Review: "Heima" enchants the senses

Heima is a musical documentary featuring the music of Sigur Rós, an enchanting group from Iceland whose sounds are loaded with beautiful Icelandic vocals and pure crystalline melodies. One can't help but become entranced in the group's composition of subtle guitar, piano and frequent xylophone highlights. I must admit, I don't understand a single lyric and yet I am pulled into every tune like some sort of mystical tractor beam. I just can't say enough good things about this band. They are one of a kind.

On October 5, 2007, the band released Heima.  It follows the band as it returns home to Iceland after an extensive world tour to play a series of free unannounced concerts in many towns across the country.  This is much more than a "follow the band" movie, however.  This is so much more.  You are treated to some stunning visuals of landscape and historical structures around Iceland all set to the music of Sigur Rós. 

The film feels very personal as you watch and take it all in.  As the camera pans the crowds who gather, you see all ages and walks of life.  From small children to the elderly, they cameo to witness these shows.  And there was one common thread you notice in everyone there, they are all filled with an intent focus and wonder at listening what I can only imagine is a national treasure of Iceland.  Serenity prevails at these shows as you virtually feel each and every concert-goer silently saying "Thank you" to the band. 

There is a natural reverence that exists in Iceland.  Heima captures it perfectly in every scene and drum beat.  The country is not without its identity struggles, however.  This is made clear in a part of the film where the band plays an acoustic song at the base of a monstrous dam that was constructed by Alcoa (as I understood it from the film).  The dam flooded a massive area of countryside all in the name of big business and making money.  While there may be economic benefits to the dam, there is clearly a natural price that had to be paid.  The band members made no large fuss over the fact, but they chose to quietly protest the dam's existence with a stirring acoustic set at the camp site of some who came to express their displeasure.

Every concert site was chosen for a very good reason.  Each meant something special to the band, their countrymen and land they respect so much.  It all culminates in an appearance at a venue in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland.  Before a legion of adoring fans they let loose probably my favorite of the songs featured in this film, "Poppaglid".  It is supremely powerful and just can't be described here.

The entire film must be experienced.  This article is just pure jibberish and an attempt to embody what is Heima into words.  I highly recommend this as a must see film and look forward to seeing it many times again.

The DVD version of the film comes with two discs.  The first is the feature film, the second is a series of full-length songs from their live performances around Iceland.  Additionally, the band released a two disc album entitled Hvarf/Heim which includes nearly all of the songs featured in Heima.