It is a drama and so-called independent film (with Icelandic screenwriter/director), but it is not oppressive, but includes plenty of comic moments. The screenplay is witty and distinct (with some predictability though) and all the cast is good (supporting actors) or excellent (leading actors Brian Cox and Paul Dano). They are masterly both together and separately, you constantly feel chemistry between them - does not matter if their characters agree or disagree.Highly recommended, although the film is not to everybody's taste: most of event occur in a bar, scenes including women are infrequent, the ending is ambivalent. But still, this film deserves far more attention, praise and distribution, primarily in northern parts of Europe and America.

French-born Icelandic screenwriter and director Dagur Kári's third feature film which he wrote, premiered in the Special Presentations section at the 34th Toronto International Film Festival in 2009, was shot on locations in New York, USA and Iceland and is a France-Denmark-Iceland-USA-Germany co-production which was produced by Icelandic producers Skuli Fr. Malmquist and Thor S. Sigurjónsson. It tells the story about a cynical owner of a bar in New York who after having his fifth heart attack ends up at hospital where he meets a homeless man named Lucas who has been committed due to a suicide attempt. After Lucas is released from the hospital, Jacques picks him up from the streets, insists that he becomes his apprentice and let's him stay in a room at his bar.Finely and subtly directed by Icelandic filmmaker Dagur Kári Pétursson, this quietly paced fictional tale which is narrated from multiple viewpoints, draws a heartily portrayal of a friendship and somewhat father-son-like relationship between a middle-aged bartender with prospects and an altruistic vagrant. While notable for it's atmospheric milieu depictions, fine production design by Icelandic production designer and actor Hálfdan Pedersen and cinematography by Danish cinematographer Rasmus Videbæk, this humorous, somewhat surreal and existentialistic drama depicts two mindful studies of character and contains a cheerful score by the Icelandic band Slowblow.This multinational and multilingual independent film about a rare kinship between two men from different generations and lifestyles which is tested by the sudden arrival of a woman named April who shows up out of nowhere, is impelled and reinforced by it's cogent narrative structure, subtle character development and continuity, quick-witted dialog and the prominent, understated, engaging and commendable acting performances by American actor Brian Cox, American actor Paul Dano and French actress Isild Le Besco. An intimate, unsentimental and diverse character piece which gained, among other awards, the award for Best Director Dagur Kári at the Edda Awards in 2011.

This movie is about Brian Cox... Director Dagur Kari provides a stage. Paul Dano is great being a looking-glass. But Brian Cox's Jacques is monumental, he literally carries the action from the first second he steps in. He energizes the viewer, no matter how one classifies his moral actions. The bar scene is one of surrealistic charm, dwelled by decameronesque characters and maintained as a personal fiefdom by Jacques. The short story on the cover is "A bartender takes a young homeless man in under his wing" but there is so MUCH more to it. Lucas (Paul Dano) represents here a humanity clear of prejudice, pure and immortal. The suicide attempt doesn't stop him. Nor does death itself, his heart symbolically living on in another body. Supporting actress Isild le Besco is somehow incongruous, offering not believable French accented replies. Underwhelming, as her debut movies in France, where her naked skin prevails. Probably a strong actress, I am thinking here Emily Mortimer, or Marie-Louise Parker, or, -if they really wanted a French one, how about Sandrine Kiberlain? -would have done much better. Solidly memorable, Brian Cox gives this movie so much personality and energy that only true talent can offer. In line with Anthony Hopkins and Ben Kingsley, Cox is another Musqueteer of a generation of powerful performances from Britain to enchant us. Watch this great movie, and a bar will never look the same to you!

After making such a great debut film Noi Albino, and following that up with the fairly enjoyable Dark Horse, it pains me to tell you that The Good Heart is a real let down. Apart from it's look I can't pick out any other positives. It's puzzling to know why the director decided to make this film in English, apart from maybe a greater chance at financial success, as the story and characters have no relevance to their surroundings. It's nauseatingly quirky, desperately predictable and me and my friends were extremely disappointed.I plead to Dagur Kári, the director, to go back to where he knows and develop his trade. One more film like this and he will be well and truly struck off my list.