Children always pick up the tab for adult conflicts and divisions. They are the board game pieces stuck in the middle of parent’s rights and authority rights. Much like the way of the film  “Kramer vs. Kramer” the end result is a resolution but kids will never find closure. Some differences can never be overcome. “Fjord” is that film and it’s one of the best films of the year. 

The clever way “Fjord” keeps tension throughout is remarkable. Even the soft, quiet moments. It’s the details, the subtlety that presents everywhere in the film, the main point, division. There isn’t unity in the film. Sebastian Stan plays Mihai Gheorghiu a Romanian who has married a Norwegian Lisbet, played the sensational Renate Reinsve. Both are giving outstanding performances as the married couple with five children. They move their family to Norway for employment. When the oldest daughter is spotted by teachers and school staff to have bruises the Gheorghius are suspected of child abuse and Child Protection servies remove the kids from the home and thus begin and investigation. What plays out is the dynamic of religious discrimination and state authority. Mihai demands respect and gives it out little. He wants to be viewed as the masculine provider, and yet can tie his own tie. HIs family is his identity, his children are a reflection of him and so is his wife. There is a hierarchy in the family, but Sebastian Stan plays the role of Mihai with a stubbornness blended with a vulnerability. Is he a bad guy or just misunderstood, or mistaken. Are they being abused in the home? That question never gets answered but we know never to cross Mihai-for he believes he is in the right.  He is matched equally by the stubbornness and tenderness of the child protection employers who believe they are right.  It is a clash. A loud clash played out eventually in court. Not of sound but of ideology of convictions.  

What will be missed is that the subplot is the story. It is not all about religious freedom, parent’s rights, and politics.The subplot of two girls, Elsa Gheogrhiu befriends Noora who she met at school  a strong bond is formed, and it could be then just friends. It’s intense enough to make another girl at school, Frida, jealous. Frida lashes out at Noora and Elsa. It could be viewed as typical children’s friendship and jealousy being shown, but the ending tells us it is more-in fact adding a slight touch of mysticism.  

“Fjord” will not provide answers or conclusions. Everyone will not find peace to what played out. The acting, editing and production are absolutely wonderful. It’s the small nuances and details that makes the film excel. It’s powerful and important and sustaining 9.5/10