The Northman (4 Stars)

"The Northman" is an epic Viking saga based on the legend of Amleth. The story of Amleth was the main inspiration for Shakespeare's "Hamlet". "The Northman" is a tale of men and gods. The obvious comparison is with the television series "Vikings", but the difference is that "Vikings" isn't supernatural. In "Vikings" the belief in the Norse gods is a matter of superstition, but in "The Northman" we see the gods directly intervening to guide Amleth's life.

As far as the chronology goes, "The Northman" takes place at the same time as the later seasons of "Vikings". Ragnar Lothbrok lived some time in the eighth Century. The events of "The Northman" begin in 895 AD, and King Harald is mentioned, a person who appears in seasons four to six of "Vikings".

In 895 AD King Aurvandill of Hrafnsey is assassinated by his brother Fjölnir. His young son Amleth flees and is presumed dead. He's adopted by a Viking clan, and he calls himself Björnulfr, which means Bear-Wolf. He becomes their fiercest warrior, but he has no ambitions to rule their clan. One day a blind seer tells him that she recognises him as Amleth, and he should stop running from his destiny. It's time for him to take revenge on Fjölnir.

Amleth/Björnulfr finds out that Fjölnir has fled from Hrafnsey and now lives in Iceland, where he makes a living from capturing and selling slaves. Björnulfr allows himself to be captured so he can be close to him. He makes a good impression and is kept by Fjölnir, not sold. He bides his time, gaining Fjölnir's trust, until he's ready to act.

My biggest problems are with the opening scenes, the first fifteen minutes. The computer generated special effects look artificial. Fortunately, less computer graphics are used as the film progresses. Or maybe the graphics improved so that they looked genuine. The best computer graphics are the ones that look real.

The second half of "The Northman" was filmed on location in Iceland. It's a stunningly beautiful country. This single screenshot isn't enough to do it justice. Next time I watch it I'll include more pictures.

"The Northman" was highly praised by critics, some of them calling it the best film of the year, but its performance at the box office was mediocre. Maybe it was released too soon after the Coronavirus pandemic. I personally wanted to see it in the cinema, but I was lying in hospital with a lung infection. I have the impression that it's a film that can be appreciated better on a big screen.

There's something I noticed about Alexander Skarsgard while watching "Infinity Pool" which is confirmed in "The Northman". Of all the actors in his family, he's the one who's the most similar to his father Stellan. It's not just his facial features. His voice is also similar to his father's voice.

Success Rate:  - 1.0

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