Review of Valhalla Rising (2009) by Daniel A — 29 Dec 2011

Valhalla Rising is a pretty impressive visual feast, but there is a little too much existentialism and art house sensibility for me to really like this. The story is nearly non-existant, or rather the story is more what you interpret it to be.

There is an awful lot of audience participation required in navigating the sea of metaphors that are prevelent thoughout the film. The pace moves at a numbingly slow pace, but if you can get drawn into the film, I imagine it wouldn't feel quite as long.

The cast turns in good performances, especially Mads Mikkelson who manages to portray the ferocity of his character without uttering a single line of dialogue. The direction and cinematography is exceptional here, presenting beautiful landscapes and vistas.

It is just a shame that I wasn't able to get into the film, because I do enjoy films like this from time to time. I can't help but to think that this film would have worked better as a short, perhaps as part of an anthology, much like the Mars Canal segment of Rampo Noir.

Not a film I can recommend, but if you like existential, arty type films, give this one a try. This is just a little to dry for most people. Including me.