The story, based on a best-selling novel, has familiar overtones; but Kormakur overcomes them with stylish direction.
– V.A. Musetto,
New York Post,
29 Feb 2008
fresh:
Director Baltasar Kormakur interweaves taciturn Scandinavian humor and morbid violence for a unique combination of flavors.
– Colin Covert,
Minneapolis Star Tribune,
25 Apr 2008
fresh:
Terrifically acted, expertly shot and painstakingly paced, Jar City investigates deeper, darker themes. And Erlendur is a reminder that homicide detectives don't save lives so much as exhume the meanings of violence.
– Lisa Kennedy,
Denver Post,
6 Jun 2008
fresh:
Tremendously acted and shot with memorable confidence, Jar City deserves a much wider release than it's apparently going to get.
– Andrew O'Hehir,
Salon.com,
9 Jul 2008
fresh:
A satisfying, altogether distinctive piece of filmmaking.