Lake Over Fire

Lake Over Fire depicts a twisted, dangerous and colourful world. The film is set in a remote desert town, and in many ways this is indeed a classical Western; only, the horses are replaced with scooters, the jailhouse is a caravan, and the mine produces plastic pearls. In any case, the inhabitants of the town have become so wealthy that they can no longer be bothered, nor have any need, to work.

One day a stranger comes to town. The stranger soon gains power and influence in the small community. He pits people against each other, bringing out both the worst and the best in them: greed, betrayal and brutality, but also love and solidarity. One outcast is the peaceful Cato, who is faced with a difficult decision: to follow his own moral convictions, or give in to the urge to be part of the community.

This year’s festival opener is funny, delightful to look at, and easy to be entertained by. At the same time it does have political undercurrents, and as any self-respecting Western it is of course about the eternal struggle between Good and Evil. This is Norwegian cinema like you’ve never seen it before!