The Icelandic Film RAMS by Dir Grimur Hakonarson

This handsomely made Icelandic (with English subtitles) is set in the mountainous countryside.  The bucolic beauty appears majestic & serene.  The skies portrend a tempest brewing & it isn't long before we clearly defined boundaries are drawn.  There are 2 contiguous farms belonging to brothers who fell out of harmony 40 years ago at the center of the story.  The 2 elderly brothers rely solely on intermediaries to communicate.  The most endearing liaison is a border collie who carries messages back & forth.  This Icelandic "Northern Exposure" quirkyness quickly turns somber.  The dreaded infectious disease, scripe, has afflicted one of the brothers' sheep.  The only way to eradicate an ongoing epidemic is by destroying all herds in the area, their habitats & hay being used to feed the animals.  Scripe was as feared and loathed as the Plague, perhaps even more so because exterminating the herds was akin to destroying the way of life for the farmers. The warring brothers are consummate bachelors and their familial love is bestowed upon their flock.  The absurdity of the situation takes a very dark turn.  The harsh winters & draconian legislation lead to dire consequences.  There is no sitting on the fence regarding this film.  RAMS grabs you with the benign Nordic landscape and drags you into a hazardous undertow.  Do not be sheepish about this independent, Icelandic film.  RAMS is a must see film.