Mini-Review of “Of Horses and Men”

Summary

"Of Horses and Men" is an Icelandic film that presents a collection of interconnected stories centered around the lives of both horses and humans in a remote Icelandic valley, with a darkly comedic tone and poignant commentary on human nature.

Abstract

The film "Of Horses and Men" is a compilation of loosely connected vignettes set in an isolated Icelandic valley, where the human population is dwarfed by the number of horses. The narrative explores the dynamic between humans and their equine counterparts, with the horses often taking a backseat to the dramas and foibles of the human characters. The opening scene satirizes the pretentiousness of a local man parading his prize mare, only to conclude with a jarring twist. Throughout the film, the beauty of Iceland's landscape serves as a backdrop to stories of life, death, and the consequences of human decisions, which often impact both horses and people negatively. Despite some vignettes resonating more than others, the film's use of close-up shots of horses and the reflection of the upcoming scenes in their eyes adds a layer of depth and contemplation. While Icelandic cinema is still maturing in comparison to its Nordic counterparts, "Of Horses and Men" suggests a promising trajectory for the country's film industry.

Opinions

The reviewer acknowledges a personal struggle to connect with Icelandic films but remains optimistic about the potential growth of Iceland's young cinema industry.
The film is praised for its stunning portrayal of Iceland's landscape and its unique storytelling approach through equine-focused vignettes.
The opening vignette is highlighted for its effective satire of small-town dynamics and the shock value of its conclusion.
The reviewer emphasizes that "Of Horses and Men" is not suitable for children, as it deals with mature themes and depicts the death of both horses and humans.
There is an appreciation for the film's cinematography, particularly the close-up shots of horses' eyes that reflect the narrative's progression.
The reviewer is patiently waiting for Icelandic cinema to produce a filmmaker of the caliber of Kaurismaki, Bergman, Östlund, or Andersson, expressing a willingness to see how the industry evolves.

The Big Plus: There are horses

“Of Horses and Men” is a series of somewhat connected vignettes, some of which work and some which don’t, quite. It all takes place in an isolated Icelandic valley where horses vastly outnumber the people but it’s the people (mostly) calling the shots.

The horses just go on doing what horses do while the people get all worked up about things.

The opening vignette pokes fun at a frightfully pretentious fellow taking his prize mare out for a ride which the neighbors all watch from afar through binoculars, elbowing each other and grinning. It’s such a great send-up of small townishness that the way it ends is incredibly shocking.

Horses die. People die.

This is not a kid’s movie. People make decisions that are bad for the horses or for themselves. Or both. And through it all there’s the stunningly beautiful background of Iceland. Each next bit of the story starts with gorgeous close-ups of the horses with the camera coming to rest on one enormous eye reflecting what’s coming next.

While Iceland has yet to find its own Kaurismaki, Bergman, Östlund, or Andersson, I’m willing to stay the course and see what’s coming next.

Take the bit in your teeth and go for it!

“Of Horses and Men”

Horses may get top billing here but Men have the last word

The Big Plus: There are horses

Horses die. People die.