Viking

It is always difficult to make a movie based on historical facts. One must do a thorough research and properly put those facts in the movie. But one should also try to make that movie interesting and entertaining. Otherwise you'll get a protracted documentary.

First of all, the title has almost nothing to do with the story. The story indeed follows the historical facts, but is told in such a messy way, full of illogical, irrational and unjustifiable events and decisions that it is tiresome to watch. You will find illogicality and complete idiocy even during the fight scenes. Moreover, this movie has no specific plot, no higher agenda and no epic moments, which all makes it difficult for the spectators to connect with the story.

The story is practically about just one person and I kept wondering why it is so. Throughout the whole movie, the main character is completely and utterly useless, failing each and every challenge in front of him. Call it a paradox, but he somehow managed to fail even when he was winning. I wonder if director's decision was to purposely make this character so weak and clumsy. If it was, it's a bad decision because no one wants to watch a 2-hour movie where the main protagonist is a weakling and an idiot. If it wasn't, then the director has totally failed at his creation. I didn't "see" the main character. I didn't believe in him for one moment. He is not strong, he is not smart, he is not a great warrior, and not a great leader. So why is he the main character?

I do not blame any of the actors, they really did their best. I blame the writers and the producers for ruining the potential this story had. Thus, I do not recommend this movie, there are far better ways to spend your time than watching this nonsense.

I saw this movie in St. Petersburg, Russia last weekend. I don't know Russian history in-depth so I can only evaluate this film as entertainment (not a history lesson). This film is made on a grand scale and it shines in some of the epic battle scenes of which there are plenty. Others didn't fare as well as they were filmed in dark fog which made them tedious and hard to watch. When the battle scenes work, they work well but when they don't, they slow the film's momentum. I also felt the story left me dangling by not doing any followup on Vladimir's relationships with with his young wife Rogneda, and Anne. All in all, the movie feels redundant after a while and runs a little too long. Still, that doesn't detract from some the fantastic battles earlier in the film which make this movie worth watching.

If you've seen the TV show Vikings, I do understand if you feel underwhelmed after watching this. But try not to compare - although tastes are different and I imagine even those not familiar with the TV show may not like what they see here. Be it the violence in combar or in sexual situations. The former are by far more of course.

Still this is well played out, even if I was confused at times to say the least. Like when Romans come into play, but you hear them speak Greek? I might have missed something and I don't mind at all to be honest, especially since I speak it and the characters were also quite fluent (which wasn't always the case in the Vikings show, no offense). Having said all that, this may be a bit long overall, but it still is tension filled and it still can be entertaining

The Russians sure have a tradition to do majestic movies and this is aiming to follow in those footsteps. It has really nice settings, costomes and armour. When it comes to the script they have really worked hard to go to the sources and depict what we know of Ruriks decendants. It´s hard to follow though, and even if I know the storys since before I lose track on who is doing what. My interest in the period probably flavours me.

But, the fighting and acting is decent, and the fact that they have put the effort to bring a cast from different countries to bring deapth to the characters and cultures is really nice. I will watch this one again when I have the chance. Kudos for trying to keep close to the sources even if the old style is hard for a modern person to comprehend.

A visually sumptuous examination of the introduction of Christianity into Medieval Russia slyly disguised as a blood-and-thunder action epic. The complexities of the storyline might put off action fans seeking an adrenaline rush, but it's a rewarding watch for those looking for some thematic depth to go with their visceral battle scenes.