Review of Valhalla Rising (2009) by Jason J — 21 Jan 2011
A one-eyed Viking (who, in strained cinematic irony, sees the future) goes on vacation to North America. Finding historical accuracy generally more interesting and strange than fiction and seeing that most of the negative criticisms were that it was slow (usually a sure sign it's great) he nerd in me was happy to see Vikings without horns but disappointed that the indigenous (MÃkmaqs perhaps?) were onscreen about 60 seconds at the end.
Valhalla Rising is a beautiful looking tone poem and even without a line, Mads Mikkelsen's charisma is strong enough to carry most of the load. On the other hand, it's so self-serious that you just want to laugh (The parallels drawn between One Eye and Jesus are strained and silly). The portentous Intertitles (e.g. Part V - Hell) and machismo are squirm-inducing. It's a bit like Pathfinder if it was humorlessly-directed by John Hillcoat. The end result is a merely good film that could've been great. If you want to see something similar but better then check out Cabeza de Vaca or Aguirre Wrath of God.
This review of Valhalla Rising (2009) was written by Jason J on 21 Jan 2011.
Valhalla Rising has generally received mixed reviews.
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