This movie is a 50 historical epic movie not too dissimilar to the likes of Spartacus, Ben Hur and such, or at least that was the vibe I got. In my case, that wasn't that much of a good thing. I will be honest about not being a fan of these movies, though weirdly I really like the Adventures of Robin Hood with Errol Flynn.
The sets and costumes, even though far from historical, are a pretty spectacle to look at. So was the big battle at the end of the movie. My problem is the never ending music and the slow pace which doesn't serve the plot at all. I don't mind slower movies when it is granted, but it felt out of place in such an epic drama. I understand that the functional viking ships must have been expensive and deserved to be shown on screen, but watching 5 minutes of rowing with nothing else happening with a monotonous drum beat in the background does nothing to build tension. It put me to sleep and I've honestly almost gave up on the movie 2 times.
I am not very familiar with the work of Kirk Douglas, but based on this movie alone I wouldn't really know what the appeal must have been. The performance seems a bit phoned in, as if him being him should be enough. That goes also for his look in the movie which doesn't resemble a Viking at all. I guess hiding him under a fake beard would have made him less recognizable and would have led to less tickets sold. HIs apparent star power had not survived though and he left nothing else onscreen worth mentioning. The acting was over the top, somewhat too theatrical, yet wooden at other times. I was much more into Ragnar and Erik as characters, but the focus must be on the boring Einar.
All in all, as I fan of Viking and historical movies, I am glad to have this one off the list. If you like the historical Epics of the 50s, 60s then there is a chance you would like this, but personally I am not compelled to ever rewatch it.
The sets and costumes, even though far from historical, are a pretty spectacle to look at. So was the big battle at the end of the movie. My problem is the never ending music and the slow pace which doesn't serve the plot at all. I don't mind slower movies when it is granted, but it felt out of place in such an epic drama. I understand that the functional viking ships must have been expensive and deserved to be shown on screen, but watching 5 minutes of rowing with nothing else happening with a monotonous drum beat in the background does nothing to build tension. It put me to sleep and I've honestly almost gave up on the movie 2 times.
I am not very familiar with the work of Kirk Douglas, but based on this movie alone I wouldn't really know what the appeal must have been. The performance seems a bit phoned in, as if him being him should be enough. That goes also for his look in the movie which doesn't resemble a Viking at all. I guess hiding him under a fake beard would have made him less recognizable and would have led to less tickets sold. HIs apparent star power had not survived though and he left nothing else onscreen worth mentioning. The acting was over the top, somewhat too theatrical, yet wooden at other times. I was much more into Ragnar and Erik as characters, but the focus must be on the boring Einar.
All in all, as I fan of Viking and historical movies, I am glad to have this one off the list. If you like the historical Epics of the 50s, 60s then there is a chance you would like this, but personally I am not compelled to ever rewatch it.
