Rent 101 Reykjavik (2000)

An Icelandic slacker - 101 Reykjavik review by CP Customer

101 Reykjavík revolves around the life of 'Hlynur' a 30 year old unemployed slacker, who although a grown man who still lives with his mother, spends his time drinking, smoking, web surfing and sleeping with all the women he can get his hands on. Everything in Hlynur's life is just the way he wants it... uncomplicated; and when a friend of his mother, a Spanish flamenco instructor named Lola, comes to stay with them, Hlynur's cosy little world is shattered forever. Although labelled as a comedy the humour is typically Icelandic, very dark, dry, and full of pathos. And while the film revolves around Hlynur's life, it's also a cynical look at Reykjavik's hedonistic and liberal society. Overall, while '101 Rekjavik' isn't the best Icelandic film out there, it's still a great film with an entertaining witty story and a definitely worth a look if you're a fan of indie films.

Winter's Tale - 101 Reykjavik review by Steve

This gets called a rom-com, though the love story between two  women is mostly in the background. And the humour is very abrasive. It's more of a rites-of-passage, except the point-of-view character is 30 years old, and doesn't learn any life lessons.

While the title refers to the postcode for central Reykjavik, surely 101 is intended to evoke George Orwell's concept of the ultimate terror. So maybe what this is- most of all!- is a satire on liberal Bohemians seeking release from the freezing Arctic darkness.

Also... it's a sombre black comedy about an aimless deadbeat  (Hilmir Snær Guðnason) who can't engage with life on any level. The brutal northern winter seems to freeze his soul. Mercifully, Victoria Abril sparks a little warmth as his mother's Spanish lover.

This is adapted from an Icelandic best seller and retains the first person narrative; its focus is on how the misfit sees his world. As a look at an alien culture, there is interest. But actual engagement may depend on identifying with the sociopathic anti-hero!

A low point in Icelandic cinema - 101 Reykjavik review by AER

I generally love Icelandic cinema and this was one of the hold outs from the international breakouts that I still had to see. Wish I hadn't. Rekjavik 101 is a tedious sex comedy with shrill, repetitive performances from an overqualified cast which includes Victoria Abril! Lame, flaccid, largely unfunny.