User reviews

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.

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

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 couldn't make it past 10 minutes. The English dubbing is horrible. I'll try to find the original Russian version with subtitles. The movie looks like it has potential. Just not dubbed.

7 years and a huge pile of cash was spent to create this completely non-watchable movie. It was positioned as the most accurate historical video document. Really?! In the very beginning they show a crossbow. In Russia. In 10th century. Really?! Helmets that they wear historically never existed. And so forth. The movie is full of moments that are not understandable and not related to the story line. Complete waste of time and money.

I party can understand the low rating, it is a bit strange movie, and maybe partly inaccurate (I'm not an expert on Russian history; a Russian friend I asked wasn't very convinced about the whole Viking dominance thing depicted in the movie in that period of history, but anyway). I gave it 7 stars for something that I think needs mentioning: it is one of the very few movies out there to include Byzantium. Hollywood doesn't even know what that is. 'Historical' american movies know only: Cleopatra, Julius Caesar, and maybe some thing up until the fall of the Western part of the Roman Empire at the most. After that: the complete vacuum. Well, at least this movie shows a very historically rich period. I liked the scene where the Russians talk with the Romans regarding marriage arrangements, where the Roman envoy speaks Greek, as was the case back then (and they're correctly called Romans in the movie, thus avoiding the anachronism typical of almost all English-speaking historical movies). In summary, definite must see for those interested in Byzantium.

A - Anti-historic

Those who say it's "historically accurate" are either shills hired by the marketing or really stupid and uneducated hillbillies.

This trash has less basis in real history than movies like "Lincoln Vampire Hunter". Everything "historic" on screen is profoundly and disgustingly fake. That goes for events, personalities, lifestyle, customs, architecture, warfare, weapons & armor...

If Vladimir the Great was alive today he'd sue for slander and instantly won big time.

U - Unwatchable

From purely cinematographical point of view, this is unwatchable trash, plain and simple. Acting and directing are way below traditional trash genre standards. Screenplay is devoid of any logic, consistency, or character development.

T - Trash

I believe the real purpose behind filming it was money-laundering, or something similar to what Uwe Boll did. Except any of the worst Boll's movies are much better than this trash.

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.

it's not a movie it's a shame full of absurd situation and absurd dialogue. Dialogue always trying to confuse but don't give you a real story. The press said that it would be a credible film but it's not Do not watch this trash. I'm serious I'm not a hater it's just a bitter truth. Shame on Russian movie...

I really do not understand the rating and the hate for this movie. Is it because it was made by a russian and they speak russian in the movie? I can understand if thats the case, the hate for everything russian is strong in the world, and the language can be quite off putting. I had a bit of a hard time trying to remember the russian names...

BUT, this movie is really great. Definetly looks like a lot of money has been put into it. It definetly looks very authentic and realistic. I have no idea how historically correct this movie is with the story since I dont really know anything about Vladimir, but there are so many other things that would compensate for it. The fighting scenes for example are excellent. Never seen so realistic fights in a "viking" movie, not even in the show Vikings. It is also really nice to see that they make a good use of spears in this movie, which very rarely happens in viking movies, despite being the most cammon weapon.

I found the story exciting and there were not many dull moments in this movie, despite it being quite long. As a Swede it was also really nice to hear some swedish in this movie, and to see the swedish actor Joakim Nätterqvist, who played the swedish templar Arn in the movies about Arn.

I feel this movie is a strong 8, especially when you compare it to other "viking" movies the last decade. Like "Viking Legacy", "Viking Quest", "Viking the berserkers", "Vikingdom", "Northmen - A Viking Saga" etc. Those movies are a complete joke compared to this movie. Worse acting, worse dialogs, worse story, worse realism, worse budget etc.

I would definetly recommend you to give this movie a chance instead of trusting the rating and the reviews of this movie. They are absolutely not fair against this movie according to me.

After watching the whole movie in cinema, I couldn't really understand what has the title in common with the movie itself. Neither history, nor drama, this movie is a total mess of illogical actions and was scenes. A bunch of bearded Slavonic men screaming out loud and struggling with obviously fake weapon, having no philosophy, moral or logical basement in their head. So what? is it enough to be called viking? Is it enough to make a movie? My biggest problem was not the fact that nothing in the movie looked realistic or solid: the weapons, helmets and ships taken from various historical and cultural environment. I am not too mad about the fact, that I don't believe the dialogues and speech 10 centuries ago were the same as I hear on contemporary Russian streets. But to have no solid and logical story-line and no any well defined character who is conscious enough ... in a 133 minute-long movie? That's totally insane. Sorry, but no more nowadays Russian filmography!

This movie has nothing to do with history and actually art of movie. The story told in the movie has nothing to do to Russia. The actual story is about Kyivan Rus' that existed long before Russia appeared. Briefly: Volodymyr looks like stupid monkey with AK-47. Story is illogical, torn and lifeless. Lots of stupid, unhistorical events like boats sliding from the hill. Another crap movie wasted over 200mln dollars of taxes. Despite the budget decorations are poor, 2nd plan actors lazy and pretending. God, this movie so bad that even Uve Boll would film it better.

Not Terrible, but certainly Not Engaging from a story or Entertainment value. It was like there was No script and they said just go... No Soul, No Charisma with Cast- scenery was great though- 2D characters and small Russian actors make for an undeveloped buy-in for viewer. Being a Viking fan, it's worth a watch for there is not much to choose from in this genre. But I think I nailed it at around a 6.5 for 90 percent of viewers. Lots of low key talk, no big scenes or battles, and no character to really root for or against. I like the effort, but it never really drew me in. Check it out if you got 2 ½ hours, and have seen all other Vikings, Arn, etc...

Where, oh where can a person in the United States see this film? Or, does anyone know if this film will be released in the U.S.? And for those of you who have seen this film, where and how did you see it???? Your assistance is greatly appreciated. Many thanks to those who have taken the time to review this film regardless of your opinion.

There are very few movies I can't forget, but some I absolutely love, like *The Northman* and the *Vikings* TV show. However, this particular movie has really stayed with me. It's incredibly dark and disturbingly realistic-almost no Hollywood gimmicks or fluff. If you're after something truly gritty and raw, this one is definitely worth a watch.

If you're looking for a darker Viking movie that feels more grounded and authentic, this is the one. It sticks to realism, offering a brutal and often uncomfortable look at that era, far from the polished versions we're used to. It's the kind of film that doesn't hold back on the harsh realities of Viking life, stripping away any romanticized notions and giving you something raw. This isn't just another Viking movie-it's an intense experience that'll linger with you long after it's over.

The way the movie captures the atmosphere, the bleakness of the setting, and the rough nature of the characters makes it feel almost like you're watching history unfold. It's not just about the battles or glory but the everyday harshness and the brutal choices these people faced. If you're searching for a Viking movie that ditches the fantasy and gives you something much more real, this is definitely one to check out.

It's not so much the bad dubbing but the dialogues are pretty bad so I'm not sure if some things were lost in translation. I still tried to finish the movie though I had to use the fwd button a few times to speed it up coz there were dragging moments in the movie. I like the message the movie was trying to convey in the end. But it could've been written better. I don't think everyone would want to watch this til the end of the movie.

Very very bad. Fantastic but not real story! Just throwing money away.

A beautiful movie about Vladimir I of Kiev and a fine chance to get more familiar with Eastern Europe's Medieval History.

Shot with artistic talent and historical accuracy, the movie shows the clash between Scandinavian, Rus, Greek-Roman and Turkic populations at the dawn of the second Millennium.

And Russian historians are among the finest on this period (those who have an interest in Byzantine History know very well who Georg Alexandrovič Ostrogorsky was) so I would not agree with those who complained on this matter.

Calling the movie 'Viking' shows a sophisticated knowledge of Saint Vladimir's life. But it might be deceiving for greater audiences.