Jar City - 2006

Movie #175

4 stars

After a man is found murdered, an old case is reopened by the lead detective (Sigurðsson).  It appears that the crime is linked to a little girls death many years ago.  In this Icelandic thriller, a small town can be more connected then it seems.

 Cast: Ingvar Eggert Sigurðsson, Ólafía Hrönn Jónsdóttir, Atli Rafn Sigurðsson, Erlendur Eiríksson, Elma Lísa Gunnarsdóttir, Rafnhildur Rósa Atladótir, Úlfur Ísfeld Rögnvaldsson, Sólon Ísfeld Rögnvaldsson, Þorsteinn Gunnarsson

Writer/Director: Baltasar Kormákur

Novel: Arnaldur Indriðason

What makes for a good crime thriller?  Well obviously there needs to be a crime...a suspected wrongdoer, a mysterious family past, exhumed bodies, and plenty of twists and turns make it a great thriller.  But what makes JAR CITY a cut above the rest is that it is about the people just as much as it is about the crime...maybe even a little more.

I have learned this about Iceland after watching the film, it is always cold and windy, eating sheeps head with an army knife is a regular dining experience, and people's organ are kept in jars...hence JAR CITY.  The film gives an interesting look at a small city.  People are not trusted, fear is always a motivator, and it is possible for a group of people to be too close.

I don't want to give too much away about the plot but know this, you may be a little confused at times but you will definitely be entertained.  JAR CITY is an excellent thriller.

Overall Recommendation: If you are into this genre then definitely check it out.  If not, you should still give it a try.

This film definately makes me want to see Kormakur's first film: 101 Reykjavík

Remake: Overture Films have brought the rights to remake JAR CITY.  Kormákur will produce the film, which will be based in a small Louisiana town.  Tod Williams (PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2) will direct and Michael Ross (TURISTAS) wrote the screenplay.  I greatly greatly dislike remakes....but I guess I have a little hope for the American version.