Is I say Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict ()
A music video consisting of two songs by Hildá Länsman & Tuomas Norvios, “Gulan” and “Dajan,” Dajan — I Say mirrors artist and yoiker Länsman’s personal journey in finding her way back home to Sápmi, and discovering the strength to say no to things she does not want for herself. Produced in the border areas on the Finnish and Norwegian side of Sápmi, around Länsman’s home village Ohcejohka, the film’s title comes from the northern Saami word “Dajan,” which directly translates to “I say.” The song invites you to move freely in the world to the beat of your own decisions.
✨ The Quick Verdict
If you are a fan of cinema, then I say offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the landscape.
👥 Target Audience
📔 Detailed Analysis
The Narrative Arc & Core Premise
In the evolving tapestry of Modern Cinema cinema, the N/A release of I say stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into A music video consisting of two songs by Hildá Länsman & Tuomas Norvios, “Gulan” and “Dajan,” Dajan — I Say mirrors artist and yoiker Länsman’s personal journey in finding her way back home to Sápmi, and discovering the strength to say no to things she does not want for herself. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Modern Cinema are tested.
The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "A music video consisting of two songs by Hildá Länsman & Tuomas Norvios, “Gulan” and “Dajan,” Dajan — I Say mirrors artist and yoiker Länsman’s personal journey in finding her way back home to Sápmi, and discovering the strength to say no to things she does not want for herself. Produced in the border areas on the Finnish and Norwegian side of Sápmi, around Länsman’s home village Ohcejohka, the film’s title comes from the northern Saami word “Dajan,” which directly translates to “I say.” The song invites you to move freely in the world to the beat of your own decisions."
Artistic Execution & Performance Study
A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Despite the inherent talent of Hildá Länsman, the performance in I say feels somewhat constrained by a narrative framework that doesn't fully exploit their range. There are flashes of brilliance, but the overall impact is muted.
The direction by Alice Márja Jektevik is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 4 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.
Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch
Is I say truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Modern Cinema, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.
The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.
Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision
At a deeper level, I say explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The N/A audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Alice Márja Jektevik respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.
The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.
Final Editorial Recommendation
Ultimately, I say is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Hildá Länsman or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, I say is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.
⏳ Time Investment
At approximately 0.1 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.