The Place For The Latest Movie Reviews
Cast: James Norton, Charlie Murphy, Ryan Kwanten, Tom Hopper, Ed Skrein
NORTHMEN –A VIKING SAGA tells the story of a group of Vikings in the ninth century who sets sail for Britain, aiming to plunder the rich monasteries in the northern part of the island. But a storm smashes the ship to pieces on the rocks off the coast of Scotland, the only part of Britain without any Viking settlements. Soon thereafter, the daughter of the Scottish King falls into their hands and the Vikings see this as an opportunity to demand a large ransom. The King immediately sets his 'wolfpack' — a group of mercenaries well known for their savagery — on the Vikings. The “Northmen” with their hostage now have to force their way through the rough highlands, where they meet the brave and mysterious Christian monk Conall (Ryan Kwanten). Having the wolfpack close on their heels, a desperate race against time begins. A battle over life and death...
As the film opens, we see a group of Vikings battling a ferocious storm that ends their journey and dumps them on a very hostile Scotland. It doesn't take long before they meet their first resistance in the form of the Scottish King's men who are escorting his daughter to him so that she can marry. After fighting off the men they find the King's daughter locked in the horse's buggy and decide to use her for ransom so they can make it to the south safely but things are not as they seem when it comes to the King's daughter and the men who are on their way to get her.
"Northmen: A Vikings Saga" has a simple story and it lacks a few things. One is a back story as to why these Vikings were on a boat in the first place and it lacks any kind of character development as well which makes it kind of hard to have any feelings toward them. On the flip side there are some very good things about the film. For starters the cinematography is fantastic, the film is very beautiful to look at. The costumes and locations are terrific as well and the fight scenes are brutal and well staged.
. Another thing that was good about the film was its cast including Ryan Kwanten (“True Blood”) and Tom Hopper (Starz’ “Black Sails,” “Merlin”) to name only a few.
The film is among many of it's kind and it certainly isn't the best but it is quite entertaining and suspenseful especially toward the end of the film. I found it to be quite entertaining yet I couldn't help but think about how could it could have been with a better script. The film is available now on DVD and Blu-ray with Special Features that include:
NORTHMEN: A look inside A Viking Saga
You can order the DVD HERE and the Blu-ray HERE.
If you like this kind of action/adventure film then I recommend checking this one out. It isn't great but it is very enjoyable.
Released by Anchor Bay Entertainment
*** 1/2 Out Of *****