Erik the Viking

Plot synopsis:
The film is based largely upon Norse mythology. In the film's opening scene Erik (Tim Robbins), a young Viking, discovers that he has no taste for rape and pillage, and suffers guilt over the death of Helga (Samantha Bond), an innocent woman.
Erik learns from the wise woman Freya (Eartha Kitt) that Fenrir the wolf has swallowed the sun, plunging the world into the age of Ragnarök. Erik resolves to travel to Asgard to petition the gods to end Ragnarök. Freya informs him that to do so he must seek the Horn Resounding in the land of Hy-Brasil. The first note blown upon the Horn will take Erik and his crew to Asgard, the second will awaken the gods, and the third will bring the crew home.
Keitel Blacksmith (Gary Cady) and his underling Loki (Antony Sher) are opposed to Erik's plan, because peace would end the demand for Keitel's swords. Keitel joins Erik's crew to sabotage Erik's plans. Halfdan the Black (John Cleese), afraid that peace will mean the end of his reign, sets sail in pursuit.
Arriving at Hy-Brasil, Erik and crew are astonished to find it a sunlit land whose people are friendly (if musically untalented). Erik promptly falls in love with Princess Aud (Imogen Stubbs), daughter of King Arnulf (Terry Jones). During one of their romantic encounters, Erik hides from Arnulf using Aud's magic cloak of invisibility.
Aud has warned the Vikings that should blood ever be shed upon Hy-Brasil, the entire island would sink beneath the waves. Erik and his crew defend Hy-Brasil against Halfdan's ship. In gratitude for Erik's having saved Hy-Brasil, King Arnulf presents him with the Horn Resounding, which is much larger than Erik had imagined. Loki steals the Horn's mouthpiece, without which it cannot be sounded, and persuades Keitel to throw it in the sea. Snorri, one of Erik's men, catches them in the act, and Loki kills him. A single drop of the man's blood falls from Loki's dagger, triggering an earthquake that causes the island to begin sinking.
Erik's crew, joined by Aud, prepare to escape in their ship with the Horn safely aboard, but Arnulf refuses to join them, denying that the island is sinking up to the very moment he and the other islanders are swallowed by the waves. Aud, who was able to recover the mouthpiece by chance, sounds the first note on the Horn. The ship is propelled over the edge of the flat Earth and into space, coming to rest upon the plain of Asgard. Erik sounds the second note to awaken the gods, and he and his crew approach the great Hall of Valhalla.
Erik and the crew encounter old friends and enemies slain in battle. The gods are revealed to be petulant children who have no interest in answering mortal prayers. Odin persuades Fenrir to spit out the sun, but tells Erik that the end of Ragnarök will not bring peace to the world. Odin then informs Erik that he and his crew cannot return home. Nor may they remain in Valhalla, since they were not slain in battle; instead they are to be cast into the fiery Pit of Hel. Some of the Vikings who were killed in the sea-battle with Halfdan attempt to save them, but even as they are drawn into the Pit, they hear the Horn Resounding's third note, which flings them clear.
Erik's crew, including the formerly dead men, immediately find themselves back in their home village. They are dismayed to find that Halfdan and his soldiers have arrived before them and are holding the villagers captive. Halfdan and his men are crushed to death by Erik's ship as it falls out of the sky with Harald the Missionary (Freddie Jones) aboard. As the villagers celebrate Erik's return and Halfdan's defeat, the sun rises, ending the age of Ragnarök.

Tags: cult, satire, romantic

Review:
British comedian Terry Jones found fame and fortune as a member of the legendary comedy troupe known as Monty Python, where along his teammates revolutionized comedy with their sketch show "Flying Circus" during the 70s.
"Erik the Viking" was the name of the movie and it is possibly the movie that best describes Jones' persona, as it mixes the style of Monthy Python comedy (although it is not a sketch-based movie) with Jones' special taste for ancient history.The film is the story of Erik (Tim Robbins), a viking who after the murder of an innocent woman during one of his tribe's expedition, discovers that he is not really happy with the whole raping and pillaging customs of his people.
With this in mind, Erik prepares an expedition and sails to adventure; but Halfdan the Black (John Cleese) and Keitel Blacksmith (Gary Cady) are not so happy about finishing the lucrative business of war, so both decide to follow Erik in order to make him fail.While the movie is not exactly an adaptation of Jones' children's book, his love for history is still all over the movie, as it's filled with countless references to Norse myths and Viking culture.
Python's style of comedy is present in a subtler (although no less hilarious) way, and like in his previous work, Jones uses "Erik" to make fun of concepts as the social establishment, war, and religion.
However, despite Jones' love for history, people expecting a true and realistic representation of a Norse Edda will be sorely disappointed, as Jones takes many liberties for the sake of comedy (and probably to make his movie easier to understand for people not familiar with Norse mythology).In this his third "solo" effort as director (two of the Python films were co-directed with Terry Gilliam), Terry Jones shows the evolution of what was started in "Life of Brian", as while his movie is a story of epic proportions, he keeps the film focused on his characters and their many funny traits.
This really works for the movie, as while Erik's crew is numerous, each one is highly detailed and Jones dedicates enough time to get to know everyone of them, developing them as characters and as a team, and making the audience care for them.
The somewhat restrained way that Jones uses to approach to comedy this time (keeping it focused to the plot instead of using sketches) is also more in tone with "Life of Brian" than with the other Monty Python films.Tim Robbins is perfectly cast as Erik, as his really becomes this good hearted, yet extremely naive adventurer, decided to stop the wars of the world.
Robbins' career was at an early stage when he did this film, but already shows his talent and is very good with Jones' style of comedy.
Mickey Rooney and Terry Jones himself have small yet very funny roles too, and both make the most of their small scenes.Personally, I think that the movie's biggest problem is actually Terry Jones' background with the Pythons, as this may make fans to expect something keeping the style of the troupe's previous films.
True, it has some serious problems with special effects that could had been better with a bigger budget, but Jones makes the movie work with his mix of wit and charm, as well as his knowledge of medieval cultures."Erik the Viking" is definitely an unfairly underrated comedy that while never on the level of classic Monty Python's Flying Circus, it provides some fun intelligent comedy paired with an interesting story of action and adventure.
Seen as a poor relation to true-Python movies (even forgotten), it tells the tale of a young adventurous Viking, Erik, who sets out on a quest to find Asgard.
Gilliam, Palin and Idle, decided not to appear.Erik The Viking is a light comedy with occasional droplets of Python rain, gently falling about the story.
Director, Terry Jones, relies on a pair of old-school character actors who number his and many Python films: John Scott Martin (Ingemund the Old) and Charles McKeown (Sven's Dad).Jones allowed his cast to keep their mother-tongues: Tim Robbins (Erik) and Mickey Rooney (Erik's Grandfather) keep their American drawls and John Gordon Sinclair (Ivar), his broad Scottish accent.
One of the best interactions is between Ivar and Thorofinn, discussing seasickness aboard their boat and a welcome diversion comes in the shape of 28yr old Imogen Stubbs (Princess Aud).In the end, it's just a bit of fun and serves as a good 'hors d'oeuvre' to anyone who needs a gentle initiation into the world of Python..
It's possible that the print I rented from my local video shop was a bit more dingy than the original, but the stunning scenery (filmed in Norway, Malta and England) lost its effect.Despite these negatives, it's certainly worth watching at least once, if only for those inspired moments of comedy it contains..
Much better than The Holy Grail, that had a rubbish end to it.Well done Terry, it's a great shame that not more viewers have come across Eric The Viking, or didn't like it as much (I have a feeling that many of them were expecting a typical Python film)..
In true Python alum fashion, this movie is rewatchable (despite what Maltin says) and a lot of fun each time you watch it.
Tim Robbins does his usual good job in a light-hearted but sensitive role; and possibly the best line of the movie is John Cleese's reaction to Robbins when Robbins *believes* himself to be invisible, declaring: "Now you see me, now you don't!" Cleese's reaction has me laughing out loud every time.Behind all the fun and games, though, Terry Jones has done some pretty darn clever commentary on belief systems and epistemology; the fact that you can only be affected by that particular brand of magic in which you believe is a strong idea which rings nicely throughout the movie.
(The addition of the priest character drives the point home nicely.)  Interesting ideas, which I'd bet are ignored by most people just out for a good time (which is okay too, since it's a funny movie)..
Terry Jones is probably the least appreciated member of Monty Python, but viewing `Erik the Viking' should change your opinion on that.
The movie's world is bleak and bitter (reading about Norse religion will show you that the Vikings lived in a bleak and bitter world), but Tim Robbins' idealistic and earnest Erik is just sweet and hopeful enough to keep things interesting, rather than completely depressing.
Terry Jones, of Monty Python fame, seems to have done a lot of work on the history of the vikings.
Great comedic performance from Tim Robbins, very believable Industrious Torturer Cleese, unforgettable Jones as the King of high Brazil and the lovely Imogen Stubbs - what else can you ask for?!
Like others have said, many people compare this movie to Monty python- which it is not.
I mean, if you 'get' python-like humor, enjoy a fantasy adventure and so forth, then you've already seen countless worse movies.
Then comes Eric, who accidentally kills the woman that he has fallen in love with and comes to realise that there must be more than this, so he takes the men of his village on a trek to find the gods and ask them to end Ragnarok.This is a cool little comedy movie done in the Monty Python style, though not exclusively Python, since only Terry Jones and John Cleese are in it.
Even though, the bizarre comedy of Monty Python comes out of it, along with its mockery of the human attitude.I guess one thing is the antagonist, Hadron the Black, who wants to stop Eric simply because to him Ragnarok is pretty good for business.
Throw in Terry Jones' humor and opinions & some well known cast members, and you get an intellectual comedy, very much in the vein of Monty Python.
True there are members of Python in this film but that does not qualify "Erik the Viking" as a Monty Python movie.
(Unless they get together without Graham Chapman for another movie) Now that I'm off my soapbox regarding Monty Python, "Erik the Viking" is a great movie.
Then the goddess Freya (played by Eartha Kitt!) shows herself to Erik, and tells him that he must seek Gjallarhorn - The Resounding Horn - and waken the Gods so that the Fimbul Winter might end...What I like about this film, is that this old mythological 'tale' is told without scorn.
Instead the thing is used by Terry Jones (who obviously knows much about history and mythology) to make a somewhat 'serious' adventure movie, where the characters are both fascinating and funny in the context of the story itself.So this is not just another Monty Python-movie; and if you're only looking for the next laugh all the time, the magic of this film will evade you.
But if you want a wonderful AND hilarious story of human beings in an epic and symbolic world - with pythonesque humour and a manuscript/dialog both well and philosophically written - then this the one for you.Tim Robbins (Erik) is as excellent as I've ever seen him.
It certainly isn't a dead laughter, thought it has some bits that just make you to chuckle out loud.The style of the film resembles a bit of Terry Gilliams Jabberwocky, even the style of humour is a quite same, but this shouldn't be any surprise considering the power behind the film, which of course is Terry Jones of 'Monty Python' fame.
Out of other Pythonites John Cleese pops in to do a small role as a baddie of the film.Eric (soft spoken Tim Robbins) is a viking, who questions his way of living: the pillaging, raping and killing.
And of course on the way they stumble upon troubles and comedic situations.All things considering the film has some pretty good puns and even some of the scenery and special effects managed to impress me quite a bit.
It's amazing to see several ex-Monty Pythoners, a big budget, Vikings and Tim Robbins all conspire to made a long, ponderous and dreadfully dull film.
From Monty Python team member Terry Jones comes this mildly amusing spoof of Norse mythology, which he wrote and directed.
You've got a remarkably sincere Robbins, Mickey Rooney (as his grandfather) and Eartha Kitt in cameos, and such distinguished British thespians as Jones himself (who plays King Arnulf), John Cleese (who's great as always, playing nasty bad guy Halfdan the Black), Antony Sher, Charles McKeown, Tim McInnerny, Freddie Jones, and Jim Broadbent.
You also get the very lovely Imogen Stubbs (as Jones' princess daughter) and Samantha Bond.Certainly a quality look is created for the movie, with lots of fine location work, atmosphere, and visuals.
Poor comedy from Monty Python's Terry Jones.
The plot's about a disillusioned Viking named Erik (Tim Robbins) who goes on a quest to the Land of Hy-Brasil to end Ragnarok.
The story is loosely based on a children's book Jones wrote called "The Saga of Erik the Viking." If you get the chance you should read the book as it's much better than this film..
For people thinking, "Oh John Cleese and Terry Gilliam, it must be a Python movie" then make it a point to slam the film.
The other 1/2 of people that hate this film have never seen Norse mythology or Viking history so don't appreciate how much work Gilliam put into having a historically accurate portrayal of Vikings in terms of the dress, the actions of the whole (not the primary characters).If you are looking for a gentle start into the world of Monty Python, this is a good start before diving headlong into Holy Grail or Life of Brian..
American actor Tim Robbins plays young Erik, who comes about the shocking realisation of the few laudable aspects of the Viking lifestyle, and wants to change the image of the Vikings for the better, and sets off on a capricious journey conflated of erratically hit & miss satire, and overblown special effects.There are constant bursts of rapid fire dialogue to be found here, but honestly, lacks any real inspiration or inventiveness to be genuinely humorous, even if there may be the odd chuckle, you just sort of take it in the films loose strides.
Terry Jones adapted his own children's book for Erik the Viking, a movie that shares much in common with the aforementioned Time Bandits, but shares little of its sense of wonder, imagination and wit.While on a routine raping-and-pillaging expedition, Viking Erik (Tim Robbins) realises he has grown tired of the never-ending circle of violence and misery celebrated by his people.
However, such a miracle will spell the end of war, thus putting blacksmiths Keitel (Gary Cady) and his underling Loki (Antony Sher) out of business, as well as threatening the reign of the brutal Halfdan the Black (John Cleese).Erik the Viking takes Norse mythology so seriously that there are long stretches of the film during which it is easy to forget that it's a comedy.
Still, although Erik pales in comparison to some of the wonderful work Jones has been involved in over the years, it certainly isn't a bad movie, and in no way deserves the stigma still attached to it.
Terry Jones uses his love of history in this hilarious comedy about Erik (a Viking, in case you didn't know).Anyway, there is rather a lot you can learn from this colony.
Not as skillfully directed as Gilliam's fantasy films, but Terry Jones, manages to make a dark, silly, comedy about Vikings trying to reach the afterlife and save the world.
So Erik (played by Tim Robbins) sets off with a group of fellow Vikings, to find the horn resounding, and save the world (though they are more interested in the chance for more battle than Erik's idealism).
As with Jonesy's Python stuff, I found that every time I watch this movie, I notice something different, which just keeps adding to the enjoyment!The DVD extras are also very good: The interviews with the actual stars, I thought was a bit brief; however, the interviews with Jonesy himself were very interesting and insightful; as are the 'making of' clips.This film is definitely well worth a watch...
In a movie that could have only come from Monty Python, Erik (Tim Robbins) and his crew set out on a voyage to find Valhalla, encountering many zany situations along the way.
"Erik the Viking" not only makes fun of Viking life, but also of Christianity (well duh; Monty Python did that in "The Holy Grail").
If you liked the classic Monty Python movies (Life of Brian, Holy Grail), you will hate this one.
And if you like a movie just because it features Terry Jones and John Cleese, well, then you will have the biggest disappointment you can imagine.
i tell friends about it, even terry jones/monty python fiends and they are usually say something like "never heard of it"...definitely worth watching if you can get your hands on it which is not easy.
it has a lot of python-ish humor in it, and is definitely a terry jones style film.
Terry Jones wonderful examination of the mess of Viking life and legend is a funny film - almost as good as MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL.
I don't really like such comedies (I prefer more intelligent humor), but I saw a scene from the movie and thought it was really funny so I watched the movie.
Tim Mckinnery who would go onto be Captain Darling in Blackadder Goes Forth, Freddie Jones who couldn't have long left the set of Krull so must have felt very typecast to be in this but is really funny not seeing the gods or Valhalla and seeing Eric vanish using The Cloak Invisible.There are so many faces to recognise and everyone does a very good job, John Cleese as Halfdan The Black (I really don't think Jack Lemmon would have done the role justice) as a favour to Terry Jones (who wrote, directed and played The King Of Hybrasil).This was never really going to be a Monty Python Film but it works very well.
Not many of the cast were huge stars at the time (apart from Mickey Rooney & Eartha Kitt, most likely the two biggest names attached to the movie) so I think that brought the budget down.It's well shot and all the location stuff looks stunning.For those who like Python or Terry Gilliam style films this is well worth a look and I highly recommend it.It's as funny today as it was when it was made..
This movie has one third of the Monty Python troupe and about only a micron of the laughs.Eric the Viking after killing a woman in a raid, decides he's going to go to Valhala and awaken the gods to end the age of Ragnorak.
Accompanying him is a group of misfits including a wanna-be berserker, a Christian Missionary who is incapable of converting anyone and a blacksmith who wants to keep Ragnorak going because it's good for the blacksmith trade.John Cleese plays a bad guy who is pretty much just playing JOhn Cleese.The thing is, unlike Monty Python, these guys just can't make it funny.The movie had okay special effects for a 1980's film, but special effects and comedy really don't mix..
Much like the excellent 'Jabberwocky' movie by Terry Gilliam this movie has also been somewhat herded into the Monty Python film collection as a kind of extension to the Python universe.
The same could also be said for the movies 'Yellowbeard' and 'Timebandits', unfortunately neither 'Erik' or 'Yellowbeard' are any good really and both fall flat, although this is better than the Chapman vehicle.Inspired by Jones's own children's story book but strangely enough not following his own creation, the film revolves around Norse mythology although I'm unsure how closely, I doubt its that close.