"Kona fer í stríð" is a relatively new Icelandic movie from 2018 that already garnered a pretty solid amount of awards recognition. It runs for 100 minutes approximately and was written and directed by Benedikt Erlingsson, his second full feature non-documentary and from what I saw here he is also a pretty prolific actor. But now to this movie. The main character is played by Halldóra Geirharðsdóttir and the name tells you of course that she is also Icelandic as is the rest of the cast pretty much, so don't worry if you have never come across any of the cast members here. You don't need to in order to enjoy the watch. By the way, the lead actress also plays the character that is the main character's identical twin sister, so she is really in each and every scene here, sometimes twice in fact. This film is about eco-terrorism, not only, but that is very much at the center of it all. And despite how likable the main character is depicted here, it should not be forgotten that she is a criminal and not just a petty thief or so. Her actions cause millions of dollars damage to companies and to the country. So no surprise the police is constantly after her. It is also interesting to discuss how much she maybe loves the thrill of it all, but actually I believe it is more about the message and her motivations really than about a need for thrill. It is also a bit of an addiction you could say because even after she has a chance to find private happiness by adopting a daughter, she cannot stop with her actions and they become more and more intense. Sure you can also see it she wants to stop with these sabotage procedures at a peak and that's why she virtually blows stuff up, but yeah. I would not be entirely surprised if she gets back to what she does when having her daughter. Sounds fairly serious so far and there are many serious moments and plot components for sure here, but there is also some comedy. Of course you'd think immediately about the tourist fella who keeps getting arrested and humiliated instead of the actual offender and this is a pretty nice running gag, even if it is entirely realistic. But it is funny for sure, especially in the last scene. What else is funny? How she constantly keeps getting away with tricks from the police. It's the little details there like the Mandela mask etc. You will recognize them when you see them. Or the guy they call the uncle. The only recurring comedic reference I did not approve of was how the soundtrack was displayed visually by depicting the actual musicians on many occasions, also have them walk through the water at the very end. Not that the music was bad or so and of course my perception there is also entirely subjective. Maybe this lighter side is also an indicator that the film ended in a happy fashion perhaps. I am not sure if this was the right choice or if the sister's actions felt really realistic given what happened to her because of her sister's crimes and if she'd really give up on her 2-year plan. Maybe it does not need to be entirely realistic to succeed. Still there are more than enough realistic moments. It was for good reason this film got picked by the Icelandic film comitee to represent the country at the Oscars, even if it did not get in. May have needed a 15-country field perhaps. Anyway, this movie is definitely worth seeing. Not only because of Erlingsson's vision, the beautiful cinematography, the strong lead performance, but also for elaborating on an important and serious subject while still managing to put a smile on people's lips and never become condescending or so. It is a smart movie. It is an entertaining movie. It is a good movie. Go check it out if you get the chance. Always nice to see such little countries produce quality films like this one we have here. Thumbs up!

Positives: I did like the Gandhi & Mandela non-violent posters. The focus on future generations of humans & Earth (not something of interest to our top U.S. politician),and the namaste shout out of greeting your inner holy goodness vs. your outer appearance. The embedding of Iceland & Ukrainian musicians and the foreign tourist were oddly amusing. Not sure what the symbolism might have been.

Negatives: A Ukrainian war is mentioned which must be the conflict in Eastern Ukraine w/Russia; ongoing since 2014, but how that connects w/Iceland is not clear. Another strange connection is the plot centering on denying an aluminum plant electricity which actually produces a product that is recyclable & less environmentally destructive than most alternative similarly used materials. And, even less so when Iceland's renewable hydro & geo energy sources are available. Also not the most efficient way to address climate & pollution problems. The eco-terrorism (called terrorists when it's the underdog fighting for a cause) of taking out the power lines is not a healthy solution as safety, hospitals, life-support, and those who rely on electricity to maintain a normal healthy day-to-day life would also be affected.

"Woman At War" (2018 release from Iceland; 104 min.) brings the story of Halla. As the movie opens, Halla in sabotaging the power lines nearby a Rio Tinte plant somewhere in Iceland, causing an overall power outage. The police are out looking for the perpetrator, and she manages to evade the police chopper, but just barely. Meanwhile back in her regular life, she is a community choir director. Then one day, she receives a letter that her adoption request from 4 years ago, finally has been approved: a little girl from Ukraine awaits her! But how can she reconcile this with her environmental activism? At this point we are less that 15 min. into the movie but to tell you more of the plot would spoil your viewing experience, you'll just have to see for yourself how it all plays out.

Couple of comments: this movie is a labor of love from writer-producer-director Benedikt Erlingsson. Here he brings us a playful yet intense comedy-drama involving an environmental activist who, in her mind, MUST make a stand against heavy industry that is committing crimes against humanity (in her mind). But what is it really? Environmental sabotage? or extremism? The movie benefits enormously from the charismatic lead performance of Halldóra Geirharðsdóttir, in a dual role as both Halla and her (twin?) sister Asa. Also playing major character is the Icelandic outdoors, where much of the movie takes place. Definitely on my bucket list to visit one day! And then there is the music: the score plays out live on the screen, as in: the Icelandic band and the Ukraine choir are integral part of the movie. Very clever. The movie takes some unexpected turns in the last half hour, increasing the level of enjoyment even more. Just a few months ago, it was announced that Hollywood is going to remake this (starring Jodie Foster). Of course!

"Woman At War" premiered to great acclaim at last year's Cannes film festival, and finally made it to my art-house theater here in Cincinnati this weekend. I couldn't wait to see it. The Friday early evening screening where I saw this turned out to be a private screening, as I was literally the only person in the theater. A darn shame, if you ask me. This is a top-notch foreign comedy-drama that met and exceeded my already high expectations. I'd readily suggest you check this out, be it in the theater, on VOD, or eventually on DVD/Blu-ray, and draw your own conclusion.