Watch Sigur Ros: Heima

Sigur Rós: Heima is a documentary film that chronicles the Icelandic band, Sigur Rós, as they travel around their homeland giving free concerts in some of the country's most remote and idyllic locations. Filmed over the course of two weeks in summer 2006, the movie captures the essence of the band's unique sound and the natural splendor of Iceland's landscapes.

The film begins with some backstory about the band, noting that they had not played in Iceland in almost a decade. The documentary then shows the group as they embark on their tour, stopping at a variety of locations, including small fishing villages, seaside cliffs, and abandoned factories. At each site, the band performs a live set that perfectly matches the beauty of the surroundings.

One of the most striking things about Sigur Rós's music is the use of the Icelandic language in their lyrics. The movie presents this language as an ethereal and almost mystical medium, perfectly in tune with the band's sound. This is particularly evident in the concert footage, where the band's epic, slow-building songs seem to perfectly capture the natural rhythms of the landscape.

Even without knowing the words, it's clear that there is a deep emotional resonance to the music. The movie documents this through a series of brief interviews with people who attend the concerts—an old fisherman, a young child, a woman who lost her husband—that will leave the viewer feeling moved and uplifted.

The film is also notable for its stunning cinematography, which captures Iceland's rugged, otherworldly terrain with breathtaking beauty. From cascading waterfalls to stark, lunar-like landscapes, the country's natural wonders are presented in vivid color and detail. It's no wonder that Sigur Rós's music has been likened to the Icelandic landscape, which serves to inspire and inform it.

Throughout the film, we also get to know the members of the band, including lead singer Jónsi Birgisson, who is one of the most singular and fascinating performers in contemporary music. Jónsi's voice is often compared to that of an angel, and it's clear from the movie that he is deeply connected to the music he makes. The other members of the band—Orri Páll Dýrason, Georg Hólm, and Kjartan Sveinsson—also prove to be engaging subjects, providing insight into what drives them as musicians.

The film is also interspersed with brief interludes that provide a glimpse into Icelandic culture and history, from footage of a traditional sheep round-up to a visit to an unusual beach filled with smooth pebbles. These interludes serve to contextualize Sigur Rós's music within the broader cultural landscape of Iceland, highlighting the ways in which the band's sound resonates with the country's history and mythology.

By the end of the movie, the audience will likely feel deeply connected not only to Sigur Rós's music but to Iceland and its people. The film presents the country as a place of great beauty and natural wonder, but also as a place of resilience and strength in the face of hardship. Sigur Rós's music seems to reflect these qualities, which is perhaps one of the reasons why it has taken on such a mythical quality for many of its fans.

Overall, Sigur Rós: Heima is a mesmerizing and atmospheric film that will appeal to both fans of the band and those who simply appreciate breathtaking cinematography and evocative music. It captures the unique spirit of Iceland and the band's music in a way that is both captivating and moving.

Sigur Ros: Heima is a 2007 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.4.