Watch Valhalla Rising

Valhalla Rising is a 2009 film directed by Nicolas Winding Refn and starring Mads Mikkelsen, Maarten Stevenson, and Alexander Morton. The story takes place in the early 11th century, where a Norse warrior named One-Eye (Mikkelsen), who has been held captive for years, finally breaks free and joins the group of Christian Vikings on their journey to the Holy Land. However, their journey takes a dark and mystical turn when they encounter an unknown land and have to confront their own past sins.

The film opens with a disturbing scene where One-Eye is being held captive and forced to fight in gladiator-style battles. He finally escapes and is taken in by a young boy named Are (Stevenson), who is part of a group of Christian Vikings on their quest to find the Holy Land. Are convinces One-Eye to join them, and they set off on a boat to cross the ocean. The journey is long and treacherous, and the group begins to lose faith in their mission. They encounter a thick fog, which disorients them and leads them to an unknown land. This is where the film takes a mystical turn, and the characters are forced to confront their own inner demons.

The unknown land they arrive in is barren and desolate, and the group begins to unravel. One-Eye, who has remained silent throughout most of the film, begins to take center stage, and his true purpose is revealed. He is a warrior, but he is also a shaman, and he has the ability to see into the future. As the group is confronted with obstacles and enemies, One-Eye becomes more powerful, and his visions become more intense.

The cinematography of the film is stunning. The desolate landscapes are beautifully captured, and the use of light and shadow adds to the overall atmosphere of the film. The score, composed by Peter Kyed and Peter Peter, is haunting and fits perfectly with the film's tone. The acting is superb, especially from Mads Mikkelsen, who has a strong and commanding presence on screen, even without saying a word for most of the film.

Valhalla Rising is not a typical action adventure film. It is slow-paced and takes its time to build up the tension. The violence is brutal and almost poetic, and the film is not for the faint of heart. It is a meditation on human nature, violence, and spirituality, and it leaves a lasting impression on the viewer.

Overall, Valhalla Rising is an intense and atmospheric film that is not for everyone. It requires patience and an open mind to fully appreciate its beauty and complexity. If you are a fan of slow-burn films that leave you thinking long after you have watched them, then Valhalla Rising is a must-see.

Valhalla Rising is a 2009 adventure movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0 and a MetaScore of 61.