The Juniper Tree (1990)

Margit and her older sister, Katla, flee their homeland after their mother is killed for practicing witchcraft. Needing a place to stay, Katla casts a spell over a young farmer named Jóhann which makes him fall in love with her.

Director:

Nietzchka Keene

Writer:

Nietzchka Keene

Stars:

Björk, Bryndis Petra Bragadóttir, Valdimar Örn Flygenring

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview:
Björk	...	Margit (as Björk Guðmundsdóttir)
Bryndis Petra Bragadóttir	...	Katla
Valdimar Örn Flygenring	...	Jóhann
Guðrún Gísladóttir	...	Mother
Geirlaug Sunna Þormar	...	Jónas

Storyline

Margit and her older sister, Katla, flee their homeland in Iceland after their mother is killed for practicing witchcraft. Needing a place to stay, Katla casts a spell over a young farmer named Jóhann which makes him fall in love with her, ensuring the wellbeing of herself and Margit. Jóhann's son, Jóhas, sees through Katla's plan and pleads for his father to make her go away. To help Jóhas in his struggle, Margit's mother appears to Margit in visions and provides a magic amulet of protection for the boy. Will Jóhas be able to rid his family of Katla or will she continue to control them with her witchcraft?

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Plot Keywords:

title directed by female | spell | magic | minimal cast | grimm's fairy tales | 

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Taglines:

A Twisted Tale of Witchcraft and Mysticism

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Genres:

Drama | Fantasy

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Trivia

The only film in Björk's acting filmography where she is credited by her full name.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Margit: Where did she go?
Mother: She became ashes and left with the wind.
Margit: And her soul?
Mother: Her soul... was tied with the heart of a bird.
Margit: And the thread will hold forever?
Mother: Until the bird's heart breaks.

User Reviews

an involving, beautiful tale

Katla and her little sister Margit must flee their hometown after their mother is stoned to death for witchcraft. Katla's spell to find a husband nets them a new place to live, but comes with the emnity of the new husband's son. An independent American film shot in Iceland, the Juniper Tree is a beautiful interpretation of the brothers Grimm story of the same name. Fine performances, good costumes, and stunning landscapes bring this tale to life.

Details

Country:

Iceland

Language:

English

Release Date:

12 February 1993 (Iceland)

Also Known As:

The Juniper Tree

Filming Locations:

Iceland

Company Credits

Technical Specs

Runtime:

78 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1