There is something about this film that captured me. Perhaps it was the beautiful landscapes and scenery, perhaps it was the strong and impassioned female lead in the form of Halldóra Geirharðsdóttir, or perhaps it is simply the fact that it actually tried to give a grounded approach to climate change as a significant aspect to the plot. Whatever it was, Woman at War is a wonderful piece.
An Icelandic foreign language film, there are subtitles for the dialogue that isn't in English, but it is very easy to read. Unlike some of the more Oriental languages that speed by in a pinch, you can read at a more relaxed pace, and still take in the majesty of the visual component.
The film follows Halla (played by Halldóra Geirharðsdóttir), a middle-aged single choir teacher who is secretly an eco-warrior on a one-woman mission; set on preventing the operation and expansion of a heavy industrial smelter.
If you have studied environmental science as I have, or simply looked into the topic at all, you will be well aware of how much damage we are doing to the Earth for the sake of economic wealth. Climate change is a contentious issue, widely debated, but this film isn't here to debate it. It is simply stating the opinion of the lead character, and showing what actions she takes as a result, to stop what she considers a horrendous activity that is endangering the quality of life for future generations.
What the film does so well, is developing the character of Halla. Whether it be what channels she lingers on when she channel surfs, her choice in transport modes, or her methods of relaxation and stress relief. The story incorporates all of these things. You aren't being fed one piece of information at a time; the story goes hand-in-hand with character development.
Visually, Women at War is stunning. With vivid and vibrant landscapes with so many different natural features on display, and does a great job showing the environments that Halla is trying to protect. Director Benedikt Erlingsson and co-writer Ólafur Egill Egilsson do a brilliant job of "showing not telling" and every scene catches your eye. There is great attention to detail, especially in set design, with other people present creating an organic lived in feel; an authenticity that tells you that these events are occurring in a real place, not on a studio set.
Such a small decision makes a huge difference from a visual standpoint; focusing on a tv screen while the protagonist wanders offscreen, to show what she cares about without her even needing to be present. The music, that fits perfectly into the story, that it is actually a part of the film to the point that you get to physically see the musicians on screen (diegetic sound), the musicians and singers interacting with the world and characters too in a very respectful 4th-wall-breaking feat.
Thematically, the film looks at the issues of climate change, global democracy, and the power of large corporates and media outlets. There is an adoption arc that both creates a conflict of interest and cements Halla's position as a mother figure, looking to protect the children.
Such a passionate film, it creates a stir in the loins and plants the seeds of rebellion in the heart of this reviewer, who had long ago given up on creating change. Energetic, blissful, and comedic, Women at War is a must-see.