As one of the Berserker and Knattleikr game stunt performers, I'm stoked to hear you guys were digging the action scenes (and pretty much everything else about the movie)! It wasn't the easiest film to make for most departments, including stunts. Robert's taste and style is super demanding, but worth the effort.
Unsung hero. Great f****** work! Stunt performers Etc deserve much more accolades. In trailers alone you say to yourself "Holy s*** !" What people must have to put themselves through to get this on film. I'm perfectly comfortable and warm and clean watching from my reclining seat with a bag of popcorn. LoL
@@REJEKT_DEAD Haha, thanks mate! It certainly wasn't a cushy studio job. I'd say at least 70% of the film was shot outside in the elements. We only had a few sets in the sound stages.
@@Lillian.Gao. when this movie first came out, many weirdos were complaining and unfairly crapping on this Scandinavian viking movie for lack of representation. So yea I'm glad these reviewers weren't one of them and show you can appreciate art..even if it's not about you
@@rambler6519 that’s all they are - weirdos. What Black person would exist in that context? Sure, a Moor or person of African descent was possible to have existed in that place of the world- but it’s so outside the scope of this film to portray that fraction of the populace.
Robert Eggers is becoming one of my favorite directors of all time after seeing The Witch & The Lighthouse. So, you better believe I'm going to see this film too!
Loved this movie. I disagree with the characters being undeveloped because it’s a realistic take on human nature in a sense of if you’re put in that spot you won’t be heroic you’ll get with the program to reach your goal. It’s almost like when ppl say if I was a slave I wouldn’t go for that shit 😂 really good movie Martin got it right and a matinee is too low for something as great as this.
Actually, it’s the other way around. Amleth (Skarsgård’s character) was a real-life Viking prince and directly inspired Shakespeare to write the story of “Hamlet”
@@DuncanUdaho67 name any known Scandinavian actors in Hollywood that has the tool belt of Alex(not including his family)? You mentioned the coincidences in him playing a Northman in true blood and this movie. I simply replied Bruv
The movie is really about how dumb and pointless revenge is. Right from the outset, we're told that the uncle is a washed up loser living in hiding and Amlith still goes to get revenge. I'm like, YO, THEY LITERALLY JUST TOLD YOU YOUR UNCLE IS A FAILURE. YOU DON'T NEED TO DO THIS. And there's multiple off-ramps the hero could have used to go life a more fulfilling life, but nah, gotta have muh revenge
It’s an incredibly boring story if the protagonist takes those off ramps. It’s also incredibly cliché if the protagonist decides to abandon seeking his revenge after defeating - but not killing - the antagonist. The “revenge is actually bad” message has been over done for the last 30 years.
The last 'fork in the road' when Amleth jumps off the boat for REVENGE (abandoning Olga... AND HIS UNBORN CHILDREN), I was just like, "Aw maaaaan..." Not a negative, though, this movie was awesome!
Just seeing the preview of the review, at the beginning of the video, is what I like about DT and makes their reviews different from everyone else, where they always find ways to make them humorous, even in the most dramatic of films
Loved this movie. I disagree with the characters being undeveloped because it’s a realistic take on human nature in a sense of if you’re put in that spot you won’t be heroic you’ll get with the program to reach your goal. It’s almost like when ppl say if I was a slave I wouldn’t go for that shit 😂 really good movie Martin got it right and a matinee is too low for something as great as this.
It's very simplistic because it's a story that's thousands of years old. The tale of Amleth is one of the oldest Norse myths, and Shakespeare took it and wrote Hamlet based off of it. I think the director and writers just wanted to put this epic to screen finally. Great review, I can't wait to see this next weekend.
Loved this movie. I disagree with the characters being undeveloped because it’s a realistic take on human nature in a sense of if you’re put in that spot you won’t be heroic you’ll get with the program to reach your goal. It’s almost like when ppl say if I was a slave I wouldn’t go for that shit 😂 really good movie Martin got it right and a matinee is too low for something as great as this.
Love that they allow him to be unlikeable. Vikings by definition are in a terrible profession, they shouldn't bend over backwards to try to make the main character "the exception" to the rule. Pirate shows/movies are notoriously terrible at this, in trying to present oftentimes abhorrent behavior as something the main pirate manages to dance around and avoid because he is unique.
Not every pirate was a r*ping reaving murdering piece of shit. Most were but not all. Same with Vikings. Some were just enthralled to their king when all they wanted to be was farmers.
To be fair, as accurate as this movie was, they did exaggerate the violence of the Viking raids, and their treatement of slaves. Raids were rarely as violent as depicted here and in most other shows/movies. And even in old Norse literature, Masters that misstreated their slaves were looked upon negatively
He is certainly unlikable by modern standards. However, if you accept the values of tradition and honor as paramount in the society featured in this film, the character is acting heroically in that context. And these values were forced upon Amleth as a child in elaborate drug-induced ceremonies. So he IS living up to the highest moral standards of his society -- and even people in modern society can still somewhat appreciate revenge, being true to your word, and attempting to save your mother. His more brutish behavior was simply accepted as a given in the world which he existed -- although he still resisted killing women and children, which was probably a step above what you might expect from those around him. I'm not saying that all of this character's behavior should be emulated, but in the context of his environment he was behaving honorably and heroically. I'd also add that a purpose of film can be to help teach empathy for people very different than ourselves -- and I could empathize with this character despite him doing things which I would disapprove of in our modern world. I, personally, wanted him to succeed with his mission and reach Valhalla. All that, plus the trippy sequences, plus the cinematography, plus the set pieces, plus the realism of the action, plus the fantastic performances, made this my favorite movie of the year so far.
as guy who guides in a Viking museum, I was very pleased seeing the film. it is filled with very accurate elements of norse culture. Especially pleasantly surprised they committed to Seidr/magic being a female element, and not a male thing. with volva and crossdressing seid-men and also having grown men act like wolves, no matter how silly it looks 😂 silly, but actually accurate!
It what. I want my history based films to be. I don't consider it to be a film about Scandinavian history but a collage of perceptions of ideas about Viking Culture and mythology, that is the antithesis to Lord of the Rings or Marvel's Thor, this is made for adults. I was pleasently surprised by the Transnational vibes of viking society, North Atlantic, Russia, the British Isles and the Middle East and Africa. The Feminine aspects to which never highlighted in almost any film on Vikings I have watched. I saw it with a mate, and it is the best film this year.
@@harvestcanada dude lord of the rings is made for adults. it literally borrows elements directly inspired by norse and Germanic mythology and culture, specially the book 😅
@@harvestcanada Do you think that he literally read them the stories as they were eventually published, or that he rather simplified and abridged them like people are known to do for younger children? The anecdote about Tolkien reading the story to his children was remarking about the universal appeal the story possesses at it's core, rather than the level of reading comprehension of the audience it was written for.
At 31.04 mins you refer to a Viking with braces. Actually its not that at all. Some vikings filed grooved lines into their teeth and stained the lines. No one is sure why but its been discovered on several viking skeletons. So its not an anachronism its an impressive effort ro be as accurate as possible in depicting viking culture. All credit to the director and their team!
They really should have put out some content on their Twitter handle or their TH-cam page where the costume designer explains this, because most people just saw it and thought of braces… And they should’ve known that would happen.
There was this one time I thought "oh, there's somebody black, then he stepped out of the shadows, and I was like nevermind" - Martin 🤣 Honestly, it made me laugh so hard what he said.
As someone from a Nordic country I have really been looking forward to this movie ever since the first trailer. This seemed like the first really serious attempt to adapt one of the Viking sagas with some historic accuracy. The viking culture has been a cinematic wasteland. The best most accurate thing we have gotten was the Vikings series (at least the early season's) were all the Vikings looked like bikers in leather gear. Like the historybuffs channel said "it is historically authentic, not historical accurate". The last "good" viking movies was the 9th man" and "the vikings" from 1950 which is sad. I like to hear the honesty of the movie. You can't look at the ancient history of humanity with current moral sensibility, human history from every culture is filled cruelty towards other humans and this is from a particularly dark chapter of humanity. This was simply the way of life back then. But that is also why the slavery in America particularly was so abhorrent and has made the word "slavery" almost unanimously with the US slavery. Slavery has been common in human history since very ancient times. But the US slavery was slavery in a more civilised age when many nations had long abandoned it for being to barbaric and it had the level of cruelty was something from the dark ages. It disgusted the rest of the world and all generations since. Which is why it is kinda disgusting when they try to make us slave owners likable. Remember in the "Patriot" when we were supposed to feel sympathy for Mel Gibson when they took his slaves since he was a "good slave owner" that cared for his slaves and later when the British offered freedom to the slaves it was then framed as the British being sneaky and manipulative.
Very interesting analysis!👍🏾 Minor correction: in _The Patriot_ the Brits assumed the blacks were slaves when they offered freedom for conscription, but one of the workers proudly corrected the Brits saying "We're freemen." The ridiculousness is in the fact that in the 1770s there's no way in hell the other whites of colonial America would've let Benjamin Martin *employ* blacks as if they were equal with whites in the workforce. I often wonder whether or not it would've really impacted the audience's sympathies for the character of they'd been more realistic and depicted him as just another slaveowner🤔 because I remember rolling my eyes in the theater at this scene thinking, "Sure, okay. Like that would've been tolerated." (It was just as unbelievable as Martin's guilt and regret over his actions during the French & Indian War, but I guess the filmmakers felt he wouldn't be sympathetic enough with two kids murdered at the hands of the Redcoats🤷🏾♀️ so they had to inject these suspension-of-disbelief plot points)😂
Mostly agree with you, but slavery still exists today so it's not particularly disgusting when it's in America. Americans made it illegal in the 1800s and that's pretty much in cue with most western nations. So it's not like they are worst than other people.
In The Patriot they were paid free people that he allowed to work the land, hinted at that upon his wife's death their freedom was in her will and she was the money of the family. So many other countries have slavery still, mostly in Africa.
Very impressed with this film. I expected a Braveheart or Gladiator type movie. But instead I was engaged with the imagery and Norse mythology/mysticism. It felt like I was watching an A24 Pictures movie. Very contained story. Other than the pillage the village one-take scene. The setting takes place on a farm-estate. Alexander Skarsgaard and Anya Taylor Joy killed their roles. Bravo!
@@jokesterr119 The story upon which Hamlet is based is the tale of Amleth, which did take place in Denmark. The Northman is only partly based on this tale.
Slavery was common place in that era. Those who were not enslaved had no moral quandary when it came to becoming slave traders and slave owners. Those who, rightly, moralize today about the evils of slavery, benefit from moral wisdom amassed through hindsight. However, they would do well to remember that holding the descendants of those who were slave owners to account for the moral transgressions of their ancestors is absurd because, had the tables been reversed, and their ancestors were in a militaristically advantageous position, they would have been the enslavers.
Blatantly false to state that slavery's only viewed as a moral evil in recent times. Abolitionist thinking amongst academics and scholars goes back to 3000 years ago. The British themselves abolished slavery amongst themselves almost 1000 years ago, right after the late Viking age. lol Just because it was widespread, doesn't mean there was no moral compass amongst stuff like murder, slavery, and in general crime. It's a common fallacy and quite simply a misrepresentation of history.
@@milton3204 Notice I said "common place" and not ubiquitous, unanimous, or universal. Of course, in every era there are pioneers who were morally far more forward thinking than their peers, and there were obviously those who found slavery revolting throughout history, just as there were those in ancient times that thought that women should be treated with equality. However, those progressively minded people usually represented a small minority of the population, and were usually confined to the more learned, if not intellectual elite segment, of the population at the time. They were hardly representative of broader population in those eras.
I’m with Martin esp re the shot designs that could have been a series of paintings. It’s quite a unique movie as far as the behind the scenes interviews go revealing the work ethic required to do oners with no coverage. And the amount of planning and research. It’s a simple tale but also a tragedy due to beliefs and duty. The only respite in Amleths life was being loved by Olga. Just subscribed due to your takes and because you have fun in the review process!
There was so much subtlety in this movie. Eggers just drops you into the world and let’s you figure it out. That can throw off a lot of people. The movie was about the complexity of the situations and the choices the characters make. Nothing is black and white, and nothing is spelled out for you.
I hear you when you say you wanted more character development, but I disagree. This is very much in line with the old sagas, and honestly there isn't that much character development in them besides them getting their revenge or whatever
I wouldn’t be. As Kory said, both of those are horror movies, both of those are much more analytical and weird (in the best possible way), this movie isn’t weird, it’s not out there, it’s very simple but good in what it does.
@@reecetomm It’s still the same director, no matter if the film is different from his previous 2 movies. I’m just excited because so far I’ve really liked Robert Eggers’ work and he’s extremely talented.
I absolutely loved this movie. It was such an experience, and it totally rocked me off my ass. I got teary eyed at the end I loved it so much. I agree with Martin on the length. It didn’t feel long for me because the pacing was so fast paced and crazy it made it feel like it was a 90 minute movie.
This movie is much more akin to The Witch while being built up like it’s much more of an epic than what it is. It’s a small and simple story with great action. I’d say 8 out of 10. Delivered what it promised but didn’t go far out and deliver anything that was beyond what was expected.
I wasn't that interested in seeing it, kinda got a bit of Viking fatigue after finishing The Last Kingdom aka Utred son of Utred. Then I found out it was ol Bobby Eggers and boy oh boy hearing you guys talk about it is really refreshing - a Viking story that doesn't candy-coat the amoral, inhuman brutality of the Vikings. Now I'm really looking forward to it.
I thought the Valkyrie was wearing braces, too, but no. Archeologists found Viking skulls that had horizontal grooves cut into the teeth. They think they may have filled the grooves with tree resin. Viking bling.
Just wanted to point out when making the slavery comment about if they weren’t enslaved they’d be doing it. You guys seem to think that the Russian Slavs in the film were also Vikings. The village raid happened in Russia, Vikings travelled across Europe to raid and pillage to bring back slaves to their homelands. They raided the Slavs because they were farmers and merchants, soft targets who couldn’t defend themselves.
I was hyped for this movie and enjoyed it. I saw it in theaters with my wife who was underwhelmed and thought it to be too long. We generally disagree on films but she dampened my experience that time. I’m super late on this review but it has me excited for the rewatch
A very interesting and enjoyable movie. It's Hamlet with a little touch of Macbeth. Even the main character's first name is an anagram of Hamlet. That was the only thing that took me out of the movie a bit. Also Kidman looking pretty freaky in long shots...Red Skull kind of freaky. Excellent actress and acting, in that pivotal scene but she was naturally beautiful and the cosmetic surgery hasn't benefitted her.
Alexander Skarsgård played vampire Eric Northman on the TV series “True Blood” who was on a path of vengeance for someone who killed his family. He’s now in a movie called “The Northman” who character is on path of vengeance after someone killed his father. The dirtiness of the characters is historically inaccurate because those who Viking (it was an activity) bathed every day, which was a rarity for the time. 6:13 - ‘Hamlet’ with a whole lot of killing.” It’s that just *Hamlet*? Not counting Ophelia (suicide or accident), everybody gets killed except Horatio.
Can't say I loved this movie, but it isn't just a "revenge movie" or a traditional fantasy either. Especially since so many people seem to think that fantasy means just anything goes (a garbage notion, by the way). What they did here was to put a Nordic saga on film. That's why the mythological elements are part of it, though I like that they left it open whether that stuff was real, imagined, a tall tale added later, or just too many mushrooms. The protagonist is a Hero in the mythic sense, which means you don't need a bunch of character development or a complicated story. Everybody understands his motivations and why things happen the way they do. At least everybody who's read anything about Nordic culture and mythology.
You guys are selling me on this one, I was already on board bc of the director I have seen both of this previous films and I'm a big fan can't wait to watch this
I had the same feelings watching it- they were all just awful barbaric, terrible characters, I loved it though and appreciate Eggers honesty in depicting history for what it is
Martin: Hamlet itself has a whole lot of killing. Did you forget everyone dies at the end except Rosencrantz and Gildenstern? And that they go on to have a supernatural adventure in the afterlife?
@@The_Gnome_Chomskee LOL No, I quoted Shakespeare. I assume you know Stoppard was satirizing that one line from : Hamlet, Act 5, Scene 2. Anyway they sure as heck don't make it outta Hamlet alive!
I see a few people comparing Robert Eggers movies to Ari Asters and I feel like Robert Eggers films are less digestible than Ari Asters. Movies like The Lighthouse and The Witch while beautifully filmed and acted, feels like something one would watch in a film class while Ari Aster makes films both film connoisseurs and average movie goers can enjoy. That’s what makes The Northman so exciting, feels like a movie anyone can get into without having to understand 17th century Shakespearean dialogue
I lived in Iceland for 3 years and heard a lot about their history. Yup this is pretty much how it was. They wanted something they took it and killed to get it. Only the strongest survive. What you have now are the ancestors of the strong.
There's a Podcast titled "Human Resources " I don't remember by whom but look it up it was a extremely educational and informative experience about the start of slavery. It speaks to how all ppl had or were slaves regardless of color or creed and the mindset ppl had that in order for society to thrive there must be slaves to do the grunt work so "great minds" would prosper and the world could grow. it's obviously wrong but it was the way of things during early civilization. it's a extremely long listen but worth it.
@@baraka99 it’s definitely a tough choice, all are quality films. I’m between the Northman and the VVitch. I reviewed the Northman on my channel too and have lots of other movie content, feel free to stop by to enjoy some videos my friend. I look forward to talking more movies with you over there. Cool icon btw.
DT really should do a review of the Dark Fantasy Animated film The Spine of Night, I saw it recently on Shudder and it's a throwback to rotoscope animations from the 1970s like Fire & Ice and Heavy Metal from 1981. The animator behind it is Morgan Galen King whose TH-cam channel has a short film that's a prequel to the movie called Exordium.
Why not support it in cinema? Hollywood pays attention to box office and if you want more films like this then money is the only language Hollywood understands.
@@GrumpaGladstone1809 well I would be honored if you checked out my channel. I do reviews for all the new releases and have a variety of other fun movie content on there too. I look forward to having some movie conversations with you over there my friend.
These guys are the best movie reviewers on TH-cam tbh. They’re real and reasonable. And plus they are your favorite TH-camrs favorite TH-cam channel probably. Korey and Martin have been doing movie reviews since the 90’s. I’ve been a fan for almost 10 years or so now and I’ve seen so many popular TH-camrs and Movie Reviewers in the comments and a lot of them used to be live in studio with them pre-COVID times just to sit in and watch them review movies. Glad you found them!
It's like Ragnar Lothbrok. He was clearly a terrible person from the jump, but we still rooted for him. Maybe it's because they sometimes surrounded him by even worse people.
As one of the Berserker and Knattleikr game stunt performers, I'm stoked to hear you guys were digging the action scenes (and pretty much everything else about the movie)!
It wasn't the easiest film to make for most departments, including stunts. Robert's taste and style is super demanding, but worth the effort.
Wait, were you an extra in this movie?
@@cremetangerine82 Nah, full time stunty for 4 months over in Northern Ireland. :)
Congrats! The work you and everyone involved put in paid off and produced a superior product. Saw it the day after its uk release.
Unsung hero. Great f****** work!
Stunt performers Etc deserve much more accolades. In trailers alone you say to yourself "Holy s*** !" What people must have to put themselves through to get this on film.
I'm perfectly comfortable and warm and clean watching from my reclining seat with a bag of popcorn. LoL
@@REJEKT_DEAD Haha, thanks mate! It certainly wasn't a cushy studio job. I'd say at least 70% of the film was shot outside in the elements. We only had a few sets in the sound stages.
The critic who said holy shit probably saw the movie high off his ass
Add on:
After finally seeing the movie
I second that critics opinion
🤣🤣🤣
Haha, must have had a GREAT time!
"Holy shit! I should not have eaten an 8th of shrooms before seeing this film" - Chris Stuckman
That ending was holy shit lol. It was epic !
@@rosecity_chris Pretty sure he did that before batman after seeing him give it a good review. Terrible movie. This however, I'm jacked for
Can we just appreciate that we have three Black guys reviewing a Scandinavian mystical Viking movie and everyone is simply having a good time?
Content of character is way more important than colour of skin
Why wouldn’t they enjoy the film?
You sound more surprised than others that this is happening lol
@@Lillian.Gao. when this movie first came out, many weirdos were complaining and unfairly crapping on this Scandinavian viking movie for lack of representation. So yea I'm glad these reviewers weren't one of them and show you can appreciate art..even if it's not about you
@@rambler6519 that’s all they are - weirdos. What Black person would exist in that context? Sure, a Moor or person of African descent was possible to have existed in that place of the world- but it’s so outside the scope of this film to portray that fraction of the populace.
Robert Eggers is becoming one of my favorite directors of all time after seeing The Witch & The Lighthouse. So, you better believe I'm going to see this film too!
Same here. I love his films. They’re phenomenal 💯💯💯✅✅
eggers. hah.
You're either going to bust a nut or be confused as hell by watching this. Oh right, it's an Eggers film :P
Loved this movie. I disagree with the characters being undeveloped because it’s a realistic take on human nature in a sense of if you’re put in that spot you won’t be heroic you’ll get with the program to reach your goal. It’s almost like when ppl say if I was a slave I wouldn’t go for that shit 😂 really good movie Martin got it right and a matinee is too low for something as great as this.
Actually, it’s the other way around. Amleth (Skarsgård’s character) was a real-life Viking prince and directly inspired Shakespeare to write the story of “Hamlet”
I know right. Basically Willy Shakespeare moved the "H" from the back to the front and introduced poison and called it his.
No it's not. It's an old Norse myth. Not based on any historical fact. Shakespeare drew influence from it though.
That's strange that Nicole Kidman plays his mother in this, and plays his wife in Big Little Lies.
Yeah that just hit me the other day lol. Also that he plays Eric Northman in True Blood, coincidences are just kinda funny.
Very. Lol
@@DuncanUdaho67 Alex is Scandinavian, so it’s obvious to cast him in such roles . Not many actors in Hollywood with his linage
@@VisceralCarbon there are plenty of Scandinavian actors out there lol he was born into a whole family of them. Not sure what your point is, but okay.
@@DuncanUdaho67 name any known Scandinavian actors in Hollywood that has the tool belt of Alex(not including his family)? You mentioned the coincidences in him playing a Northman in true blood and this movie. I simply replied Bruv
“The world of absolutely sh$%&y people!” A fairly accurate summary of a good swathe of pre-modern history.
IMHO, times are worse now
@@nosuchthing8 No its not
You mean all of human history?
@@aimanmarzuqi4804 it’s not worse yet but we could headed there
what a naive opinion to have
The movie is really about how dumb and pointless revenge is. Right from the outset, we're told that the uncle is a washed up loser living in hiding and Amlith still goes to get revenge. I'm like, YO, THEY LITERALLY JUST TOLD YOU YOUR UNCLE IS A FAILURE. YOU DON'T NEED TO DO THIS.
And there's multiple off-ramps the hero could have used to go life a more fulfilling life, but nah, gotta have muh revenge
He made a vow to avenge his father AND his uncle had abducted his mother. The latter would even motivate people today to act.
That's easier said than done..
The movie sets up exactly why he feels compelled to go through with his vow. But eventually it loses its validity, and the tragedy begins.
It’s an incredibly boring story if the protagonist takes those off ramps. It’s also incredibly cliché if the protagonist decides to abandon seeking his revenge after defeating - but not killing - the antagonist. The “revenge is actually bad” message has been over done for the last 30 years.
The last 'fork in the road' when Amleth jumps off the boat for REVENGE (abandoning Olga... AND HIS UNBORN CHILDREN), I was just like, "Aw maaaaan..."
Not a negative, though, this movie was awesome!
Just seeing the preview of the review, at the beginning of the video, is what I like about DT and makes their reviews different from everyone else, where they always find ways to make them humorous, even in the most dramatic of films
They are the funniest reviewers. Been that way since Spill love their energy.
Loved this movie. I disagree with the characters being undeveloped because it’s a realistic take on human nature in a sense of if you’re put in that spot you won’t be heroic you’ll get with the program to reach your goal. It’s almost like when ppl say if I was a slave I wouldn’t go for that shit 😂 really good movie Martin got it right and a matinee is too low for something as great as this.
@@joshuachristopher51810:22 he had my wheezing 😂😂😂 because he screaming like that 😂😂
It's very simplistic because it's a story that's thousands of years old. The tale of Amleth is one of the oldest Norse myths, and Shakespeare took it and wrote Hamlet based off of it. I think the director and writers just wanted to put this epic to screen finally. Great review, I can't wait to see this next weekend.
More like 1,100 years old.
I did exaggerate the age. I won't lie. Just made it sound more epic. Same as this story was mildly tweaked for the screen.
Loved this movie. I disagree with the characters being undeveloped because it’s a realistic take on human nature in a sense of if you’re put in that spot you won’t be heroic you’ll get with the program to reach your goal. It’s almost like when ppl say if I was a slave I wouldn’t go for that shit 😂 really good movie Martin got it right and a matinee is too low for something as great as this.
As much as I love Ari Aster movies, I think Eggers is by far the best horror director that has came out of the A24 crowd
Couldn't agree more. And I love Ari Aster's films too.
💯💯👍
Love both, but this statement is very true.
Both directors somewhat remind me of each other works wise.
I just hope these aren’t the only ones with incredible talent. We need more creatives like these two, especially in horror
Okay. When it's all said and done, they're both talented directors and insane lunatics.
Love that they allow him to be unlikeable. Vikings by definition are in a terrible profession, they shouldn't bend over backwards to try to make the main character "the exception" to the rule. Pirate shows/movies are notoriously terrible at this, in trying to present oftentimes abhorrent behavior as something the main pirate manages to dance around and avoid because he is unique.
Not every pirate was a r*ping reaving murdering piece of shit. Most were but not all. Same with Vikings. Some were just enthralled to their king when all they wanted to be was farmers.
Yeah Assassins Creed Valhalla was the pinnacle of trying to white wash just how horrific Vikings were.
@@dickthebirthdayboy2132 Vinland Saga is a pretty cool representation of Vikings although fantastical at times but still good
To be fair, as accurate as this movie was, they did exaggerate the violence of the Viking raids, and their treatement of slaves.
Raids were rarely as violent as depicted here and in most other shows/movies. And even in old Norse literature, Masters that misstreated their slaves were looked upon negatively
He is certainly unlikable by modern standards. However, if you accept the values of tradition and honor as paramount in the society featured in this film, the character is acting heroically in that context. And these values were forced upon Amleth as a child in elaborate drug-induced ceremonies. So he IS living up to the highest moral standards of his society -- and even people in modern society can still somewhat appreciate revenge, being true to your word, and attempting to save your mother. His more brutish behavior was simply accepted as a given in the world which he existed -- although he still resisted killing women and children, which was probably a step above what you might expect from those around him.
I'm not saying that all of this character's behavior should be emulated, but in the context of his environment he was behaving honorably and heroically. I'd also add that a purpose of film can be to help teach empathy for people very different than ourselves -- and I could empathize with this character despite him doing things which I would disapprove of in our modern world. I, personally, wanted him to succeed with his mission and reach Valhalla.
All that, plus the trippy sequences, plus the cinematography, plus the set pieces, plus the realism of the action, plus the fantastic performances, made this my favorite movie of the year so far.
Eric Northman from “True Blood” is playing the “Northman.” Lol
Yeah, I can't help but chuckle at that.
as guy who guides in a Viking museum, I was very pleased seeing the film.
it is filled with very accurate elements of norse culture. Especially pleasantly surprised they committed to Seidr/magic being a female element, and not a male thing. with volva and crossdressing seid-men
and also having grown men act like wolves, no matter how silly it looks 😂
silly, but actually accurate!
It what. I want my history based films to be. I don't consider it to be a film about Scandinavian history but a collage of perceptions of ideas about Viking Culture and mythology, that is the antithesis to Lord of the Rings or Marvel's Thor, this is made for adults.
I was pleasently surprised by the Transnational vibes of viking society, North Atlantic, Russia, the British Isles and the Middle East and Africa. The Feminine aspects to which never highlighted in almost any film on Vikings I have watched. I saw it with a mate, and it is the best film this year.
@@harvestcanada dude lord of the rings is made for adults.
it literally borrows elements directly inspired by norse and Germanic mythology and culture, specially the book 😅
@@MarkFilipAnthony The author read both the Hobbit and LOTR to his children before he was persuaded to publish LOTR.
@@harvestcanada Do you think that he literally read them the stories as they were eventually published, or that he rather simplified and abridged them like people are known to do for younger children?
The anecdote about Tolkien reading the story to his children was remarking about the universal appeal the story possesses at it's core, rather than the level of reading comprehension of the audience it was written for.
@@VancePetrol Read the Tolkien biography and find out for yourself😂😂😂😂😂😂.
At 31.04 mins you refer to a Viking with braces. Actually its not that at all. Some vikings filed grooved lines into their teeth and stained the lines. No one is sure why but its been discovered on several viking skeletons. So its not an anachronism its an impressive effort ro be as accurate as possible in depicting viking culture. All credit to the director and their team!
Cool! Do you have an interest in Norse history.
@@cremetangerine82 Thanks for the positive response. Yes I have been interested in it for years. Not an expert but I love to read about it.
They really should have put out some content on their Twitter handle or their TH-cam page where the costume designer explains this, because most people just saw it and thought of braces… And they should’ve known that would happen.
The uncle reminds me of Christopher Lee. As for Ethan his work in Brooklyn’s Finest is so underrated. The Bjork cameo was sick! 😵💫
There was this one time I thought "oh, there's somebody black, then he stepped out of the shadows, and I was like nevermind" - Martin 🤣
Honestly, it made me laugh so hard what he said.
Why would any of them be black? lol
"He might not be the hero, but he is the protagonist" loved that!
As someone from a Nordic country I have really been looking forward to this movie ever since the first trailer.
This seemed like the first really serious attempt to adapt one of the Viking sagas with some historic accuracy.
The viking culture has been a cinematic wasteland. The best most accurate thing we have gotten was the Vikings series (at least the early season's) were all the Vikings looked like bikers in leather gear. Like the historybuffs channel said "it is historically authentic, not historical accurate".
The last "good" viking movies was the 9th man" and "the vikings" from 1950 which is sad.
I like to hear the honesty of the movie. You can't look at the ancient history of humanity with current moral sensibility, human history from every culture is filled cruelty towards other humans and this is from a particularly dark chapter of humanity. This was simply the way of life back then.
But that is also why the slavery in America particularly was so abhorrent and has made the word "slavery" almost unanimously with the US slavery. Slavery has been common in human history since very ancient times. But the US slavery was slavery in a more civilised age when many nations had long abandoned it for being to barbaric and it had the level of cruelty was something from the dark ages. It disgusted the rest of the world and all generations since.
Which is why it is kinda disgusting when they try to make us slave owners likable. Remember in the "Patriot" when we were supposed to feel sympathy for Mel Gibson when they took his slaves since he was a "good slave owner" that cared for his slaves and later when the British offered freedom to the slaves it was then framed as the British being sneaky and manipulative.
Very interesting analysis!👍🏾
Minor correction: in _The Patriot_ the Brits assumed the blacks were slaves when they offered freedom for conscription, but one of the workers proudly corrected the Brits saying "We're freemen."
The ridiculousness is in the fact that in the 1770s there's no way in hell the other whites of colonial America would've let Benjamin Martin *employ* blacks as if they were equal with whites in the workforce. I often wonder whether or not it would've really impacted the audience's sympathies for the character of they'd been more realistic and depicted him as just another slaveowner🤔 because I remember rolling my eyes in the theater at this scene thinking, "Sure, okay. Like that would've been tolerated."
(It was just as unbelievable as Martin's guilt and regret over his actions during the French & Indian War, but I guess the filmmakers felt he wouldn't be sympathetic enough with two kids murdered at the hands of the Redcoats🤷🏾♀️ so they had to inject these suspension-of-disbelief plot points)😂
Mostly agree with you, but slavery still exists today so it's not particularly disgusting when it's in America. Americans made it illegal in the 1800s and that's pretty much in cue with most western nations.
So it's not like they are worst than other people.
You were a slave owner?
Brazil ended slavery more than two decades after the US did.
In The Patriot they were paid free people that he allowed to work the land, hinted at that upon his wife's death their freedom was in her will and she was the money of the family.
So many other countries have slavery still, mostly in Africa.
Robert Eggers: Have you ever watched Vikings?
Me: Yes
Robert Eggers: Well have you ever watched Vikings... ON WEED?
Half baked red team go red team go lol.
ShroomS***
The Northman is a fantastic film. An original IP that does not compromise. Stunning film from start to finish.
Black Phillip was an awesome villain.
I still can’t get over that voice.
“Would’st thou like to live deliciously?”
Very impressed with this film. I expected a Braveheart or Gladiator type movie. But instead I was engaged with the imagery and Norse mythology/mysticism. It felt like I was watching an A24 Pictures movie. Very contained story. Other than the pillage the village one-take scene. The setting takes place on a farm-estate. Alexander Skarsgaard and Anya Taylor Joy killed their roles. Bravo!
What was your favorite part of the movie?
Apparently this movie is based off of a viking saga that inspired William Shakespeare to make Hamlet
That is true.
Is that why he set Hamlet in Denmark?
@@jokesterr119 The story upon which Hamlet is based is the tale of Amleth, which did take place in Denmark. The Northman is only partly based on this tale.
@@jokesterr119 I never actually read Hamlet though...but that is possible.
I want more movie trailers to just have random quotes that don't actually explain anything.
"What the fuck?"
Every country, people had slaves. Including lower African tribes and Native American tribes. All Humans were like this for thousands of years.
So its like Conan: The Barbarian with Sundance level gravitas.
It’s based on a tale from the Viking age that was the inspiration for Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
Nah, more like Cannes gravitas
Slavery was common place in that era. Those who were not enslaved had no moral quandary when it came to becoming slave traders and slave owners. Those who, rightly, moralize today about the evils of slavery, benefit from moral wisdom amassed through hindsight. However, they would do well to remember that holding the descendants of those who were slave owners to account for the moral transgressions of their ancestors is absurd because, had the tables been reversed, and their ancestors were in a militaristically advantageous position, they would have been the enslavers.
Blatantly false to state that slavery's only viewed as a moral evil in recent times. Abolitionist thinking amongst academics and scholars goes back to 3000 years ago. The British themselves abolished slavery amongst themselves almost 1000 years ago, right after the late Viking age. lol
Just because it was widespread, doesn't mean there was no moral compass amongst stuff like murder, slavery, and in general crime. It's a common fallacy and quite simply a misrepresentation of history.
@@milton3204 Notice I said "common place" and not ubiquitous, unanimous, or universal. Of course, in every era there are pioneers who were morally far more forward thinking than their peers, and there were obviously those who found slavery revolting throughout history, just as there were those in ancient times that thought that women should be treated with equality. However, those progressively minded people usually represented a small minority of the population, and were usually confined to the more learned, if not intellectual elite segment, of the population at the time. They were hardly representative of broader population in those eras.
@@milton3204 "The British abolished slavery" LOl plz gtfo. The British proliferated and profited from shipping African slaves to America.
I do not doubt at all that Korey would have actually kissed Martin.
About the "braces". They've discovered ancient teeth in Scandinavian burials that were ground on and supposedly decorated.
I’m with Martin esp re the shot designs that could have been a series of paintings. It’s quite a unique movie as far as the behind the scenes interviews go revealing the work ethic required to do oners with no coverage. And the amount of planning and research. It’s a simple tale but also a tragedy due to beliefs and duty. The only respite in Amleths life was being loved by Olga. Just subscribed due to your takes and because you have fun in the review process!
There was so much subtlety in this movie. Eggers just drops you into the world and let’s you figure it out. That can throw off a lot of people.
The movie was about the complexity of the situations and the choices the characters make. Nothing is black and white, and nothing is spelled out for you.
I hear you when you say you wanted more character development, but I disagree. This is very much in line with the old sagas, and honestly there isn't that much character development in them besides them getting their revenge or whatever
It’s like the basis of Sword and sorcery stories, it gets right to the point of the tale and the action.
I’m super hyped to see this movie. Loved The Witch and The Lighthouse!
I wouldn’t be. As Kory said, both of those are horror movies, both of those are much more analytical and weird (in the best possible way), this movie isn’t weird, it’s not out there, it’s very simple but good in what it does.
@@reecetomm It’s still the same director, no matter if the film is different from his previous 2 movies. I’m just excited because so far I’ve really liked Robert Eggers’ work and he’s extremely talented.
Fun fact: this movie is based on a real legend that Shakespeare based Hamlet from. The name amleth is how the name Hamlet came about.
What was the last movie korey gave a full price to toy story 4 Jesus lol.
guy said: oh, you want vikings? i'll show you vikings
how did I not know this channel existed? you guys really complement each other. Subscribed
Do you watch a lot of movie review channels?
I absolutely loved this movie. It was such an experience, and it totally rocked me off my ass. I got teary eyed at the end I loved it so much. I agree with Martin on the length. It didn’t feel long for me because the pacing was so fast paced and crazy it made it feel like it was a 90 minute movie.
This looks like the Conan movie I have been wanting for a while. I can't wait to see it.
Damn, now I want Eggers to direct a Conan movie...
@@ryuoh6928 While I live DeLaurentis' take, I'm for it.
@@ryuoh6928 Man he making Legend of Conan would be awesome
@@youcancallmeneck5178 I mean, the zombie viking that appears in this trailer could pass for Crom, from the original movie
This movie is much more akin to The Witch while being built up like it’s much more of an epic than what it is. It’s a small and simple story with great action. I’d say 8 out of 10. Delivered what it promised but didn’t go far out and deliver anything that was beyond what was expected.
dublin was built by vikings to sell irish slaves, so good location choice
I wasn't that interested in seeing it, kinda got a bit of Viking fatigue after finishing The Last Kingdom aka Utred son of Utred. Then I found out it was ol Bobby Eggers and boy oh boy hearing you guys talk about it is really refreshing - a Viking story that doesn't candy-coat the amoral, inhuman brutality of the Vikings. Now I'm really looking forward to it.
I thought the Valkyrie was wearing braces, too, but no. Archeologists found Viking skulls that had horizontal grooves cut into the teeth. They think they may have filled the grooves with tree resin. Viking bling.
James Mason was also Mr. Barlow's protector in all time best Vampire TV mini series, Salems Lot.
Would love to see Robert Eggers bring his attention to historical accuracy to Egyptian mythology.
Robert Eggers is 2 for 2.
I hope The Northman is so successful that Robert Eggers is considered one of the best directors in the movie industry.
3 of 3
It's the live action version of the manga "Vinland Saga".
no
It's based on the story of Amleth, which is an early medieval Scandinavian tale that inspired Hamlet.
No
Just wanted to point out when making the slavery comment about if they weren’t enslaved they’d be doing it. You guys seem to think that the Russian Slavs in the film were also Vikings. The village raid happened in Russia, Vikings travelled across Europe to raid and pillage to bring back slaves to their homelands. They raided the Slavs because they were farmers and merchants, soft targets who couldn’t defend themselves.
I was hyped for this movie and enjoyed it. I saw it in theaters with my wife who was underwhelmed and thought it to be too long. We generally disagree on films but she dampened my experience that time. I’m super late on this review but it has me excited for the rewatch
Eggers is three for three. What a fucking great film.
What’s your favorite out of the 3?
A very interesting and enjoyable movie. It's Hamlet with a little touch of Macbeth. Even the main character's first name is an anagram of Hamlet. That was the only thing that took me out of the movie a bit. Also Kidman looking pretty freaky in long shots...Red Skull kind of freaky. Excellent actress and acting, in that pivotal scene but she was naturally beautiful and the cosmetic surgery hasn't benefitted her.
Alexander Skarsgård played vampire Eric Northman on the TV series “True Blood” who was on a path of vengeance for someone who killed his family.
He’s now in a movie called “The Northman” who character is on path of vengeance after someone killed his father.
The dirtiness of the characters is historically inaccurate because those who Viking (it was an activity) bathed every day, which was a rarity for the time.
6:13 - ‘Hamlet’ with a whole lot of killing.” It’s that just *Hamlet*? Not counting Ophelia (suicide or accident), everybody gets killed except Horatio.
I'm sure they got dirty when they were in battle or raided places.
I love how this opens with you all just laughing 😂
9:39-9:51 looking at you Char Aznable!!🤣🤣
Is this movie a prequel about Eric Northman before he became a vampire?
A what if
The video of Björk smacking that interviewer is iconic 👏
Can't say I loved this movie, but it isn't just a "revenge movie" or a traditional fantasy either. Especially since so many people seem to think that fantasy means just anything goes (a garbage notion, by the way). What they did here was to put a Nordic saga on film. That's why the mythological elements are part of it, though I like that they left it open whether that stuff was real, imagined, a tall tale added later, or just too many mushrooms. The protagonist is a Hero in the mythic sense, which means you don't need a bunch of character development or a complicated story. Everybody understands his motivations and why things happen the way they do. At least everybody who's read anything about Nordic culture and mythology.
There’s a sword fight in a volcano and it’s fucking metal
I love that there's no clear-cut protagonist. An honest reflection of a different moral compass. Great description of such a vicious cycle.
You guys are selling me on this one, I was already on board bc of the director I have seen both of this previous films and I'm a big fan can't wait to watch this
If I want likeable people I'll watch 13th Warrior again.. I do love that movie.
One month later, I finally watched it and I loved it
I had the same feelings watching it- they were all just awful barbaric, terrible characters, I loved it though and appreciate Eggers honesty in depicting history for what it is
So this movie is just a live action version of Vinland Saga
Martin: Hamlet itself has a whole lot of killing. Did you forget everyone dies at the end except Rosencrantz and Gildenstern? And that they go on to have a supernatural adventure in the afterlife?
LOL what Hamlet did you read...it literally says : "To tell him his commandment is fulfilled,
That Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are dead."
@@Titurel you quoted the title of the work. If you haven’t seen it do so. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead is name of the film/play.
@@The_Gnome_Chomskee LOL No, I quoted Shakespeare. I assume you know Stoppard was satirizing that one line from : Hamlet, Act 5, Scene 2. Anyway they sure as heck don't make it outta Hamlet alive!
@@Titurel you seem to have missed the point. It was a joke about the play/film Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead. I highly recommend it.
This movie is a Full Price for me.
This movie looks so awesome
"It's Hamlet but a whole lot of killing". Have you read Hamlet? There's a whole lot of killing going on there.
This movie was amazing.
I see a few people comparing Robert Eggers movies to Ari Asters and I feel like Robert Eggers films are less digestible than Ari Asters. Movies like The Lighthouse and The Witch while beautifully filmed and acted, feels like something one would watch in a film class while Ari Aster makes films both film connoisseurs and average movie goers can enjoy. That’s what makes The Northman so exciting, feels like a movie anyone can get into without having to understand 17th century Shakespearean dialogue
Agree. I think Ari has better horror concepts. But Eggers is better at creating interesting films overall.
I lived in Iceland for 3 years and heard a lot about their history. Yup this is pretty much how it was. They wanted something they took it and killed to get it. Only the strongest survive. What you have now are the ancestors of the strong.
Remember the Valkyrie. What does that tell you about how you're supposed to feel about Amleth?
There's a Podcast titled "Human Resources " I don't remember by whom but look it up
it was a extremely educational and informative experience about the start of slavery. It speaks to how all ppl had or were slaves regardless of color or creed and the mindset ppl had that in order for society to thrive there must be slaves to do the grunt work so "great minds" would prosper and the world could grow. it's obviously wrong but it was the way of things during early civilization. it's a extremely long listen but worth it.
As soon as you said the mother is still alive, I hypothesis that the mother had something to do with the betrayal happening
Except she didn't. The uncle also coveted his brother's wife as well as his brother's crown.
@@richierich7229 she said she begged the uncle to kill her husband
Vinland Saga live action
YES! I was just mentioning this movie to my movie bro. Salute to you guys for doing this review! Stay toasty my friends and Happy Friday!
2 guys 1 lighthouse
I loved this movie.
Seems like an extension of the lessons learned from The Lighthouse (which is another Rober Eggers' amazing movie).
What’s your favorite Eggers movie now?
@@megamikethemovieman It's still The Lighthouse.
@@baraka99 it’s definitely a tough choice, all are quality films. I’m between the Northman and the VVitch. I reviewed the Northman on my channel too and have lots of other movie content, feel free to stop by to enjoy some videos my friend. I look forward to talking more movies with you over there. Cool icon btw.
This review was spot on 🤣 23:18 I was only one laughed at that scene because of this review
Favourite film of 2022. An absolutely amazing brutal experience
The biggest and the strongest make the rules. This is the world.
DT really should do a review of the Dark Fantasy Animated film The Spine of Night, I saw it recently on Shudder and it's a throwback to rotoscope animations from the 1970s like Fire & Ice and Heavy Metal from 1981. The animator behind it is Morgan Galen King whose TH-cam channel has a short film that's a prequel to the movie called Exordium.
A movie about my ancestors, didn't disappoint whatsoever, really a great mood piece.
MUH ANCESTORS. Bro, just because you're 5% Swedish doesn't make them your ancestors.
@@dickthebirthdayboy2132 shut
🤘🤘🤘
I saw the trailer at the Batman movie an I was like omg I can’t wait to see this movie
I loved it. It's so well crafted. I can't to watch it again.
Is it your favorite movie of the year?
DEEEEEEAAaaaaammmmmnnnn @Martin's rating. He nailed it for me. I have to see this movie now.
"Her name is Anya goddamn it!"
This movie looks absolutely awesome and amazing! 💯💯
Can’t wait to see it when it comes in Amazon Prime or Netflix one day.
Why not support it in cinema? Hollywood pays attention to box office and if you want more films like this then money is the only language Hollywood understands.
Amon Amarth should've done the score.
Honest-ass review, love it, props to you gents.
Do you watch a lot of movie reviewers on TH-cam?
@@megamikethemovieman Not a lot, but some.
@@GrumpaGladstone1809 well I would be honored if you checked out my channel. I do reviews for all the new releases and have a variety of other fun movie content on there too. I look forward to having some movie conversations with you over there my friend.
dude i just got to watch this.. the testosterone is off the charts.... dude literally sheds 2 tear drops in this movie.
I thought the Raven was the Black Philip of the movie
Never seen your channel before but in the first 3 minutes I have now subscribed. Rlm is my usual go to but I'll definitely be checking you out.
These guys are the best movie reviewers on TH-cam tbh. They’re real and reasonable. And plus they are your favorite TH-camrs favorite TH-cam channel probably. Korey and Martin have been doing movie reviews since the 90’s. I’ve been a fan for almost 10 years or so now and I’ve seen so many popular TH-camrs and Movie Reviewers in the comments and a lot of them used to be live in studio with them pre-COVID times just to sit in and watch them review movies. Glad you found them!
It's like Ragnar Lothbrok. He was clearly a terrible person from the jump, but we still rooted for him. Maybe it's because they sometimes surrounded him by even worse people.
I laughed so much about the Holy shit review 😂
The mother comment was great too.
I thought it was interesting that Nicole Kidman was once again playing the absentee mother of a muscular "hero".
So is this a 'True Blood' Pre-quel? Erick Northman Story??
No it isn’t
Hey, I enjoyed you guys' segment in Hollywood Shuffle!
Movie plays out like it was a play before becoming a film