BeautifulDisaster5287

On To Number 2 - Continuing with my Mads movie streak, I stumbled upon this strong willed, cinematically beautiful, yet confusing art-house number directed by Nicolas Winding Refn (of Bronson fame, and of Drive fame here in the states). I made it a point, as I have with all others in this so called 'Streak" (I should call this something....um...whatever, we'll say M.M.S. - Mads Movie Streak) to go in blind. I would rather know nothing especially when said film deals with religion so as to not skew my opinion. Having said all that, though this film is definitely gorgeous to watch, it left me feeling a bit bewildered by the end.

But You Know The Acting Will Be Great - And it totally is...all of the actors in this film are fantastic to watch. I was especially fond of The Boy who was played wonderfully by newcomer Maarten Stevenson. However, again, the whole movie is carried by a completely silent and extremely, engagingly, thoughtful performance by M.M. If for no other reason, watch it for that...

And The Cinematography - There is some gore and a lot of exquisite scenery that also bring this slow film to light. In the wake of a back story that unfolds unlike other films, I would say the creme de la creme is the cinematography. The colors are vivid, the dream sequences (if you will) are filmed across beautiful landscapes, there's an abundance of religious and mythological symbolism, and the violence is wholly stylized.

Best Scenes - 1. The beginning before the escape. 2. The escape. 3. Any and everything after the boat ride with the Vikings.

Yes Vikings - As with The Hunt, I don't want to give a lot away. I let on, that this is a religious film, but I will also state that it takes place in 1000 A.D. and M.M. is a super-warrior who was captured and escaped (what I think were) crusaders. His journey thereafter is one to fill the audience with philosophical questions. What is the meaning of life? Why are we living? Is there an afterlife? And so on...

Overall - The ending is a confusing one (at least it was a bit for me). Reflecting back on the watch however, forced me to think it through more thoroughly and in that process, I've managed to draw up new conclusions which ultimately make the movie a more fulfilling one. I mean, it's art...it's open for interpretation and it is sometimes admired without a full realization of exactly what the artist was trying to ultimately say. And that dear friends, is reason enough for me to appreciate it.

7.9/10 Stars You can read all my reviews at http://dianalynn5287.blogspot.com/