Reykjavik - Rotterdam (Contraband) [DVD]

I was drawn to this film initially by the lead actor, Baltasar Kormákur, who in my opinion is a truly great director and actor (check out Jar City or Reykjavik 101). I found myself completely absorbed in the action - couldn't take my eyes off the screen. There are some terrific, really natural performances from all the lead cast.The film is set in equal parts in its native Iceland, on board a cargo ship, and in Rotterdam. There is just enough comedy to keep it on the light side without spoiling the undoubted drama. Don't be put off by the English subtitles - this will give you the perfect excuse to watch it again! It has been made into a Hollywood blockbuster, Contraband, but I would strongly advise watching the unadulterated undiluted original, Rekjavik Rotterdam.

This is the Icelandic film that garnered so much deserved attention when it first hit the screens back in 2008. It stars Baltasar Kormakur as Kristofer, he is working as a low paid security guard. This is after he lost his job on the ships due to alcohol smuggling. Iceland has stupidly high tax on alcohol and so there are big bucks to be made in smuggling it in. He has done time for his crime but took the rap for his co smugglers, this includes best mate Steingrimur. He is also married to his ex wife, but Steingrimur seems very keen to help in their hour of need, probably too helpful.

Anyway money is tight and so Kristofer gets cajoled into doing one more job by Steingrimur, so with the money in place and a willing crew he sets off. Problem is Steingrimur has his fingers in a lot of pies and interests in Kristofer that go beyond his smuggling capabilities. Meanwhile Kris and co get sidelined in Rotterdam with a very unsavoury character indeed and all merry hell kicks off.

This is the most expensive film ever from Iceland and it does show, it is well directed, acted, shot and perfectly paced for that thriller atmosphere that can either make or break a film. It has been remade in the US as `Contraband' starring Mark Wahlberg, but Baltasar Kormakur directs it.

This is high octane, gripping, violent and actually funny on more than one occasion; so an all round ruddy treat. I have not seen the remake but as this was so good I will give it a whirl. There are enough twists to keep you guessing right up until the end, and yet this is one that you will get more out of on subsequent viewings as there is just so much packed in. If this is what Iceland can do then I wish them every success - in Icelandic, Dutch and some English, and a fair bit of cuss words this is one for action thriller fans and anyone who likes World cinema. Seriously if this is what Iceland is like no wonder so many mums go there!

great film this, lots of twists and turns, so you need to keep an eye on things,otherwise its easy to miss, what is actually going on.