Children of Nature (1991)
A quietly devastating Icelandic drama about two elderly souls escaping a retirement home for one last journey home.
Children of Nature - Movie Information
- Original Title: Börn náttúrunnar
- Release Year: 1991
- Directed by: Fridrik Thor Fridriksson
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Romance, Drama
- Runtime: 1h 25m
- Original Language: Icelandic
- Spoken Languages: Icelandic
- Release Date (Theatrical): August 1, 1991 (IS), September 11, 1992 (United Kingdom)
- Alternative Titles: Children of Nature – Eine Reise (DE), Börn náttúrunnar (US), Reisen tilbake (NO)
- Production Companies: Max Film, Íslenska kvikmyndasamsteypan, Metro Film
- Production Countries: Germany, Iceland, Norway
Children of Nature - Plot
An elderly couple leave their retirement home to make one last journey back to their home in the Western Fjords.
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Children of Nature - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Fridrik Thor Fridriksson
Main Cast
- Gísli Halldórsson
- Sigríður Hagalín
- Baldvin Halldórsson
- Björn Karlsson
- Bruno Ganz
- Bryndis Petra Bragadóttir
- Egill Ólafsson
- Eiríkur Guðmundsson
- Guðbrandur Gíslason
- Hafliði Magnússon
Writers
- Einar Már Guðmundsson
- Fridrik Thor Fridriksson
Producers
- Fridrik Thor Fridriksson
- Wolfgang Pfeiffer
Children of Nature - FAQs
What is Children of Nature about?
Children of Nature follows Þorgeir, an elderly Icelandic farmer, who reconnects with a childhood sweetheart, Stella, at a Reykjavík retirement home. Together they escape and embark on a bittersweet road trip back to the remote Western Fjords, their homeland, in a final act of freedom and longing.
Was Children of Nature nominated for an Academy Award?
Yes! Children of Nature earned Iceland its first-ever Academy Award nomination, competing for Best Foreign Language Film at the 1993 Oscars. It was a landmark moment for Icelandic cinema and brought director Fridrik Thor Fridriksson international recognition.
Where can you watch Children of Nature?
You can check current streaming availability and viewing options for Children of Nature on JustWatch, which lists all platforms where the film is available to rent, buy, or stream in your region.
What does the tagline “first love becomes a last love” mean?
The tagline captures the film's emotional core: Þorgeir and Stella were childhood sweethearts who reunite late in life. Their final journey together transforms an old flame into a tender, last love — suggesting that true connection transcends time and that some bonds never fully fade.
Who directed Children of Nature?
Fridrik Thor Fridriksson directed Children of Nature. He's widely regarded as one of Iceland's most important filmmakers, and this film cemented his international reputation. He also co-wrote the screenplay alongside novelist Einar Már Guðmundsson and served as a producer.
Is Children of Nature based on a true story?
Children of Nature is not based on a specific true story, but it draws deeply from Icelandic cultural identity, the landscape of the Western Fjords, and universal themes of aging, belonging, and the longing to return home. The story feels grounded and emotionally authentic throughout.
Who are the main actors in Children of Nature?
The film's heart lies with Gísli Halldórsson as Þorgeir and Sigríður Hagalín as Stella, both delivering quietly powerful performances. German actor Bruno Ganz also appears in a notable supporting role, lending the production an additional layer of European art-house prestige.
Where was Children of Nature filmed?
Children of Nature was filmed on location in Iceland, with the sweeping, untamed landscapes of the Western Fjords playing a central role in the story. The raw natural beauty of Iceland becomes almost a character in itself, reflecting the protagonists' emotional journey home.
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