Heartstone

Very sensitive and well thought out film which was quite emotional at the end. Just great honest story telling in a sensible and sympathetic way..

Heartstone is a gripping coming of age film about two teenage boys living in a remote Icelandic community. The film is richly atmospheric, and whilst some may find its plot slow moving in places, it is well worth persevering with it, as a great deal happens in the film. Whilst there are some depictions of violence and cruelty in the film, and a great deal which may make you feel sad, there are also a few light-hearted moments too. The location of the film, a small village on Iceland, set in a barren wilderness, looks rugged and beautiful. And, like many remote locations, the small village where the 2 teenage boys live, is so remote that there is little for them to do, with consequence that for the teenage characters in the film it may well seem like the smallest place in the world. To add to their feelings of isolation, the 2 main characters, who are best friends, are experiencing a coming-of-age crisis, and the difficulties they face are exacerbated by their local community's culture of heavy drinking, homophobia and violence. Headstone, in my opinion, is a little gem of a film, as its screenplay, direction, and the acting of its cast are superb. I very much enjoyed this film and have recommended it to friends.

it's a good Story but i only give it 3 Stars as i seen it B4

This movie does teenage angst to the max. Your emotions are pulled in alternate directions with every scene. The viewer will totally empathise with the characters and their experiences in a 'we've all been there' kind of way. At times they'll demand your support, at others you'll want to yell at the screen, "Get over yourselves and get on with it!". In spite of the angst overload, there are also moments of excruciatingly funny comedy, such as the mean pranks played on one of the boys by his feisty sisters, which leave him angry and humiliated, then there's 'the scene with the hairbrush", which had me laughing out loud. The film moves at quite a slow pace, which plays to the narrative of the wild and harsh location where nothing much happens and when it does, everyone knows about it. Weather and remoteness build a community of solid, hardy citizens who just do stuff without fuss or favour, and they don't like to talk to anyone about their lives and fears. Having said that, the pace is not a negative. The slowness actually helps to develop a 'will-they-won't-they' kind of vibe, which keeps the viewer on the edge of their seat right until the end. The movie deserves attention for sure. I don't believe you will be disappointed in any way.

I watched this film on spec having been impressed by two other Icelandic films, "I Remember You" and "Rams." I thought "Heartstone" was excellent, notable for the extraordinarily assured, trusting performances of the two principal actors, Baldur and Blaer. The photography of a remarkable landscape gave the film a strong sense of place and of an isolated, inward looking community. The relationship between Thor and Christian is carefully, unflinching depicted at satisfying, convincing length. I disagree with previous reviewers who have found the film too long. Two hours give the opportunity for delicacy and for the characters to "breathe" and for their relationship to develop uncertainly and slowly - which is true to life and to adolescent experience. I'd recommend this unusual film to anyone.

A stunning coming of age film, visually thrilling with characters that stayed in my mind weeks after viewing.The beauty of your movie is the detail, its perfectly observed around how teenagers behave in private, the time is given to let the characters breathe, its a long experience and I found that drew me in even further.The entire community depicted here is vivid and specific. Comibg of age dramas, especially gay themed films are still relatively new so the images and stories still feel fresh and exciting.A joy.

Patience is needed and must be watched at least twice particularly if one doesn't speak the original Icelandic but is well worth a little persiverance; the performance by 'Thor' is well betond his years and provides excellet viewing for those of 'mature' years; suggest it's unsuitable for younger viewers [speaking as an old fossil].

It was ok thanks 👍😊