Watch The Vikings

The Vikings is a classic adventure film from 1958 directed by Richard Fleischer and starring blacklisted actor Kirk Douglas, alongside Tony Curtis and Ernest Borgnine. The movie is set in the Viking Age, where divided Viking kingdoms are in a constant struggle for territory and power. The film follows the journey of a Viking prince Einar (Kirk Douglas) and his half-brother Eric (Tony Curtis) as they battle against each other, and together fight their common enemy, the brutal English King Aella (Frank Thring).

The movie commences with the Viking village of Korga under attack by ruthless English soldiers, who invade the village and abduct the Viking Queen Morgana (Janet Leigh). King Ragnar (Ernest Borgnine) sends his bravest warriors, including Einar and Eric, to retrieve the queen from the clutches of the English. During the raid, Einar and Eric end up fighting each other, and Eric is believed to have been killed. Morgana is taken prisoner and transported by the English back to their fortress.

Einar resolves to rescue Morgana and asks his father, King Ragnar, to lend him ships and men for the mission. However, he becomes conflicted when he learns that Eric is alive and is working as a slave for the English. Together, they set aside their differences and plan their mission to retrieve Morgana and defeat the English King Aella.

During their journey, Einar and Eric stumble upon a peaceful coastal kingdom ruled by an aged English lord. They pretend to be outlaws and loyal servants to the king to gain his trust, but soon Morgana arrives at the kingdom as well, and alliances are tested. The lord's daughter, Princess Morgana (also played by Janet Leigh), develops feelings for both Einar and Eric, adding to the tension between them.

Finally, Einar, Eric, and their Viking warriors launch a daring attack on Aella's stronghold to rescue Morgana and claim victory over their enemy. The final battle scene is a spectacle, featuring thrilling sword fights, trebuchet assaults, and flaming arrows.

The Vikings is a classic adventure movie that stands the test of time. The film's breathtaking landscapes, stunning cinematography, and colorful characterizations add to the film's lure. The chemistry between Kirk Douglas and Tony Curtis is electrifying, and both deliver memorable performances. Janet Leigh admirably portrays dual roles as the queen and princess, adding depth to the male-dominated cast.

The film's battle sequences are among the most memorable in cinema history, with Fleischer utilizing the rugged Norwegian coastline to make viewers feel like they are witnessing the action firsthand. The Viking costumes are also impressive, with horned helmets and fur cloaks that have since become iconic Viking attire.

The Vikings also features a rousing and unforgettable score by legendary Hollywood composer Mario Nascimbene, which adds to the epic feel of the movie. The film's theme, 'The Vikings' Suite,' was nominated for an Academy Award for best original score.

The Vikings is more than just an action movie; it touches on themes of family, loyalty, betrayal, and forbidden love. It is a story of two brothers who learn to put their differences aside and work together for a common purpose. The film also gives a glimpse into the Viking way of life, their society, and their culture, making it a historically significant film.

In conclusion, The Vikings is a must-watch for fans of adventure movies, with powerful performances, unforgettable battle sequences, and a compelling story that stands the test of time. It is an exhilarating movie that will have viewers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.

The Vikings is a 1958 adventure movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 56 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.