this is probably not the movie you're expecting, but it was certainly the movie we needed

there is no ~message~, there are no comforting characters to relate our 21st century values to, there is no mercy

everything is an unabashedly pagan, brutal, and experienced through the beliefs of the characters world-view; whether pagan gods or witchcraft actually exist is irrelevant as that's what the characters BELIEVE is happening to them

I have studied Viking, Germanic, and proto-Germanic culture for a number of years. This is one of the best representations I think we will ever see of Viking Age culture. Yes, it is a relatively basic revenge plot, but that's how ALL the ancient sagas are, this film stays incredibly true to story telling from over a thousand years ago! The clothes, armor, locations, everything was impeccable. I can easily see how some scenes to those unfamiliar with the culture could be incredibly confusing, like the cellar beneath the temple scene with Amaleth and his father. My wife was almost laughing until I explained Ulfhedenar and what their culture/rituals were like. Then it clicked for her that it's not some Scandinavian acid trip but in fact a very detailed representation of a culture from 1000 years ago. As a total history nut, this rates in my top 5 movies of all time shekels for the authentic bringing to life of what I always imagined when reading the sagas. But, I understand it is not probably the average viewers cup of tea. It is as if they took a snapshot of a world ages old and presented it to us without explanation. Simply amazing.

This movie is terrible. It's very poorly produced, the choreography is horrible, the dialog is just as bad, and it's one plagiarized plot device after another to add insult to injury. The movie is also a slog, as it's very boring, not much action, and you can't just idle through because the film is just not engaging, at all. I'm genuinely angry I wasted $25 on this trash.

This will be on prime or some other movie channel in no time, just wait if you absolutely /have/ to see it. I was expecting a viking epic, instead it's like members mark Beowulf meets great value Conan, and they decided to make a wish version of the crow. Just stay away from this crap...

I mean, the Valkyrie has braces...

Edit: The Valkyrie does not have braces, it's some obscure Norse ritual involving chipping the teeth and dying them, like some kind of ancient "grill." Regardless, the film is ridiculous, the Valkyrie still looked horrible, and I stand by my assessment. As an aside, my wife watched it on her own and came about much of the same opinion.

Just wait until you can see it for free, if you pay for it, you'll resent the expenditure of your resources on such an interesting experience and that will make the movie so much worse. Maybe if you watch it for free it won't leave such a horrible taste in your mouth.

This is not a mainstream movie nor will it satiate the appetites of those looking for action after action scenes. Regardless, this movie is made very well and is among my favorites so far. Though I was impressed with The Green Knight's Cinematography, I was disaapointed in it's lackluster content.
The Northman has great Cinematography and thankfully, unlike The Green Knight, it comes with an entertaining story.

It's a smaller scale revenge film but done in an artsy way. It even feels very primal authentic just like how The Witch felt as well.
I honestly think this deserves a watch even at least once.

If you are a A24 fan, this is a no-brainer.

It is saddening to see that most people are giving this movie either a 1 or a 5. I'd be willing to bet that most giving a 1 are looking for a Viking action spectacle ... this is NOT that. There are only 2 very short sections that have anything to do with viking.

It is unfortunate that the trailer features the viking sequence so prominently, because I think people who don't know the story won't understand what they are watching.
This movie is the adaptation of an oral story (also published by Grammaticus in the 1300's), which was likely the inspiration for Hamlet. It is folklore about wisdom, revenge and sacrifice.

The costuming is very good, they wore their feltr correctly which is a rarity to see in movies depicting this time period. The only prop I felt was out of place was the Night Blade, simply because it was obviously made with modern pattern welding techniques. It was a wonderful piece of art I just would have preferred something a bit different. That said, the pommel, handle, guard and scabbard were beautiful.

The iconography is brilliant, and I actually like that it is not explained ... for instance, this movie assumes you know why there is never just one raven, but there are other examples.

This is a period DRAMA, if you are looking for ACTION I'd look somewhere else, this is not that, nor is is intended to be.
If you want to see what very well may be the most accurate depiction of Icelandic/Norse culture in this time period and a wonderful telling of the story that inspired Hamlet ... watch it.

Im a major movie buff. Ive been reading reviews and i was really excited. I was not expecting an action packed movie. That's fine by me. I WAS expecting a decent plot and decent acting. The acting was ok..inconsistent would be a better word. I think the writers decided that since it was too simple a plot, the movie would only be about half an hour unless they added a bunch of ridiculous scenes. I get its attempt at historical accuracy and keeping with the influence of Viking religion, but the strung together lucid dreams and odd scenes only made it feel like a combination of the Norseman ( Netflix Comedy Series ) trying to be 300....with a lot less depth and no character building at all. I guess if you want to see Scarsgard ripped, grunting out his lines, this is your movie. If you were hoping for The Vikings ( Tony Curtis & Kirk Douglas, or Vikings ( the series ), you are out of luck. I mean, it's not horrible, but it sure as hell isn’t good, or even close to the aforementioned movies/Series.

Seriously, wait until it's free at least. Do not waste your money.

Hamlet, of the Northmen. Wonderful! Best movie of the year.

Truly excellent film