth, often highlighting its unique portrayal of rural life and the deep connection between shepherds and their animals.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its authentic and heartfelt depiction of Icelandic rural life.
  • Lauded for the subtle yet powerful performances of its lead actors.
  • Appreciated for its unique blend of humor and poignant drama.

Google audience: Google users particularly enjoyed the film's unique premise, the touching portrayal of brotherhood despite conflict, and the beautiful cinematography capturing the Icelandic landscape. Some mentioned finding the pacing slow at times, but the overall sentiment was very positive.

Awards & Accolades

Won the Un Certain Regard prize at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival. Also received numerous nominations and awards at various international film festivals.

Fun Fact

The film's distinctive score was composed by Atli Örn Sykesson, who is also a sheep farmer himself, adding an authentic touch to the soundtrack.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

3 reviews
Reno

Reno

> It is more than just raising the livestock to them. Just a week ago I saw 'Fúsi' which was about an overweight person with the mind of a child. And now another excellent Icelandic movie that centres on the livestock farmers. One of the...
Frank Ochieng

Frank Ochieng

Coldness and bleak does not just describe the weather conditions in rural Iceland where writer-director Grimur Hakonarson’s slice-of-life farming drama Rams (a.k.a. “Hrutar”) takes place. It can also apply to the distant brotherly relations...
Wong

Wong

Serious and moving but also with a bleaker than bleak Scandinavian sense of humor, "Rams" is so much its own film that figuring out where its unusual, unpredictable plot will end up is difficult if not impossible.