Valhalla Rising
93 min
10 March 2010 (France)
Director: Nicolas Winding Refn
Writers: Nicolas Winding Refn, Roy Jacobsen
Stars: Mads Mikkelsen, Maarten Stevenson and Alexander Morton
1000 AD, for years, One Eye, a mute warrior of supernatural strength, has been held prisoner by the Norse chieftain Barde. Aided by Are, a boy slave, One Eye slays his captor and together he and Are escape, beginning a journey into the heart of darkness. On their flight, One Eye and Are board a Viking vessel, but the ship is soon engulfed by an endless fog that clears only as the crew sights an unknown land. As the new world reveals its secrets and the Vikings confront their terrible and bloody fate, One Eye discovers his true self.
The best thing about Valhalla Rising is the star, the artistic visuals, and the musical direction.
I found this film searching for movies Mads Mikkelson had done and this one jumped right out at me. Nordic origins, badass warrior lead role, low-level movie, and most of all not a lot of people have seen it.
The story follows "One-Eye" a savage nordic warrior who is mute and full of hate. He and his trusted companion, in the form of a young nord, follow a small group of Scottish Christians to "the holy land" of Jerusalem. But as they embark on their journey they become lost in a hazy mist and wind up in North America.
This film is a psychological poem thats displayed with hatred, blood, and some gruesome scenes of battle. However, the film is adamant about showing off the scenery and backdrops and leaning on Mikkelson's silent expressions rather than gaining momentum in the area of interest. Valhalla rising becomes boring and relies too much on the visuals, which are breath-taking. I'd show some screenshots but I'd be cheating you; the whole film is gorgeous and was shot entirely in Scotland.
Valhalla Rising is a one-time watch for the artsy movie goer.
+Nordic Origins
+Scottish Accents
+Mads Mikkelson is a badass and doesn't say a single word.
+Visually Stunning
-Not enough substance to keep your attention
-Terrible ending
I give Valhalla Rising a 2/5.
Cheers to Mads Mikkelson.
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