THE FALCONS

Iceland, 2018, 97 minutes, Colour.

Directed by Bragi Thor Hinriksson.

This is a children’s film from Iceland. It also has an adult interest and appeal. For those who enjoy the landscapes and icescapes of Iceland, there is much to enjoy.

It is also a football film, with many of the matches staged, scores shown, tactics and rough play. At the centre of the film is a young boy, Jon, lacking in confidence but gradually gaining as he plays in the matches. But, he is also threatened by a bully in the team, Ivar. What makes a difference to the film is that it is revealed that Ivar is being bullied by his father, excusing his father by saying that he is sick, but getting the support of the boys in the team. The to go to the police but discover that the police chief is Ivaar’s uncle!

Important themes for children, self-confidence, growing up, affirmation, the role of sport, the experience of bullies, an understanding of bullies and trying to help.

1. A film for children’s audience? Family audience? Adults?
2. The Iceland settings, Arctic, in summer, the island, the scenery, the volcano? The musical score?
3. Children as central characters? Sport? Children’s issues, self-confidence, friendship, bullying, competitiveness, family secrets, combating them?
4. The children on the boat, arriving on the island, the competition, the portrayal of the games, the action sequences, competition, the scores?
5. The Falcons, on the boat, John, lacking self-confidence, his friendship with Skuli? Teamwork, in the games, John holding back, cause of the accident for School it, hospital?
6. The competitive team, in play? Either, big, confronting, bullying?
7. The development of the competition, the film’s interest in the characters, the revelation about either and his being bullied by his father? John and the boys taking a stance? Report to the police – not believed, the father’s brother as police chief?
8. The bonding amongst the boys? The decision to help, to support Ivar?
9. The symbolic background of the scenery, the volcano, John’s initial dream and the corruption? The smouldering volcano, corruption?
10. The central characters as pre-teen? The impact of the film for this age group and the issues that it races? For all the children? The parents?