The Juniper Tree

source: The Juniper Tree

Obviously, the major attraction of this film is the star, Bjork. But the film also has some little quirks that are hard to find in big budget movies of late. For instance, the "evil" stepmother sews the little boy's mouth shut, so that he may never speak badly about her again. The film is also very symbolic. And, if that's not enough, Bjork is in the movie!

This is a movie for those who are really deep into art-films and I cannot ascertain whether they will like it or not. Yes the movie is well directed and the cinematography is also good.The shots of the landscapes are somewhat soothing too. However I really wished that there was something more to this film.

Margit (Björk) and older sister Katla leave their home after their mother is stoned to death for witchcraft. Katla casts a love spell on farmer Jóhann. Jóhann is helplessly spellbound but his son Jónas refuses to accept her. It's black and white. It's Icelandic. It's brooding. There is no pale-faced death playing chess but there is some weirder stuff. I don't know what the black hole is meant to be. The movie misses an opportunity to start with a more visceral intensity by showing the stoning and the sisters being chased by the angry villagers. Of course, I stuck with this mostly for Björk. She has an intriguing charisma although her acting has limitations. This is what one can expect from an Icelandic black and white movie about death and witchcraft.

This movie was quite surprising in its quality and originality. It starts off slow but eventually starts to unravel and become a haunting tale of revenge and witchcraft. Bjork, who was absolutely mesmerizing in "Dancer in the Dark" is very strong in this film as well. She carries the movie as the vulnerable little sister who sees visions of her dead mother and reaches out to the little boy she is living with.

Part of the reason I watched this was because I was so completely captivated by Dancer In the Dark. In fact, that movie has long held a place in my top ten favorites of all time. I am also a fan of disjointed movies that employ ambiance and subtle moods to elevate themselves to the level of art. For some reason, this movie just didn't click with me. I may be missing something, but my feelings about this film stand as equal and opposite to my feelings about Dancer In the Dark. The deficit, as I saw it, was not due to Björk's acting, and it would delight me to see her take on more cinematic projects.

This is a truly beautiful movie! I'm a movie maniac AND also a big Björk fan. I got to know this movie only through Björk but I think that it's really great. The movie really feels like a fairytale (it is based on one). The feeling of it is just fantastic, the black & white creates a special atmosphere and I love the actors, not only Björk is grandiose in it! The unique Icelandic accent makes it very special to me (I'm Austrian). The story is VERY sad but at an extreme high artistic level I never expected from this little pearl. It is it really worth to buy it on DVD. Do it even if you like only Björk! You won't regret it. Björk is simply fantastic in it. She creates a huge part of the offered atmosphere. Support this movie, it's a masterpiece and I don't know anything similar to it's unique style. It's not only a fairytale, it's more... enjoy it! And something else: You can hear Björk singing even pretty often in the movie, one more reason to get it! I gave it 9/10 here on IMDb. It's a pity it isn't well-known. If you want to see one the best movies ever check out Dancer in the Dark (WITH BJÖRK). That one is probably the saddest movie I've ever seen. It's HEART RIPPING, so watch out. I think this is the only movie ever that me cry. Lars von Trier created with Dancer in the Dark such a great masterpiece it's nearly unbelievable. And I tell you, that one is really hard and worth gold. Hey, if you enjoyed Juniper Tree and like Björk, let me know please!

Bjork shines in this film. I cannot say that for the rest of the actors. The setting is great and moody. I love the black and white film stock. Everything is so atmospheric and beautiful, even though it does not conform at all to Hollywood narrative and aesthetic. A must see for all Bjork and Grimm's fairytale fans. See Bjork's video "Isobel," it's a beautiful manifestation of the seed planted here.

Disturbing, but beautiful. I loved what this movie portrayed. I love bjork I wish she hadn't chosen to quit acting after "Dancer In The Dark." But I respect her decisions.