Woman at War delivers a poignant message on protecting the land in this off-beat Icelandic film. Halla is a middle-aged woman who conducts both a sublime choir and guerrilla-style sabotage against the multinationals who aim to plunder her beloved country. She is a freedom-fighter on behalf of the earth inspired by the determination of Gandhi and Mandela who poster her wall. Halldora Geirharosdottir not only plays Halla but also her twin sister which is confusing even if it serves the plot. Similarly, the use of musicians playing in person within the film as an abstract statement, is playful , but perhaps a cinematic technique that has seen its day.
Director: Benedikt Erlingsson
Cast: Halldora Geirharosdottir, Davio Por, Johsson Omar Guojonsson
Country: Iceland-France-Ukraine
“... an emotionally compelling narrative and thought-provoking with layers of nutty humour.”
However, this a refreshing film in many ways. There is a strong sense of caring and purpose. Halla strives to save an unspoiled part of the world from global greed whilst striving to adopt a child from a war-torn country. It is an emotionally compelling narrative and thought-provoking with layers of nutty humour. Moreover, the portrayal of a woman, middle-aged, without make-up and trimmings, single-handedly outmanoeuvring the authorities, dodging drones and chain-sawing pylons is refreshing and much overdue. The frank cinematography is equally inspirational, not just the shots of landscape, but the rare depiction of ordinary people, particularly women, to the screen (check-out the priceless shower scene).