Review of Valhalla Rising (2009) by Branham N — 19 Sep 2013

Nicholas Winding Refn proved his movie magic with the hardcore, no-bull biography / film entitled 'Bronson'. But then, he shot something different at his audience: A sub-spiritual look into the later times of viking existence. The movie is very literal, as one could see by the strikingly brutal violence of the film. Yet at the same time, you find yourself immersed in metaphor and poetic intrigue. As the warrior One Eye sets out on his voyage, you are indulged in visions and pristine atmosphere. You yourself begin to question whether or not One Eye is a demon, sent from the cold bowels of hell.

Many film-goers, it seems, have been 'hollywood-ized', so to say, that they are so accustomed to constant backing music, stale and overused dialogue, and standard relationships between characters that they fail to see the art form within a movie. The warriors of the film all share a singular unrest and unease. There is no smiling, song singing, celebrating or other false tomfoolery. The movie is cold and calculated, yet warm and inviting in it's presentation. Filmed on location in Scotland, the actors bested the freezing weather and put out excellent performances, especially a silent and concerned Mads Mikkelson. The film, admittedly, is not for your standard movie audience. But for the viewer ready to indulge in true art, this is your film.