Heartstone

You can actually count on one hand the number of LGBT movies that have been made in Iceland over the years, and "Hearthstone," the promising debut from newcomer Gu�mundur Arnar Gu�mundsson, is a very welcome addition to that canon.

Set in a remote, and somewhat barren, part of the country -- though with some very dramatic vistas -- this is the tale of two teenage boys who are just discovering their sexuality over one long summer. Thor (Baldur Einarsson), who barely looks older than 12, and his best friend, Christian (Bl�r Hinriksson), are inseparable best friends who while away their days with the few detractions their bleak rural town offers them. When they are not fishing, or beating up discarded car wrecks, or kicking around a football, they are pursuing their latest pastime: Chasing girls. Well, two girls in particular, Hanna (Katla Nj�lsd�ttir), who has taken a shine to Thor, and her best friend Beta (Dilj� Valsd�ttir), who wants to get Christian interested in her.

The boys are really at a loss as to how to behave around the girls, mainly because of their own home environments. Thor lives with his two older sisters, who never ease up ragging on him, or on their divorced mother who has now decided to re-enter the dating scene herself. Christian doesn't fare much better, as his father has a fierce temper that has turned him into the town's bully. He's just as tough on his own family if they do not completely toe his line.

At the same time that Thor is realizing that he really likes Hanna, so too does Christian awaken to the fact that he has similar feelings for Thor. When they horse around together Christian is always tempted to try and take it further, but is always worried that he will be rejected by his best friend should he discover the true nature of his feelings. In this close-knit community where homophobia is rife, Christian knows the full consequences of what will occur if anyone discovers the truth, a fear that turns into reality when the inevitable does happen.

Gu�mundsson's simplistic tale succinctly captures the confusion of these teenagers who, through the lack of any real role models, are struggling to deal with their sexual awakening. It was always going to be tougher for Christian because his homosexuality automatically makes him an unwelcome outsider that this small community can't wait to discriminate against.

The very young cast, most of whom have never acted before, give convincing and authentic performances to their roles as youngsters facing limited choices. In fact, the movie's only real fault is that, at 129 minutes, it is at least 40 minutes too long. A shorter run time would have given this movie a much more powerful impact; still, it remains actually a delightful and well-meaning drama.