Blueberry Soup, a 2013 Icelandic documentary, is a heartwarming film that delves into the world of democracy and political participation, making it an eye-opening and thought-provoking experience for the audience. The movie's premise revolves around the 2010 governmental crisis in Iceland, which triggered outrage among its citizens, who felt cheated by the country's political rule. The film follows the lives of a group of twelve ordinary individuals who were randomly selected to draft Iceland's new constitution after the old one was eliminated.
In the beginning, the movie opens with a scene of preparation for the election of the constitutional committee. Quickly, the audience is immersed in the world of politics, and the interviews with the candidates are fascinating to watch. When the committee was ultimately formed, the documentary takes a captivating turn as we see this group of empowering men and women from diverse walks of life come together to write the constitution.
As the movie progresses, viewers are shown how the committee worked tirelessly to reconcile the interests of the various Icelandic citizens. It was apparent from the beginning that the new constitution had to be a reflection of Iceland's vital values, and the committee worked hard to ensure that the voice of the people was represented.
The film's strength lies in the depiction of the committee's journey towards drafting the constitution. The audience gets an inside look at not just the professional but even the personal lives of these individuals, from the perspective of someone who has been through their trials and tribulations. This approach adds a personal touch to the documentary, reflecting both the good and the bad sides of the human character.
As the documentary unfurls, we also see the social, economic, and political history of Iceland. We are offered a glimpse into the country's Viking roots, its tumultuous relationship with Denmark, and the frenzy that followed the 2008 financial crisis. Each of these elements is intricately woven into the narrative, providing the audience with excellent context to the events that unfolded.
One of the key themes that emerged from the constitution-drafting process was democracy, and how Iceland's founding principles were reflective of a democratic government. The people's participation in politics is highlighted, and Icelandic democracy is shown as one of the most successful models for democratic participation. Through interviews with constitutional experts, we learn that Iceland is indeed a pioneer in this area.
The cinematography throughout this documentary is striking, capturing the Icelandic landscapes beautifully. From the stunning shot of the Northern Lights to the serene beauty of Iceland's rural countryside, each scene is visually appealing and transports the viewer to Iceland's world, visually showcasing the country's distinctiveness.
Another strength of this documentary is the inclusion of footage from the Icelandic revolution, which took place during the constitutional committee's groundwork. This approach helps the audience appreciate the magnitude of the people's reservations about the Icelandic government and their sheer commitment to making things right.
In terms of characterization, the documentary does a fantastic job of showcasing the different personalities that made up the constitutional committee. From Olafur Arnolds, whose passion for music and pro-democracy views is showcased throughout the film, to Benedickt Johannesson, the representative of the Pirate Party, who exudes a sincere passion for democracy, this modern but diverse group is an inspiring example of a democratic process.
In conclusion, Blueberry Soup is an outstanding and motivational documentary about the Icelandic constitution drafting process. The film not only highlights democracy in practice but also depicts Iceland's history, economy, and political environment expertly. It is a true testament to the power of people coming together in search of positive change. Anyone who appreciates political evolution, democracy, and grassroots engagement will find this documentary a fascinating and enjoyable watch.
Blueberry Soup is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.
