Hammer of the Gods (2013)

A slightly chaotic attempt at gritty realism. Positives, the cinematography and lighting fit the tone and mood very well. Charlie Bewley ( Steinar ), the main protagonist produced a solid display in developing the character from morally centred to amoral psychopath and critically in keeping the character likable. Clive Standen ( Hagan ) also provided a reasonable turn in a supporting role even if his character, along with the majority of the rest were fatally under developed. Unfavourable comparisons with his infinitely more complex and developed character in popular series, Vikings are not unjustified. Regarding the negatives, its a case of where to begin. The soundtrack / score was abysmal. I applaud creative, inspiring new ideas however the idea to ditch the classical crescendo of a battle scene with a heady mix of electro / techno was poor and baffling. It did little to settle the chaotic camera visuals during the same scenes. Whilst I appreciate that hand held camera visuals can add to the chaotic nature and brutality of a battle scene here or there, here it added to the despondency of the story telling. The supporting roles were all hugely underdeveloped particularly the female characters with even the apparent lead female role having little or no development or substance. The finale sequence felt anti climatic and disengaging which unfortunately sums this film up. As numerous reviews point out the costume design also was bizarre at best, with a mix of attempted realism and odd symbolism. The whole film lacked depth and with no character development you felt little if any remorse or sympathy when anyone died and added to lacklustre and disenfranchised feeling. One to avoid, a wasted opportunity.

The dark ages are no longer dark, so there's no excuse for this sad portrayal of fury booted vikings with inaccurate dress, dodgy armour, black leather and nefarious animal hides, wrong period swords, axes etc.The script consists of amble about kill people and amble about some more, swear a lot to a background of drumbeats and lightening flashes. Additionally so very odd scripting choices where the roaming band save a woman tied to a standing stone, to immediately kill her as she slaughters one of her captors ? pardon ?Brits are renowned for their acting capacity and capability what a shame there is such a lack of it in this film, the only saving grace are the lovely locations and nice horses.

I liked how the film stuck to its theme - the hammering of superstition, whether it be organised religion or Kings purporting to be Gods. This is much more interesting than just another shaggy haired Viking romp.It made me think of Britain's history and the struggles we have had with oppression from the Church and over mighty kings. May be the influence of the Vikings has helped give us our scepticism about extreme ideology and those who would set themselves high above all.The central character is convincing and sympathetic, despite the regular lashings of gore. The landscapes of the Northern mountains lend a mystic bleakness to it all. Its a very male film, with just one female support. No Boadicea here!And there are touches of modernity in the psychedelic scenes and even a nod to gayness, bondage style!I can't guarantee you'll like it, but well worth a watch.

So it may not be historically accurate in any manner (who casted the black guy anyway?), but I was entertained. The scenery was great, the acting good enough, the violence and humor was rough like I imagine it was back in the viking era. Unlike "Valhalla Rising" this had a decent ending. I liked that Hakan looked like a well known actor from the old days (you'll probably know when you see him), it gave the film another dimension to me.Another reviewer says "the ridiculous tents they used were hilarious to say the least". Well Google "viking tent" and you'll see that they we're pretty much like that. I've also seen tents like that in viking camps in Norway.