Dark and Flawed, but Draws the Viewer In

Rating: 8/10 (15 January 2007)

I watched this first when I was fourteen or so. Because I'm a squeamish girl, I nearly gave up on this movie when the first (and probably most) graphic scene came on- a large cottage full of bloody human remains. But something kept me seated, and I made it through.
That 'something,' whatever it was, contained a sense of magic that so many films today are missing. It described enough, but not too much, piquing my interest. Even in the end, the questions unresolved didn't leave me bothered. We learned only as much as the characters themselves learned, and the sense of the unknown had an ancient feel.
The acting is solemn. It perfectly matches the gritty feeling of every scene. I love Antonio, but I came away from this movie with deep admiration more for the leader of the North-men than him: Vladimir Kulich's Buliwyf (which sounds to me like 'Boolivai'), the solemn and handsome warrior with really sexy hair.
The focus was obviously more on Antonio Banderas, but Vladimir Kulich stole every scene he was in. When he spoke in his low, resonant voice, all the other Vikings listened- and I did, too. Throughout the entire movie, Buliwyf demonstrates an excellent capability for warfare and leadership, from his brute strength to the considerate and kind way he convinces Hrothgar to stay with his wife and the other women and children.
In some ways, this is a gritty, nasty movie not suitable for children. However, with a little perspective, you'll notice that the copious use of blood in many of the battle scenes is nearly comical (regardless of the film-maker's intent). So, sure, it's flawed, but it's fairly easy to chuckle through such things; and it returns quickly to that sense of medieval wonder, safely tied down with Kulich's demanding presence.