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

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.

Scandinavia is 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.

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.