Review of Valhalla Rising (2009) by Mathieu F — 22 Apr 2011
I was very curious to see this movie because, at long last, someone proposed to make a film about Vikings without succumbing to stupid clichà (C)s and make a true film.
And indeed, this is cinema. The directing is somewhat reminiscent of Terrence Malick on its slow, contemplative pacing. There are long shots of the harsh, harsh land and the equally harshness and ruggedness of the lead character's sacred face. Beauty is harsh and beauty is ugly, could be the film's message.
The story itself evokes Aguirre, the Wrath of God by Werner Herzog: it has the same slow drift toward hallucinatory madness. The Vikings are lost and so are we, as spectators, right until the end when we finally understand what was happening.
A difficult, demanding film to watch with long, silent shots of grandiose landscapes with low-angle shots of the main character, its bloody face, and the presence of his signature silence. There is a kind of mystic feel in this film which can deter some.
This review of Valhalla Rising (2009) was written by Mathieu F on 22 Apr 2011.
Valhalla Rising has generally received mixed reviews.
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