Movie spotlight

The Fish Can Sing

Name: The Fish Can Sing
Released: 1973-02-11
Duration: 167 min

1973

Movie

167 min

Icelandic

Set at the start of the twentieth century, the movie deals with the orphaned boy Álfgrímur, his adoptive grandparents, and the small, tolerant community of misfits and eccentrics they gather around them at Brekkukot, their cottage in Reykjavík. As Álfgrímur begins to encounter the minor politicians, businessmen and social-climbers of the growing town of Reykjavík he starts to question his future as a fisherman's grandson, and is increasingly fascinated by Garðar Hólm, the celebrated Icelandic "world singer" whose sporadic returns to Iceland encourage Álfgrímur to pursue his own personal goals of self-expression. He discovers the true value of his boyhood experiences only as he sets out on a path that will take him away from them forever.

Jump to Reviews

Insights

IMDb7.0/10

Director: Sigurður Jónsson•Genres: Drama

Plot Summary

Set in a small Icelandic fishing village, the film follows a young boy named Guðmundur as he navigates the complexities of his family life and the harsh realities of his environment. His world is shaped by his fisherman father, his mother, and the traditions of their community. The narrative explores themes of isolation, dreams, and the passage of time in a place where life is dictated by the sea.

Critical Reception

The Fish Can Sing is a critically acclaimed Icelandic drama that was recognized for its evocative portrayal of life in a remote fishing village. It received praise for its atmospheric direction and compelling performances, capturing the quiet struggles and simple joys of its characters. The film is considered a significant work in Icelandic cinema.