Film Festival 09 - The Higher Force
The Higher Force
Stóra planid, Iceland/USA 2008, 80m
Director: Olaf de Fleur Johannesson
Festivals: Rotterdam 2009
David is a loser; no Higher Force kung fu philosophy video can
change that. He's followed its wisdom ever since his little brother
met with a sad fate - which has haunted David, you could even say,
stunted his mental growth. Some things you never get over,
especially in Iceland. David's martial arts smarts should make him
a star with his crew, because they're drongos too and possibly even
more delusional. But a total dud as tough-guy debt collector, he's
excluded from their big-time Mafia schemes. Then comes Harald: in
his new landlord, David recognises the return of his brother's
nemesis and a chance to get some respect. You seriously doubt it's
ever going to happen, but the pleasure of this Nordic shaggy dog
tale is in the timing and a coolly uncool wit any self-deprecating
Kiwi can relate to. And if you hear more hilariously
mangled-English hard-man dialogue this year - deliberate or
otherwise - we'd like to know about it.
In Icelandic and English, with English subtitles
