★ 6 / 10
Focus on the wrong characters
I understand this is an adaption of a novel, which was met with mixed reviews too, but having some tiny parts of the film be very good made the contrast with…
I understand this is an adaption of a novel, which was met with mixed reviews too, but having some tiny parts of the film be very good made the contrast with the rest even more obvious.This is a story about a woman. No matter how important and scientific is her work and no matter how filled with actual science, the story stays focused on her. At no point did I feel anything but pity for the people in her life and none came even close to be in the spotlight.And there are some hints of what this story could have been. The very visceral dreams of her father teaching her about science and the "fiery heart" under the ground of Iceland were really good. I could have watched an entire movie about that actor teaching his kid volcanology. Or the scenes of the erupting volcano. They were impressive and beautiful and the angle of the foreign photographer capturing them professionally brought even more intensity to the beauty of those scenes, complemented by the good and ominous soundtrack.But no, the main character has to be this woman who is dry, rather unlikeable and in the end not very effective at her work. We follow her feelings, her drama, her infatuations, with her poor family or colleagues just side characters with no agency. Oh, except the most annoying cliché of them all: the kid who does something stupid and puts everyone in danger.And the ending came out of nowhere. It was saying "yeah, we told the story of the woman, now go away. Oh, you wanted to know what happened to the region, the people, the volcanic systems, the science, the politics, the economic outcomes or anything remotely interesting? Tough!".Bottom line: I wanted more volcano, more actual passion for knowledge and learning, more Iceland or even a classic disaster movie, but this film chose its focus and main characters poorly.
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★ 10 / 10
Rock solid, thoughtfully directed and beautifully crafted!
The Fires is a powerful, mature, and complex film. It offers a deeply truthful portrayal of a situation that feels strikingly real within the context of the…
The Fires is a powerful, mature, and complex film. It offers a deeply truthful portrayal of a situation that feels strikingly real within the context of the Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland. From a technical standpoint, the film is impeccable. Every element is executed with precision: the cinematography is stunning, the acting is nuanced and authentic, and the lighting, sound design, effects, and costumes all contribute to a fully immersive experience. Nothing feels accidental. The drama builds gradually and flawlessly, drawing the viewer into both the physical and emotional landscapes of the story. The Fires is not an action film in the traditional sense. Those expecting explosive, spectacle-driven scenes in the style of mainstream blockbusters will likely be disappointed. The volcanic eruption, while present, is not the central attraction. Instead, the film offers a sophisticated and emotionally layered exploration of a family facing both a literal and metaphorical eruption. The real "explosion" is psychological and relational. What The Fires ultimately offers is depth. It dares to slow down, to build characters carefully, and to explore uncomfortable truths. At first glance, it may seem slow or even unremarkable, but if you stay with it, the film reveals itself as deeply sophisticated and emotionally resonant. It is less about spectacle and more about transformation, both geological and human.If you are looking simple character, cliché, or Marvel-style explosions, this is not your film. But if you are open to a thoughtful, beautifully crafted exploration of human fragility and resilience, The Fires is nothing short of remarkable.
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All over the place
The affair was there for shock value I guess, even if no one was shocked, only bored with it. I find the other story with vulcano interesting, but the whole…
The affair was there for shock value I guess, even if no one was shocked, only bored with it. I find the other story with vulcano interesting, but the whole cheating and unhappy family life felt so manufactured and out of place. And she never seemed the kind of woman to have an affair, nor was she some kind of beauty to attract an inevitable affair with an younger man.Maybe good luck next time.
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80%
AUDIENCE
5.4/10
462
