93 minutes, Foreign Drama with English Subtitles, M

An import from Iceland, RAMS is the story of two brothers who must confront each other for the first time in 40 years. Despite living on the same large piece of land they were raised, Gummi and Kiddi, both sheep farmers, have chosen to not be on speaking terms. Once the final verdict at a local prize-winning competition for the top ram is revealed, the sibling’s long separation will shortly come to an end.

It isn’t until then that RAMS begins to fulfil more of the promise its premise suggests. A rather routine and under-developed opening act gradually begins to harvest some pretty engrossing and intimate dramatic stocks. The trajectory in which the brothers’ reunion will travel not only remains unforeseeable but is also the essence of viewers’ interest. There are bittersweet moments (one particular scene where one brother escorts the other to a location I won’t disclose here has got to be one of the most memorable scenes we’ll see in any movie this year!) that keep RAMS a tender drama throughout. The impact sustained by the end of this picturesque movie from Iceland will vary depending on your level of connection to the two central characters from the beginning. For me, RAMS wasn’t as powerful as it could have been, and as it clearly was for some others.

3 out of 5

RAMS – Film Trailer

Footnote to Parents
RAMS is definitely a film aimed for adults. Should there be anyone under 15 who wishes to see this, RAMS has an M classification for infrequent coarse language and brief, strong nudity (full-frontal male).

Moviedoc wishes to thank Paige from Palace Films, Palace Films and Cinema NOVA for the invite to the screening of RAMS.

Review by Moviedoc
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