Mercy (Gnade in German, Nåde in Norwegian) is a German/Norwegian co-production about a German family of three living and working in one of the Northern-most cities in the world, Hammerfest. Dad is working in a large gas facility, mom as a nurse. We start following them during the harsh winter time, and they have serious trouble with their Marriage. He is struggling with the dark days during mid winter, and is having an affair, and she works more overtime than she wants to, when suddenly an accident occurs.
Sometimes a film's scenery and location is the main component of a film, and so it is in this. The beautiful, but dark and cold scenery plays a role in making afterthought, and makes the film as a whole go up in a greater unity. The film is like a woven quilt dealing with remorse, anger, love and relations but above all reactions to difficult situations, forgiveness and reconciliation - and of course mercy.
The film is strong, filmed in beautiful scenery, during the polar nights, when day lights are missing. The light is really something special, and it's used for all what it's worth. Which is quite a big deal. I think the film will be loved by many due to this. Class acting all the way.
The film is very atmospheric, suitably slow paced, long, and has a nerve which lies beneath, making this an exciting film, which gives an experience on several levels. The relations, the secret, dignity, the harsh but beautiful nature, and it's also very artistic and a pleasant watch. The film ends in a very special way, adding to the film's strength.
I enjoyed the film very much. I tend to like films where the the winter is playing a big part of the story, like in this. If you liked this, you'll also like "Vinterkyss" ("Kissed by winter"), which is thematically very like this one, and equally good. Other great winter films I will recommend is Transsiberian, Nord, Nordwand, The Big White and Fargo.
