Review of Valhalla Rising (2009) by Spangle — 14 Apr 2016
Valhalla Rising is about something along the lines of redemption, religion, forgiveness, and the human experience. Maybe. Honestly, I have no idea. You could tell me it was just some dude walking and splitting dudes heads open for an hour and a half and I would fully believe you.
Mads Mikkelsen says nothing. No, I am serious. He says zero lines of dialogue. Easiest check he ever cashed. Yet, he turns in a great performance in this gritty thing from director Nicolas Winding Refn.
Easily my favorite film by him, it is a film packed to the brim with his trademark violence against a truly gorgeous backdrop in terms of both imagery and score. The use of color in the film (red, blue, white symbolism) goes over my head quite easily, but is compelling to look at all the same.
Overall, Valhalla Rising is like a nut that seemingly is uncrackable. It means something. Or maybe it does not. Who knows? Regardless, I loved it.
This review of Valhalla Rising (2009) was written by Spangle on 14 April 2016.
Valhalla Rising has generally received mixed reviews.
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