Northmen – A Viking Saga (2014) Review!!

Synopsis – A band of Vikings are stranded behind enemy lines on the coast of Alba as their longboat goes down in a dreadful storm. Their only chance of survival is to find a path to the Viking settlement, Danelagh, traversing an unfamiliar and hostile land they have never known. The journey becomes a race for their lives when the King of Alba sends his most feared mercenaries after them. But when the Vikings meet a kind Christian Monk who preaches with his sword, the hunters become the hunted as the Vikings set deadly traps, mercilessly decimating their pursuers one by one, culminating in a final and deadly encounter.

My Take – An independent film about the great wild warriors of the north aka Vikings stranded on a foreign land & starring relatively unknown faces is the not the ideal kind of film I would prefer to watch or doubtfully enjoy, until I got an invite to a special screening (Thanks to Front Row Filmed Entertainment). Surprisingly I actually enjoyed the film! The beautiful cinematography by Lorenzo Senatore is probably the best part of this swords & sandal actioner.

The portrayal of the wonderful landscapes of South Africa & Switzerland are just exceptional! The large frame depictions & the intense moments at times reminded me of The Lord Of The Ring series & The Eagle (2011). The plot here is pretty simple, with no unnecessary twists & turns, & everything is kept well in a good old fashioned way. The actors have done a decent job; Tom Hopper being the lead puts in a strong charismatic performance & at times even reminds of a younger Chris Hemsworth back in Thor(2011). Charlie Murphy as the only female lead is likeable. Ryan Kwanten (True Blood) probably being the only known face from the cast , as a lethal Christian monk, has without doubts the most scene stealer moments in the film.

Well yes people looking for a more detailed history lesson or characterization of our lead players will be quite disappointed, but keeping in mind the audience the film aims to reach, director Claudio Fäh has made sure the film is filled with strong & ‘epic’ action sequences, that a few goof ups can be looked away. On the whole Northmen – A Viking Saga may not cater to wider audience, but its surely a hell of a ride for people who love sword & sandal movies!