Cold Fever

Watch Cold Fever

  • NR
  • 1996
  • 1 hr 25 min
  • 7.0  (1,887)

Cold Fever is a quirky and charming comedy-drama film from acclaimed Icelandic director Friðrik Þór Friðriksson, released in 1995. The movie follows the story of Hirata, a young Japanese salaryman who travels to the remote wilderness of Iceland to lay a memorial marker to his parents who died in a car crash there years ago. The film stars Masatoshi Nagase in the lead role of Hirata, while the supporting cast features notable international actors like Lili Taylor and Fisher Stevens.

The movie opens in Tokyo, where Hirata works as a young marketing executive. One day, his boss asks him to attend a business meeting in Iceland, and initially, Hirata is completely reluctant to go, as he has no inclination for travel and no connection to the remote, cold country. However, he eventually decides to go on the trip in order to offer a tribute to his parents who he hasn't seen or spoken to in over two decades. He sets off on a journey that will take him deep into the rugged, isolated landscape of Iceland and force him to confront his deepest fears, darkest memories, and cultural differences.

As the story unfolds, Hirata arrives in Iceland and begins to experience a series of comical, surreal, and endearing encounters with various people he meets on the road. He finds himself in situations that are both absurd and poignant and encounters a group of eccentric characters who populate the Icelandic countryside. Along the way, he forms unlikely friendships, falls in love, and learns to embrace the beauty of the landscape, the culture, and the people he encounters.

Throughout the story, the audience is treated to stunning vistas of the harsh Icelandic wilderness and the quaint villages that dot its rugged coastline. The cinematography is magnificent, capturing the wide-open spaces and the beauty of the northern lights that give the film an otherworldly quality. The soundtrack is also a standout feature of the film, featuring the country music of Hank Williams as well as Icelandic folk songs and contemporary jazz.

What makes Cold Fever a special movie is its blend of comedy, culture clash, and poignant moments. It is a quirky and charming film that offers a personal and cultural journey that audiences will enjoy. Satirical elements are used to highlight the cultural differences between Hirata's Japanese and Icelandic heritage, and these moments are often the source of humor. However, the film also explores personal themes of family, loss, and acceptance, as Hirata learns how to cope with his grief and connect with his parents' memory.

The acting in the film is strong and nuanced, with Nagase delivering a stunning performance as the lead, Hirata. Taylor and Stevens also turn in fine performances as the oddball characters who Hirata meets on his journey. Their quirky and enigmatic presence provides much of the film’s charm and gives the story an elusive quality that keeps viewers engaged.

In conclusion, Cold Fever is a unique and entertaining film that explores themes of cultural differences, personal tragedy, and emotional healing. It is a beautiful and touching blend of comedy and drama that will leave a lasting impression on viewers. The 1995 release has stood the test of time and remains relevant today, with its exploration of universal themes of loss and redemption. Viewers looking for a beautiful and unconventional film that offers quirky humor and emotional depth will enjoy this classic Icelandic movie.

Cold Fever
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Description
  • Release Date
    1996
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    1 hr 25 min
  • Language
    English / Icelandic / Japanese
  • IMDB Rating
    7.0  (1,887)