A movie set in a dark period of Norse history, about a small band of warriors who try to protect the infant son and heir of a murdered monarch. This is the kind of subject which, of course, has roots reaching all the way back in both history and myth. (People looking for a satirical take on the subject can do worse than watch "The Court Jester" with Danny Kaye.) This is also the kind of subject which calls for an epic sweep and here the movie certainly delivers. There is much to admire with regard to cinematography, locations, sets, costumes, and so on. The numerous pursuits and stunts set in vast, snowy forests are particulary well done.
The acting is pretty decent, too. Even the baby playing the royal infant is both charming and convincing. Having said all this : it is a pity that there is so little in the way of psychological insight or moral complexity. With regard to depth and nuance, we're pretty much in "Lion King" territory : the good are (very) good, the bad are (very) bad, and that's it.
Still, the movie contains at least one valuable life lesson. If you, dear reader, want to murder a king, make sure that there is no one around within a ten-feet radius to overhear you while you discuss your plans with a fellow conspirator...
The acting is pretty decent, too. Even the baby playing the royal infant is both charming and convincing. Having said all this : it is a pity that there is so little in the way of psychological insight or moral complexity. With regard to depth and nuance, we're pretty much in "Lion King" territory : the good are (very) good, the bad are (very) bad, and that's it.
Still, the movie contains at least one valuable life lesson. If you, dear reader, want to murder a king, make sure that there is no one around within a ten-feet radius to overhear you while you discuss your plans with a fellow conspirator...