When Björgvin Franz Gíslason brought adventure stories to Icelandic children's television in the 2000s, he kick-started an award-winning career that would span both the small and big screens. Born into a family of actors, this Reykjavík-native turned hosting the venerable Stundin okkar into his ticket to television stardom, earning an impressive Edda Award along the way. Here's how he took childhood viewing to new heights.
🍿 If you like watching movies & wish you could watch more, now you can!
With our special deals for free trials at HBO, Amazon Prime Video & Paramount+ you can finally get all your movie-marathon binges on your calendar without paying a dime! Get signed up now before you forget:
🍿 Happy watching!
Films
1. Flags of Our Fathers
A single shot can end the war.
Witness the unwavering courage and selflessness of three extraordinary survivors in the awe-inspiring narrative of "Flags of Our Fathers". Inspired by the renowned photograph by Joe Rosenthal, this riveting film delves into the harrowing experiences of John 'Doc' Bradley, Pvt. Rene Gagnon, and Pvt. Ira Hayes as they relentlessly battle the Japanese to seize Iwo Jima. As their heroic deeds propel them towards legendary status, the film masterfully unravels the intricate web of renown and the profound psychological impact of warfare.
-
IMDb Rating: 7.1
-
TMDb Rating: 6.863
-
Metacritic Rating: 79.0
-
Release Date: 2006-10-18
-
Runtime: 135.0 minutes
-
Original Language: en
-
Origin Country: ["US"]
-
Budget: $90,000,000.0
-
Box Office Revenue: $65,900,000.0
-
Status: Released
2. The Icelandic Dream
A young business man loses track on reality when his obsession with soccer grows too strong
Dive into the quirky world of a young businessman who gets lost in the chaos of family troubles, business failure, and his love for soccer in "The Icelandic Dream. " When his favorite team faces an endless string of losses, he turns to importing Bulgarian energy cigarettes as a desperate scheme for redemption. But as his obsession escalates, it seems like his best friend suggests that suicide might be a more suitable option. This unique 1999 Icelandic film explores the blurred lines of reality and desperation, all set against the backdrop of the beautiful Icelandic landscape.
-
IMDb Rating: 6.9
-
TMDb Rating: 8.3
-
Release Date: 2000-09-07
-
Runtime: 90.0 minutes
-
Original Language: is
-
Origin Country: ["IS"]
-
Status: Released
3. The Icelandic Shock Station
Experience a wild ride with "The Icelandic Shock Station, " an outrageous 1980s Icelandic comedy that takes everyday life to new heights. Packed with satirical jabs at societal norms and the nation's character, this farcical tale twists common sense inside out, offering an unforgettable peek into the world of Icelandic eccentricities. Don't miss this rollercoaster ride through the quirks and idiosyncrasies of Nordic humor.
-
IMDb Rating: 7.2
-
TMDb Rating: 5.6
-
Release Date: 1986-10-18
-
Runtime: 86.0 minutes
-
Original Language: is
-
Origin Country: ["IS"]
-
Status: Released
4. A Dark Spring
In the shadowy twilight by Reykjavik's lake, a young man waits, his heart tethered to a promise made fifteen years ago. A stranger resembling his childhood love taunts him with alternatives, testing the depths of his faith. As night falls, he stands on the brink of choosing between redemption and despair, where his fate will be irrevocably sealed.
-
Release Date: 2001-02-06
-
Runtime: 19.0 minutes
-
Original Language: is
-
Origin Country: ["IS"]
-
Status: Released
5. Benedict Gnome
"Benedict Gnome" (or "Benedikt Búálfur" in its original Icelandic title) is an adventurous fantasy tale for family audiences. When young Benedikt invites his friend Dídí to an elf world, little do they know they're stepping into a realm where dark elves threaten to disrupt the delicate balance between races. Dragons soar through this magical narrative as human children and elves find themselves entangled in a battle over the fate of their kind. This 75-minute journey through enchanted forests and hidden realms showcases Iceland's rich storytelling traditions brought to life in this 2002 film adaptation. "
-
Release Date: 2002-10-12
-
Runtime: 75.0 minutes
-
Original Language: is
-
Origin Country: ["IS"]
-
Status: Released
6. Benedikt búálfur
Benedict Gnome
Benedikt búálfur brings you a delightful family musical adventure by Leikfélag Akureyrar. This charming story has captured audiences in Samkomuhúsið and is now available for everyone to enjoy, professionally recorded for future generations.
-
Release Date: 2021-02-11
-
Runtime: 60.0 minutes
-
Original Language: en
-
Origin Country: ["US"]
-
Status: Released
7. What The Block?
A FATHER, AN OLD LADY AND A CRIMINAL. WHAT COULD GO WRONG?
In the cozy confines of an Icelandic neighborhood, three very different neighbors share their quirky lives. A father, an old lady, and a criminal all try their best to keep things interesting - but as usual, nothing quite goes as planned.
-
Release Date: 2023-03-13
-
Runtime: 44.0 minutes
-
Original Language: is
-
Origin Country: ["IS"]
-
Box Office Revenue: $800.0
-
Status: Released
TV Shows
1. Blackport
Blackport, also known as Verbúðin, is a gripping miniseries about a young couple building their dream fishing empire, only to have their world turned upside down by strict government regulations. Set in a remote village, the series offers a captivating tale of hope, determination, and the harsh realities of facing unforeseen challenges. Watch as the couple navigates the uncertainties that threaten the very heart of their lifestyle in this engaging and emotionally charged series.
-
Original Name: Verbúðin
-
TMDb Rating: 6.3
-
Languages: ["de", "en", "is"]
-
Episode Runtime: [45]
-
Status: Ended
-
Origin Country: ["IS"]
-
Original Language: is
-
Type: Miniseries
-
First Air Date: 2021-12-26
-
Last Air Date: 2022-02-13
-
Number of Seasons: 1
-
Number of Episodes: 8
2. Búbbarnir
"Búbbarnir" is a 18-episode scripted series that aired from August 2006 to January 2007, offering viewers 18 episodes in a single season. While we don't have a specific tagline, the show represents original Icelandic content, bringing a touch of Northern European storytelling to your screen.
-
Original Name: Búbbarnir
-
Languages: []
-
Episode Runtime: []
-
Status: Ended
-
Origin Country: ["IS"]
-
Original Language: en
-
Type: Scripted
-
First Air Date: 2006-08-26
-
Last Air Date: 2007-01-11
-
Number of Seasons: 1
-
Number of Episodes: 18
