Review of Valhalla Rising (2009) by Zack B — 26 Apr 2013
From the director of Drive and Bronson is Nicholas Winding Refn's Valhalla Rising. It's a challenging and intriguing film about old time Christians and Vikings, but mainly it's about violence, hatred, and a whole lot of other things that are difficult to sort out.
The imagery and cinematography are beautiful, and the visions that main character "One-Eye" has hold symbolism and metaphor. There are many brutally violent scenes: something I've come to realize Refn does very well in all of his films.
Valhalla Rising is a great example of the "show, don't tell" style of filmmaking, which is rare nowadays. While it is a very different and original film, I found myself estranged from the latter parts of the film and whatever it was Refn was trying to tell us at the end.
It's certainly not an easy film to interpret. See it for the creative violence and imagery, but don't expect to be spoon-fed the message of the story.
This review of Valhalla Rising (2009) was written by Zack B on 26 Apr 2013.
Valhalla Rising has generally received mixed reviews.
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