Gegen den Strom

A nicely shot, manipulative, hipster, eco-agitprop. For a while, I wanted to acknowledge its above-average quality, but, no, I won’t make myself do it. This is a film that uncritically forces the viewer to sympathize with an ecoterrorist, while ostentatiously overlooking the possibility that her actions are not all that kosher, because all of her ideological antagonists are portrayed as psychopaths unwilling to listen. Why doesn’t this woman engage in civil action for instance? For what it’s shown, I’d conclude that she has plenty of time for that. Another thing is that we really don’t know that much about this heroine. Why doesn’t this one and only “rational lady” have a relationship or try to find one? She can’t have her own children or she’s had bad experiences with men? We don’t know. What we do know is that she “knows she’s right” and that’s why she’s cutting power lines and would love to adopt a Ukrainian girl. Spoiler: The conclusion is supposed to be something positive, like “the lady enjoyed a little bit of happiness”, but what I saw was mostly a selfish person for whom everything is clear-cut, even what she’s willing to sacrifice, and who, without hesitation, avoids assuming any responsibility. That’s because these eco-activists are used to the fact that rules don’t apply to them – we’ve seen that here, haven’t we? End of spoiler. So I won’t applaud that. I realised Benedikt Erlingsson was not my cup of tea already with Of Horses and Men, now I can confirm it. (06.02.2019)

Was ist die bessere Methode, um die Welt zu retten - Hochspannungsmäste sabotieren oder ein ukrainisches Waisenkind adoptieren? Mit dieser Frage beschäftigt sich die eigenwillige "Zen-Terroristin“ in einem saftigen, ironischen, hervorragend gedrehten und köstlich klingenden Film von Benedikt Erlingsson, der sich ähnlich wie Von Menschen und Pferden mit freundlich aussehenden Skizzen der isländischen Sturrheit beschäftigt. Die Erscheinung einer Band, welche die Ereignisse mit einem ironischen Soundtrack begleitet, erinnert an Roy Anderssons Filme, jedoch Gegen den Strom gehört eher dem reinen "sanften nordischen Weirdness-“Genre an, welches man herrlich genießen kann. (17.05.2018)

Ok I probably haven't seen a worse movie this year and that 83% is shocking. The comedy / action/ thriller labels are striking because the film isn’t funny, action-packed or suspenseful, but it is undoubtedly boring, uninteresting and with probably the most irritating and least likeable lead actress to ever see the cinematic light! It's not interesting either in terms of writing or directing so I really don't know what to praise here. I fell asleep twice and finished watching it on the third day with great difficulty. I wasn't happy with this one. 20%. (28.05.2019)

An Icelandic breeze into stereotypical mainstream filmmaking that admirably manages to blend the needs of classic narrative methods with national folklore, while being able to captivate both with the interesting story of a person fighting against windmills and address the extremist ideas of Greenpeace. Maybe, if I was better acquainted with the culture, I wouldn’t have any reservations towards this film, but I’m not and that enormously suppressed self-awareness started to bother me at some point, perhaps it was supposed to increase the weird mystical aura around the actions of the protagonist, but its fatality and moral relativity didn’t really work out. Either way, I’m curious as to wether this refreshing and original concept will offer me more a second time around or, on the contrary, will get weaker. (07.03.2019)

Benedikt Erlingsson once again showed his peculiar sense of humor by serving the audience this original story. The concept of the film resonates deeply with me, as does Icelandic national folklore, and everything fits together so beautifully that I have no reason for criticism. (80%) (17.05.2021)