EUROVISION SONG CONTEST: THE STORY OF FIRE SAGA (2020) is an American musical comedy film. Netflix Original 2hr 3 min 12 Cert
Cast:
Will Ferrell as Lars Erickssong
Rachel McAdams as Sigrit Ericksdóttir
Dan Stevens as Alexander Lemtov
Mikael Persbrandt as Victor Karlosson
Ólafur Darri Ólafsson as Neils Brongus
Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson as Johans
Pierce Brosnan as Erick Erickssong
Graham Norton as himself
Joi Johansson as Jorn
Björn Hlynur Haraldsson as Policeman – Arnar
Alfrun Rose as Anna
Elin Petersdottir as Helka
Björn Stefánsson as Ian
Tómas Lemarquis as Jiles
Smari Gunn as Lighting Assistant
Hannes Óli Ágústsson as Olaf Yohansson
Crew:
Composer: Atli Örvarsson
Special Effects Techs Iceland: Valdimir Johannsson and Haukur Karlsson
Costume Supervisor Iceland: Rebekka Jónsdóttir
Director: David Dobkin
Writers: Will Ferrell and Andrew Steele. Farrell was introduced to Eurovision by his Swedish wife, Viveca Paulin.
“When aspiring musicians Lars and Sigrit are given the opportunity to represent their country at the world’s biggest song competition, they finally have a chance to prove that any dream worth having is a dream worth fighting for.” (Netflix)
There are 3 real Scandinavian Eurovision performers in this movie: Loreen won Eurovision for Sweden in 2012 with her “Euphoria” the 6th win for Sweden. Sweden’s John Ludvik, who reached the top 5 in 2019’s contest, makes an appearance in the film. He currently composes music for the TV show Empire. Norwegian and violinist Alex Ryback’s 2009 Eurovision performance of “Fairytales” achieved the most points ever (387). (See 3 photos on montage bottom left)
Review:
This film will not be for everyone. It is silly, nostalgic, campy, goofy, entertaining fun which also manages to be emotionally affecting (I swear it must have been the music that made me get something in my eye). There’s a running joke which plays with the Icelandic naming tradition “probably not my sister” and even elves. If you want to a bit of escapism, know about Eurovision in all its glory. There are some fantastic views of volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, ice fields etc.
Excerpts from IMDb reviews by Icelanders:
“10/10 Thank you from Iceland. This movie does not make fun of Iceland it pays tribute to Iceland. It uses many famous Icelandic actors and there are loads of small references to Icelandic things that only people how [sic] have been to Iceland would pick up on. Apart from all that the movie is great. Will Ferrell is hilarious, Rachel McAdams is hilarious. The Jaja Ding Dong guy is hilarious. Hearing Pierce Brosnan try and talk Icelandic is hilarious. 10/10 No problem. Must watch.”
“10/10 Made a burly old Icelander weep and laugh!… Many people “not Icelanders” criticise this movie saying that it’s embarrassing for Icelanders and makes us look stupid. Well to tell you the truth they got us in mind pretty accurately. Made a frickin account just to write this. Thanks from Iceland and have a good one.”
“10/10 Thank you from Iceland. Thank you Will Farrell. We did not get a song contest this year but you gave us the best Eurovision I have ever seen! As an elf loving Icelanders I loved the silly humor and the end song bright me to tears. Rachel was as adorable as ever.”
Locations in Iceland:
About a six-hour drive from Reykjavík, Húsavík is a charming fishing village famed for its whale watching. Most scenes were shot in Húsavík Harbor, while the boat scenes between Ferrell and his onscreen father Pierce Brosnan took place in Skjálfandi Bay.
Netflix Trailer for Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga:
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