User reviews

First feature from Icelandic director Guðmundur Arnar Guðmundsson, this year Venice's Queer Lion award receiver, which also competes in the Venice Days category. HEARTSTONE patiently limns a poignant coming-of-age crisis between two 14-year-old boys Thor (Einarsson) and Kristján (Hinriksson) in a remote fishing village with admirable unpretentiousness and sensitivity, only if its 129 minute length could have been pared down into something more coherent to deaden a tinge of fatigue instigated by its monotonous locale and milieu.

There is no one single second taking us away from the placid community, so first-timer Guðmundsson enlists famed DP Sturla Brandth Grøvlen to majestically singles out Iceland's unique coastal landscape and topography to an effect that it effectively looms large as a wordless character breathing menace and bleakness within spitting distance, which is aesthetically enthralling in its own terms, especially for us, armchair sightseer.

Thor and Kristján are thick as thieves, yet physically, the latter is in full-blown physique, tall and robust, while the former is vexed by the fact that his pubic hair has yet to sprout. Nevertheless, impelled by nascent sexual awakening, curiosity or even boredom, Thor tentatively chases local gal Beta (Valsdóttir), and naively thinks they can form a secure rectangle of two pairs, him and Beta, Kristján and Hanna (Njálsdóttir), Beta's bestie. As any boring teenagers stuck in a hamlet before the circulation of Internet and smart phone, they arrange secret sleepover, play truth-or-dare until Kristján becomes a killjoy when Thor and him share a platonic kiss, a warning sign too big to ignore, and inevitably they attempt boy-girl intimacy, but a self-conscious Kristján bluntly flinches from Hanna's advance while Thor successfully scores with Beta.

Also, audience will realize in the halfway that the film has been subtly and unswervingly shifting its preference from the usual subject - the one who struggles with his sexual orientation and gestates an unspeakable affection towards his best friend - to the unknowingly desired, a heterosexual boy who can playfully joke about homosexuality, but the fact that his best friend, with whom he spends every day, playing and messing around, is secretly in love with him, has completely eluded him, until something bad happens and he becomes the last one to know. The same old story, we have seen many a time, but the changing of focal point assuages the tragic undertow and takes its aim to show what happens to those who are affected, when the film reaches its tail end, it is ultimately affirmative, not at all self-congratulatory, in the end of the day, their bond doesn't turn sour because of the revelation and its controversial nature, on the contrary, it has been bolstered up since the purity of their friendship has never been sullied, this is what really counts, no matter that they have to face the unpleasant separation, c'est la vie. As in the final scene, the metaphor is self- evident, what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger, there is a tough world out there, not just for all the Kristjáns.

Leading actor Baldur Einarsson, is a key factor attributes to the movie's triumph of hitting its emotional core with appreciable compassion and conviction, such an unfeigned force of nature to be reckon with in his debut, and he incredibly captures the challenging emotional heave of his rite- of-passage. The rest cast is given lesser arcs to juggle with, nevertheless, Hinriksson impresses with his physical forbearance in one symbolic scene where he dabbles into a freezing pool in the wilderness, whilst Filippusdóttir, who plays Thor's mother, actually, a single mother of 3 teenagers, frustratingly beckons an inauspicious future of adulthood (both Thor and Kristján's familial situations are far from perfect), of those who are enmeshed in that narrow-mindness and dreariness, astonishing scenery is for gallant tourists only, it cannot fill the void of emptiness in those who are powerlessly stuck.

An exceptional discovery in Venice 73', HEARTSTONE should be on the watch-list of cinephiles who has a sweet tooth for tactful character analysis or exotic atmosphere, there is absolutely no question that it can be resonant with a far broader demography on top of its queer tag.

Seen at the Film Fest Ghent 2016 (website: filmfestival.be/en). Despite earlier resolutions to never see coming-of-age movies again, I booked tickets for this one as it looked different, and it indeed was different too. Of course, the usual pubertal problems were not avoided, but did not stay in the foreground too much, thereby not overwhelming the real issues this movie was about, as outlined in the IMDb synopsis, plus some other interesting topics as an extra freebie.

The total running time of over 2 hours is well spent, and is really needed to explore the relevant topics and the insides of the main protagonists. Part of the time is devoted to related problems in the environment of the two young men. One example is Thor's divorced mother, also Christian's parents as a second example, each with their own set of problems. All this combines nicely together in the main story line, taking care of a welcome deviation from the central theme that some may consider not heavy enough to stand on its own feet. Thor's sister as well as the two young women who are the obvious candidate partners for Thor and Christian, have their own useful role, yet are a bit sidelined in the overall story.

All in all, it is obvious that Thor and Christian are the main protagonists, who succeed very well in carrying the full story from A to Z. Apart from aforementioned threesome girls (Thorn's sister plus two) being portrayed a bit too stereotypical, the rest of the cast performs very well in their respective roles, be it large or small. All of them act believably and none are cardboard characters. And finally, can we deem Island's nature to be an additional protagonist, perfectly casted and playing very naturally??

Sensitive. So beautifully constructed in each detail and raw in his way to describe what it's like to growing up.

Hjartasteinn (Heartstone) Iceland, Viewed at 2016 Venice Film Festival Director Guðmundur Arnar Guðmundsson, 34, Debut film. It's been a while since the films of Friðrik Þór Friðriksson put Iceland on the Cinema map in the eighties and nineties. This epic scale coming of age drama set in a remote fishing village far from the capital Reykjavik looks like the start of a new Icelandic wave. Fresh energy and a keen re-observing of what it's like to be a teenager on the verge of puberty, even dabbling a bit in homosexuality, makes this coming of age story something else. Against a magnificent backdrop of sea and mountains Guðmundur follows the entanglements of two simple outback families and their kids.

The film centers mainly on Thor, a sensitive twelve year old boy and his slightly older, taller, buddy Kristján who is probably gay, but also on their rough friendship with a couple of teenage girls and their problems with rough hewn parents. The performances of the two boys is astounding and Guðmundur's direction is totally assured. Given the setting this is a one of a kind new film experience on a set of old themes. Bravo! The two teenage actors, Baldur Einsasson (Thor) and Blær Hinriksson, (Kristján) are both talents to watch for in upcoming films from the Land of Geysers.

Must watch! The movie just grips you from the start and does not let go. The acting is superp and the shots are beautiful. It portrays the harshness of the wilderness with the first feeling of the youth coming of age.

I loved the movie. It was incredible, the actings were great! I've watched it two times so far already. I'll buy it's dvd/bluray and watch it many more times. Very natural and realistic movie.. Unique! 👌🏼

The initial impression was not very good. Made me uneasy to watch. Because there were some inhumane shots. They all looked so real. So I thought I would going to hate this film. But I did not. It was only in the opening, like a small black spot in something beautiful. Soon the scenario had changed. Jumped into tail two friends, their activities. That's understandable to show us their bond and what to expect in the latter parts.

This is a children's film, but teenager's. So like at their age, it's desperate to learn about the opposite sex attraction. Most of the time it won't be pleasant. The teens have their own way to explore it. So the film was focused on their take on the sexuality. Come-of-age theme where the majority revolved around friendship. Definitely a good awareness film, but very intentional storytelling. Especially the twist and the conclusion. For me it was intentional, because I've seen plenty of similar films. But I don't think you and others would think that way as well. Kind of easy to guess how it all turns out at the end, but when you see them in pictures, the experience is different.

In a small remote town of Iceland, it's about a time for two teen friends to find out their sexuality. Their families have issues, but nothing stopping them to wandering around everyday, hanging out with the girls, doing stuff like anyone of their age would do. When one of their small mischievous events is taken seriously by their parents, the things begin to change forth. They are not same anymore. The long standing friendship is tested now. But how the story ends was conveniently told.

-xX] No makeup! We look gay enough already. [Xx-

This is a gay themed film, though not right from the beginning or too deeply dived to narrate the tale from that angle. But like usual, it highlighted how still in some places the word gay is still a sin. All you can learn about it from the kid's perspective, how they are sidelined among their ages. You could say that they were yet to learn the meaning of it, but the case is not the same with their elders too. Not focused enough on the adult characters, yet the film reveals their society is not open enough for all kinds.

I have seen a lot such awareness film about LGBT, this is another that tells about the Iceland's version of discrimination. Totally respect the film and filmmaking, because it's made with a good intention. Though like I have mentioned, the opening was not pleasant. Opened with a brutal tone which did not stay that way henceforth. Being an animal and a nature lover, I could not stand for it. Other than that, there's no reason to dislike the flick. In some way, that was a step taken in the transformation of the characters. That's what it's all about, the meaning of coming-of-age, is not it!

Well, for a such theme, the actors usually are fresh faces. So they all performance so good. It was a directional debut for the filmmaker as well. Awesomely written and made. Won many film festivel awards. I particularly loved the countryside scenic. Just same as what I've seen from the Kiwi films that set in the rural areas. As much as they focused on the story, it had very pleasant backgrounds that synced so beautifully with what it had narrated for us. It had been in my watchlist. We put films into that list when something interesting element triggers. So now I'm happy to scratch it off. Mission accomplished! It surely stood to the expectation and so do I now recommend it for others as well.

7/10

With Heartstone (2016), Icelandic writer-director Guðmundur Arnar Guðmundsson delivers an outstanding feature film debut about adolescence.

The setting of the story in a small isolated Icelandic fishing village, combined with truly amazing performances by the young actors, gives the themes of friendship, identity, love, puberty and sexual awakening an incredible power. Added to this, the beautiful photography and use of landscapes and, not the least, the wonderfully composed score by Danish Kristian Eidnes Andersen, make the film a heart-breaking, beautiful force - and a proof of true filmmaking talent.

I first saw this film at bfi Southbank as terrorists were attacking innocent pedestrians on Westminster Bridge and at the House of Commons. Both events left a lasting impression.

The harsh reality of our real world is reflected just as powerfully in the setting of a remote Icelandic coastal community. The power and beauty of mountain scenery and harsh climate is paralleled in the lives of the young protagonists as they work their way through the trials and tribulations of conflict, confusion and burgeoning sexuality. With few, if any, adult role models, there is minimal control over the freedom to play in vast spaces where inner tensions can be acted out. Personal secrets in such a small community are (as in each episode of 'Eastenders') impossible to keep. Others who learn of them are empowered by the knowledge. There is no escape.

The director fully understands every aspect of this community and succeeds in bringing out superb performances, especially from the young actors who play Thor and Christian.

The first half-hour can be a 'difficult watch' but stick with it. Once the music kicks in at around 40m the emotional intensity never ceases to build. I was fully captivated and eagerly await future work by this very talented director.

This film tells the story of two young boys, who are experiencing and exploring romantic feelings in their Icelandic summer.

Much of the first half of the film portrays violence, bullying and animal cruelty. The antisocial behaviors are quite shocking to me, as I have always imagined the idyllic Iceland to be a peaceful place with nice people. As the turbulence grows, the tension between the children increases. It is sad to see that Thor does not see what is blindingly obvious, and it takes a tragic event to wake him up. This story is a harsh coming of age film.

This movie is very deep, its not an action film. Its a film that takes you on a trip of understanding. Its explains what it is to be different, what it is not to be accepted for what you are, or for you to expect not to be accepted, it shows a lot of hurt and pain. Also happiness and joy. The fact that it is staged in simple surroundings makes it easier to get the message across, its quite easy to understand. This is a film that will leave you a better person after, if you watch it without prejudice.

I can not understand how people can relate this film to sex, I find that rather disturbing, and it isn't really that shallow, although you might be able to find people that are and I really hope for their own sake that that is the reason.

The man without a face was a film that did something similar, but from a different angle. I think this film is a masterpiece.

In 2016, an Icelandic film Hjartasteinn or Heartstone, was released in Toronto International Film Festival about two young male best friends exploring their youths and the unexplainable feeling that goes along with it. That same year, Closet Monster, Moonlight, Being 17 are some of the most notable gay films, bagging most of critics' and publics' attention.

But Hjartasteinn is a tear jerker. Its perfection and captivating in so many level.

This film was shot on Earth's literal heaven - Iceland. And there's something about how it was shot, that you just can't take your eyes out. It shows the breathtaking landscapes of the small village in Iceland while contrasting the ugly truth of human inclination towards same sex attraction, that is implicitly present in their village. Every pan and angle of the camera showcases heavenly world that sets a backdrop to a sad, culturally-tethered reality that is beautiful and tragic at the same time.

What made the film so engaging and resonating in everyone's emotion is how it captured a sense of societal pressure in becoming who you are or expressing what you feel, either you're in Israel, or America, or in Iceland. The painful gaze that the world will inflict to you for having young homosexual attractions and the guilt of falling in love with your best friend, is enough to make you hurt yourself and drown your emotions for life. And this movie envelops that.

Whether you watch this film as an adult or as a teenager, it still melts your heart away, and pulls you back in time where your heart was still young, and throbbing, in the most genuine way. As a child, I for one experience quite a similar case, not close but the idea of young, unrequited, untold secrets, sneaking out, belonging, relationships, and heartaches, are enough to unlock them back.

This movie simply makes you wanna go to ICELAND even more. Experiencing a puppy love or not in your teenage lives, this movie speaks for you. It has cold atmosphere allegorizing the seen and unseen realities within the village, its truthful, it's painful, and it's easily loveable. Thor and Christians' friendship is cute and very relatable to the level where it aches you.

This is one of those rare "pearls", great acting, great story, great scenery, great camera work just great movie all together.

I can't remember the last movie that made me cry so extreme like this. So much reckonisme for a gay man like me, who had the same struggles as a young boy, and great way to put the spotlight on a subject that is (sadly) still a widespread problem for so much young People struggling with there sexuality and connected feelings on the route to adulthood.

This is an amazing film. The two main actors were excellent. They showed the bizarre combination of deeply repressed feelings punctuated with quick outbursts of emotion that is so typical of boys that age. The narrative was so deeply nuanced and layered that it was very gripping. It's a thinking and feeling film, not an action movie. But it's extraordinarily compelling.

Very hard movie to watch very beautiful landscapes and setting. In Iceland blood runs thick I think it was all done very well and Realistically and it is so sad such a sad story All the animal abuse was not fun to watch but added a reasonable and important effect to Kristján and Thor's mindsets. I think there is a lot of talent in all of these child actors but I do think the subject matter breached comfortability for me watching them act. Very rough scenes: when Kristján is screaming underwater When Thor almost falls down the cliff When Kristján is crying in the horse stables

2020 Edit :

This movie has been in the back of my mind the whole day. I think it's because there's a lot to unpack here and I went to bed last night without processing it all. Before I get into the actual review let me just say that this was visually, emotionally, and captivatingly stunning.

So at first, I thought that I only enjoyed this because it was filmed in Iceland and the landscape (and skies and sunsets and clouds!!) were amazing. Looking back, I think that wasn't entirely it. The imagery was intertwined with the emotive connotations of each scene so thoughtfully. I take back what I said in my last review about moving to Wales, I'm going to Iceland instead.

Heartstone is a coming of age film revolving around the lives of two best friends, Thor and Christian. Both boys have difficult familial relationships and are going through the awkwardness and drama that comes with being a teen. They can rely on each other, their friends, and the two girls that take romantic interests in them. It was so fun to watch them learn from their town and their friends and grapple with really introspective feelings and thoughts about themselves. I felt like I was there with them and often felt this weird aesthetically stimulating sensation which was so cool to experience.

I liked that there was no big revelation or "aha moment" of self-discovery because your identity isn't something you just come to terms with overnight (although Christian does experience some very detrimental and critical things that do change his life quite drastically, he is multifaceted and continues to battle with these things throughout the entirety of the movie). These moments are scaffolded and broken down into reasonable pieces. I thought the film did a great job of expanding on this, and it alludes to the fact that both of these characters will probably still be battling an internal struggle in the future. Coming of age teen movies often feel the need to tie up all loose ends, but I'm glad that this didn't. The actors were did a fantastic job of expressing the complexity of what the characters were feeling.

If you are looking for a couple of hours of solitude, beauty, and reflection, this is your jackpot. There is so much more I could say about this but I think I'll rewatch and maybe do another review so I can nuance my thoughts a bit more.

The movie is well made and all that, but it's really overrated. If you found this on the internet you'd probably think it's mild baby porn. The only thing you'll see is kids kissing other kids, masturbating and fondling... I just don't like it, nothing to do with the directors or writers, I just don't see the beauty of childhood like this. Of course in every childhood there are difficulties and no one is the same but the sexual awakening is kind of disturbing... Just my opinion.

Thor is a boy in his early teens who is embarrassed about his physical immaturity in contrast with his friends. His best friend, Christian, is more developed, but isn't happy about that, because he may well be gay. Two girls the pair know continue to instigate sexually charged encounters with the boys, about which they are ambivalent for these reasons.

The Nordic countries are known for its progressiveness, but this seems to have missed the fishing village that is the setting for "Heartstone". The characters are homophobic, and deeply anxious about sex in all its forms, which is why they constantly project their feelings onto each other.

You know this story is going to end in tragedy, as LGBT stories so often do, but "Heartstone" feels too real to be a cliché. The performances, particularly from the main character, are very impressive. I wish the character of Christian had come through a little stronger, though.

You will be taken back to your teenage years and relive those memories through the hardships of growing up and feeling lost in the world. It can be a very depressing feeling to see through the eyes of a gay kid. Superb acting and a beautiful setting.

The only director/filmaker that can come close to Guðmundur Arnar Guðmundsson is the great Lukas Dhont.

The script for this film is utterly outstanding. Realism, and the torture of youth are prominent themes. But also the pain of love and the sacrifices that can come with it.

But what struck me even more was the utter magnificence of Guðmundsson's eye for beautiful shots and outstanding setting. The mountain regions where the film is shot is some of the most stunning scenery on earth. And it takes the film to another level entirely.

Every. Single. Scene. Is directed like a work of art. The lighting is impeccable and so cinematic in so many scenes of this film.

The director's perfectionism is on full-display in this film. And if you like moving pieces about the difficulties of adolescence then this film will never forget this film.

I bought this movie because of its nearly universal glowing reviews. I tried, but I couldn't get past the protagonist's routine and gratuitous cruelty to perfectly innocent creatures around him, like kicking a cat -- hard -- just because it was there.

Art, age, social isolation, brutal environment -- none of those is justification for such unprovoked cruelty. All I wanted from then on was to see somebody twenty times his size kick HIM as hard as he kicked that cat, for no reason, so he'd find out what it feels like.