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Author Topic: Valhalla Rising  (Read 23616 times)

Todd Eriksen

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Re: Valhalla Rising
« Reply #15 on: 2012-10-29, 20:27:33 »
My thoughts on Valhalla Rising?  Dark, depressing, odd.

As for terrible medieval-esque movies?  Season of the Witch, ranks up there as one of the worst.  As does the made for TV movie Joan of Arc with Leelee Sobieski.  Terrible acting, terrible casting, horrendously distorted storyline.  A bomb in my book.  BUT, I still watch it as there are so few medieval style movies out there that it quenches my thirst once in a great while.

Sir James A

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Re: Valhalla Rising
« Reply #16 on: 2012-10-30, 01:15:05 »
BUT, I still watch it as there are so few medieval style movies out there that it quenches my thirst once in a great while.

That's almost a tag line for most of the movies I watch too. :)

Historical aside, I enjoyed Season of the Witch. I found Black Death darker and closer to historical, but enjoyed it less. It's a heck of a mind-messer, though!
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Silvanus

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Re: Valhalla Rising
« Reply #17 on: 2012-10-30, 01:52:53 »
Valhalla Rising is one of my favorite films, though certainly not for storyline or historical significance. But for its scenery, camera-work, and general atmosphere.

Black Death is another favorite.... One of my favorite scenes of any film is when the stocky, bald warrior is being tempted by a village maiden (who may or may not be a witch). She asks if he sits alone because he is shy. His reply: "I'm married; and i am a Christian - so pi$$ off." Not the most chivalric retort, but it got the job done.
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Re: Valhalla Rising
« Reply #18 on: 2012-10-30, 14:56:09 »

I enjoyed Season of the Witch, but only for what it was-- more of a "historical" fantasy. It was OK, not fantastic.

I haven't found many that I thought were a true waste of my time. I've gotten rather numb to the historical flaws, and just assume they're all more fantasy than anything else.

Something I thought was quite good though was The Name of the Rose, with Sean Connery.
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Sir Wolf

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Re: Valhalla Rising
« Reply #19 on: 2012-10-30, 15:53:14 »
i loved that movie (name of the rose) also check out robin and marion. both great sean connery flicks

Sir James A

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Re: Valhalla Rising
« Reply #20 on: 2012-10-30, 16:09:46 »
I haven't found many that I thought were a true waste of my time.

"Your Highness". Horrible, mildly redeemable for "hot ladies", but the movie was terrible.
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Re: Valhalla Rising
« Reply #21 on: 2012-10-30, 16:54:10 »
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knights_of_the_Round_Table_(film)

This glorious gem was on cable yesterday. I loved this movie ever since I was a kid. What is really a surprise is now that I’m better informed; I observed that the heraldry displayed in the movie was pretty authentic in that they followed the laws of heraldry quite closely. The armor was believable and plausible for the early 14th century impression of the Arthurian legends. Of course the sword play was atypical of Hollywood ‘Errol Flynn’ style, but it was still enjoyable.  :)
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Sir Wolf

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Re: Valhalla Rising
« Reply #22 on: 2012-10-30, 18:26:34 »
actually had real mail armour too on some guys.  check out Kind richard and the crusades and the crusades. great 2 flicks as well!!

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Re: Valhalla Rising
« Reply #23 on: 2012-10-30, 19:52:29 »

I enjoyed Season of the Witch, but only for what it was-- more of a "historical" fantasy. It was OK, not fantastic.

I haven't found many that I thought were a true waste of my time. I've gotten rather numb to the historical flaws, and just assume they're all more fantasy than anything else.

Something I thought was quite good though was The Name of the Rose, with Sean Connery.

'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco is probably my favorite novel of all time, Sir Edward. The movie is great, with truly inspired actors, but you must read the book if you haven't. I read it in college and that pretty much sealed the decision to change major to Medieval Studies.
« Last Edit: 2012-10-30, 19:53:15 by Silvanus »
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Re: Valhalla Rising
« Reply #24 on: 2012-10-30, 22:39:19 »
I just had the opportunity to catch The Name of the Rose this past weekend.  Excellent film!  The setting and atmosphere were captured so well.  I have Eco's Foucault's Pendulum sitting on a shelf, but have not read it or Name of the Rose.  I may have to do so now.
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Re: Valhalla Rising
« Reply #25 on: 2012-10-31, 01:18:17 »
I haven't found many that I thought were a true waste of my time.

"Your Highness". Horrible, mildly redeemable for "hot ladies", but the movie was terrible.

You're right, that one was terrible. That one wasted my time.
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Re: Valhalla Rising
« Reply #26 on: 2012-11-02, 00:19:21 »
Not exactly a movie but I love the History Channel's "The Crusades: Cross & the Crescent". Thoughts?? :)
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Re: Valhalla Rising
« Reply #27 on: 2012-11-02, 00:21:02 »
MRL did all of the costumes and armour, that should tell you enough right there :(

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Re: Valhalla Rising
« Reply #28 on: 2012-11-02, 00:25:39 »
MRL did all of the costumes and armour, that should tell you enough right there :(

Not a fan of it, Sir Wolf???
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Sir William

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Re: Valhalla Rising
« Reply #29 on: 2012-11-02, 17:05:08 »
So the costumes, arms and armor may not have been completely historically accurate, but I'm sure they had budget concerns so they went with what was the best bang for the buck.  MRL's not horrible, just that it is more anachronistic than historic- keep that in mind and you're good.

I've gotta get my copy of the re-released Arn: Knight Templar from Amazon, looking forward to that!

Your Highness was funny, crass and boorish funny, but funny nonetheless.  As I'm a Natalie Portman fan, any movie she's taking her clothes off is reason enough for me to watch it.  lol
« Last Edit: 2012-11-02, 17:06:13 by Sir William »
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