Review of Valhalla Rising (2009) by Kevin R — 31 Mar 2013

Driven by hate. That's how he survives.

One-eye is a slave that frees himself and kills his masters. One of the masters has a son that he takes on as his own and together they travel the land searching for a purpose. They believe they may have found that purpose in a mission for New Jerusalem. They join a group on a boat and begin their search. When they find what they are looking for, they don't know if it is New Jerusalem or Hell itself.

"They eat their own God. Eat his flesh. Drink his blood. ".

Nicolas Winding Refn, director of Bronson, The Pusher Trilogy, Bleeder, Fear X, and Drive, delivers Valhalla Rising. The storyline for this picture is very good; however, there are a few awkward sequences that seemed miss guided and poorly delivered. The settings were brilliantly selected and the action sequences were brutal. The soundtrack also sets the tone for each scene well.

"You need money like everyone else. It is the only way to reason with the Christians.".

I caught a preview for this picture some time ago and had to see it. The action scenes were delivered so well (even in the previews) and Mads Mikkelsen delivered the main character perfectly. There was a montage in the middle that was a bit frustrating; but other than that, this is a very unique and well crafted picture. This is not quite as good as 13 Warriors but is definitely worth a viewing.

"We have many gods. They only have one.".

Grade: B (7.5).