could be a spoiler, but after letting it marinate, fjord is still a film I can’t form a definitive opinion on. the first half frames the family as the wronged party, nudging the audience to take their side. but morally, neither side’s actions align with what I would stand for. I understand the religious dimension, but not the extent of practice. I understand the care behind their actions, but not the way it is expressed. every adult acts according to their own set of rules. both parties are acting on what they’ve been taught, whether by law or culture. so without giving too much away, I think the film is simply just asking the audience to look beyond a simple binary of right and wrong, rather than simply pick a side. it’s a story that deserves a more nuanced reading and judgment. I believe this film could easily be interpreted as a propaganda narrative, but ultimately, it also comes down to how individuals choose to understand and interpret it. the reality is that there are still people, including children, who are trying to navigate and survive these kinds of family dynamics. as much as I’m aware that children are best loved and cared for by their parents, I think this film also raises important questions about upbringing, parental influence, and the environment in which children are raised. and if the film opens up a broader debate about religion, then I think we should also be questioning the role of the government. how can an individual party or organization blur the lines of authority and personal rights so quickly that even the people living within that country are left with little to no say over their own rights.