"When the Raven Flies" death is coming....in this stark, brutal and gloomy tale of unrelenting vengeance. A Celtic Christian boy's family in Ireland is wiped out in a Viking raid, with his older sister carried off into sexual bondage. When he becomes a man, he tracks down the band of exiles all the way to Iceland where they await the death of their enemy, King Harald of Norway. One by one he patiently stalks each member of the band and cunningly turns their barbaric superstitions and brutish natures against them. The authenticity of the Icelandic setting and the grubbiness of the actors lend veracity to this depiction of this dark period in Scandinavian history in which the blood feuds lasted for generations. This film has a strangely compelling beauty threaded through its dominant theme of violence begetting violence in a self-perpetuating cycle.
25 Reviews
Excellent!
lemadison20 October 2006
My first reaction when I finished watching this movie for the first time was, "Woah, Irish ninjas versus vikings? What can be cooler than that?" Strictly, Gest isn't a ninja-- I'm being a bit facetious-- but the throwing knives, the steely resolve, and the silent lurking can make up for the cultural gap. In all respects, this is an excellent movie. The acting is great, the plot is more than a simple revenge story, and the ending is powerful. In reflection, even the unusual music fits the story well. If you can get ahold of this movie, watch it, especially if you're not Scandinavian and don't know much about Scandinavian history or culture. It was this movie that got a lot of people I know interested in learning more about that region and that era of history.
And if you're the type who likes throwing-knives, lurking, complex revenge plots, and barbarian swordplay, this is still the movie for you.
And if you're the type who likes throwing-knives, lurking, complex revenge plots, and barbarian swordplay, this is still the movie for you.
Showdown at the O.K. Corral, Iceland.
morpheus-2718 March 1999
Powerful viking movie shot on Iceland, using a cowboy manuscript for sure! The mowie portrays the cruelty, tenderness, pride and extreme violence of that era, with great reality. Still there is that bit of the lone gunman out on the prairie,(here knife-thrower on the island Iceland) which just adds to the magnificent story of revenge. Gest (main character) comes to Iceland seeking revenge over the men who slaughtered his parents and kidnapped his sister in a viking raid in Ireland. Here he finds that his sister has married one of them.
Psychologically fast paced, as is the chain of events. Daring new use of music for this genre of movie, at times not all that successful.
Psychologically fast paced, as is the chain of events. Daring new use of music for this genre of movie, at times not all that successful.
Great movie with loads of atmosphere
Antagonisten4 November 1999
This is for me a very memorable movie. First of all it has a good story with morale in it. It deals with vengeance which can probably be among the hardest things for a man to deal with. Which is greatly illustrated at the end of the movie (without revealing too much...).
Also the story with the lone crusader seeking vengeance for the slaying of his family is very strong. And the atmosphere of the movie really helps as well. The music is very good and helps the atmosphere as does the photo. It´s dirty, grey and cold just like it should be in a relentless, unforgiving, viking movie.
This is probably the best viking movie so far, not that it has too many contenders sadly enough. I recommend this movie to anyone wanting to see a very special movie with a special atmosphere and a few nice touches. And also, the movie is almost worth seeing only to hear the wonderful icelandic language!
I rate this 7/10, one extra star for originality!
Also the story with the lone crusader seeking vengeance for the slaying of his family is very strong. And the atmosphere of the movie really helps as well. The music is very good and helps the atmosphere as does the photo. It´s dirty, grey and cold just like it should be in a relentless, unforgiving, viking movie.
This is probably the best viking movie so far, not that it has too many contenders sadly enough. I recommend this movie to anyone wanting to see a very special movie with a special atmosphere and a few nice touches. And also, the movie is almost worth seeing only to hear the wonderful icelandic language!
I rate this 7/10, one extra star for originality!
Television not Cinema
lindfilm-111 July 2007
I am confused by the magnanimous praise for this film. First of all, let me respect it for its unsensational style. It expressed the everyday unromantic experience of what it must have been like then. In this way, it avoided Hollywoodism, but when I consider how the film-makers could have incorporated vast vistas as a cinematic expression of the isolation of these communities I was dismayed. These people lived in immense isolation, but all we were given 90 percent of the time were tight shots, and landscapes were generally presented as one section of the pebbly beach with some stark rocky islands off shore. And let us consider the opening (of the version I saw). There was no attempt at establishing the historical context. Instead, we got close shots that could have been anywhere, and certainly shot in the style for 'straight to video". Come on! The script was clever, with the potential for a great dramatic experience, but the director must have been limited by a highly restrictive budget, because it ended up looking like 'made for TV'. The synthesized music was occasionally effective but surely deeper chords would have created an ominous atmosphere. The hero did not really have any tense challenges. He seemed to cruise through it all. While I sort of liked him, I never had a sense of his jeopardy. In short, there was no dramatic tension. In this sense, there was an echo of some of Clint Eastwood's movies, but without the stylishness. There was an assumption that we were on the protagonist's side, but why deprive us of his human vulnerability as he seeks revenge? I feel that the writers deserve a bigger budget to prove to us that they can create a truly cinematic experience rather than a small dimension TV drama. I have not seen the subsequent 2 parts of the trilogy.
Good story, low production values
siderite25 June 2013
The thing that shines most out of this film is the plot. The avenging son doesn't just come and kill people, he uses cunning to make them trust him and distrust each other, he separates them and then kills them when he has the upper hand.
The problem, though, is the amateurish directing and acting, something that I know well enough from my own country's productions. The fact that the language is Icelandic (and the horses, too, that's funny) doesn't help much, nor does the clearly minute budget.
In a way, I agree with many of the people that reviewed this positively: this felt like a real life Viking saga, with normal folk being dressed in animal fur and fighting with bow and knife in a dreary land. However, too much realism is bad as well, and I imagine the film would be liked only by a minority of viewers because of it. In fact, it feels like old Spaghetti westerns at times, with the bad sound and silly music added after the filming.
Now, I can imagine this done by Hollywood. They would definitely remove what was good with the script, because their heroes must always be moral and trustworthy, either white or black. The role of the woman would be relegated to something helpless, begging for assistance, rather than the courageous stance the Icelandic character takes. The fights would be epic, touching steampunk, with weird contraptions that mass murder tens of people (but without blood). When I compare this projection to the actual film, the Icelandic version wins, however I can't help think of what this could have been with just a little more resources at their disposal.
The problem, though, is the amateurish directing and acting, something that I know well enough from my own country's productions. The fact that the language is Icelandic (and the horses, too, that's funny) doesn't help much, nor does the clearly minute budget.
In a way, I agree with many of the people that reviewed this positively: this felt like a real life Viking saga, with normal folk being dressed in animal fur and fighting with bow and knife in a dreary land. However, too much realism is bad as well, and I imagine the film would be liked only by a minority of viewers because of it. In fact, it feels like old Spaghetti westerns at times, with the bad sound and silly music added after the filming.
Now, I can imagine this done by Hollywood. They would definitely remove what was good with the script, because their heroes must always be moral and trustworthy, either white or black. The role of the woman would be relegated to something helpless, begging for assistance, rather than the courageous stance the Icelandic character takes. The fights would be epic, touching steampunk, with weird contraptions that mass murder tens of people (but without blood). When I compare this projection to the actual film, the Icelandic version wins, however I can't help think of what this could have been with just a little more resources at their disposal.
The greatest action film ever made in Iceland
SamRag5 May 2002
Being Icelandic I'm of course proud of most films made in Iceland, and they do get better every year. The only thing I sometimes criticise is that we, Icelanders, try to be TOO clever. We don't allow ourselves to just make pure action or pure comedy, but it seems we have to try to add some artistic flair to all our films. Hrafninn flygur is a viking-action film, which keeps your interest from beginning to end. The costumes and surroundings are beautiful, and the story is a good old revenge-your-parents tale, but with enough twists and side stories to keep ones interest fully. I have many friends around the globe, and Hrafninn flygur is one of the few films that I would recommend to anyone for pure entertainment value. Sadly, this film is not available any more, so we will just have to hope that one of these days they will re-release it.
Viking Yojimbo.
gekarlin4 November 2013
Warning: Spoilers
"When The Raven Flies" stands as one of the best historical Action movies, to have come out of the North. Stylistically it owes a great deal to Italian Spaghetti Westerns and Japanese Jidaigeki. In fact back in the day, some critics dubbed it a "Cod Western" because of this. The setting certainly helps. The Icelandic Sagas are full of tales of Revenge, Bloodshed, Honor that must be gained and upheld and Grudges that wont let go, all told in a laconic and ominous manner. Like his heroes Kurosawa and Leone, Gunnlaugsson has a good eye for faces. Our hero Gestur, has rugged good looks, while the Viking thugs are impressively ugly. Helgi Skúlason who plays Thord deserves a special mention. He has a terrific thousand yard stare, which he displays widely whenever he is angry or has his plans ruined.
As for the plot this is a straight remake of the "Yojimbo/Fistful Of Dollars" story save for a few things. In this movie our hero is motivated by revenge, instead of monetary gain like Eastwood or unknown motives like Toshiro Mifune. There is also a moral theme running throughout the film, which questions if Gesturs really did the right thing after all.
All in all "When The Raven Flies" is a great action movie, even if it didn't change the world. The only downsides i can think of is the 80's synthesizer soundtrack which can get damn annoying after a while and the crudely designed weapons (the knifes and swords resemble giant butterknives and the axes are obviously just regular woodworking axes) but other than that it is along with the Arn movies, one of the best historical action movies from the North, ever.
As for the plot this is a straight remake of the "Yojimbo/Fistful Of Dollars" story save for a few things. In this movie our hero is motivated by revenge, instead of monetary gain like Eastwood or unknown motives like Toshiro Mifune. There is also a moral theme running throughout the film, which questions if Gesturs really did the right thing after all.
All in all "When The Raven Flies" is a great action movie, even if it didn't change the world. The only downsides i can think of is the 80's synthesizer soundtrack which can get damn annoying after a while and the crudely designed weapons (the knifes and swords resemble giant butterknives and the axes are obviously just regular woodworking axes) but other than that it is along with the Arn movies, one of the best historical action movies from the North, ever.
A true Icelandic Masterpiece
denis8887 August 2006
When I first saw this marvelous film in 1999 in Russia, I could not believe my own eyes - in fact, I had never seen a single Icelandic film before that, this was the first and what a great sensation! This is a highly elegant, smoothly done and excellent work. The idea is pretty simple, Gest, the main hero, comes to take revenge for his slain parents. The whole story takes place in 900's, so Iceland is still a heathen country, god Thor is frequently mentioned and his one-eyed figure is also often addressed to by several characters. What really marvels there is the superb combination of the actors' play, impeccable nature, and the spellbinding soundtrack. This terrible, never ending, incessant rain that falls throughout the film is just another character - it adds to the gloomy picture and the dark feeling of the main hero. His revenge is slow, but irreversible, he does what he thinks he has to. And he succeeds. The whole film leaves a great, lasting and powerful impression. Watch it, it is a must!
Good
Mantear15 July 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Gest goes to Iceland in 894 to avenge the killers of his parents. There are some memorable moments in this film. The opening credits scene revealing the Icelandic coast with the powerful music lets us know we're in for something different. Gest is heavily influenced by The Man with no Name in Leone's westerns and Einarsson does a good job portraying such a figure.The opening scenes are the best, especially the 'Tungur Knivur' scene. The film goes on too long and I didn't like the sanctimonious message in the end especially when the director's commentary on the DVD confirmed that he was trying to show the futility of violence. If somebody walks all over you you gotta stand up for yourself. It was also unrealistic. Gest would really have held on to those knives considering it was ninth century Iceland and how the hell was he going to get home.
Boring everyday life of vikings
prole-75-3947109 August 2014
The movie's supposed to depict realistically the life of Icelandic vikings. To some extent, there it succeeds - life is gritty and hard, the skies are always gray, wind is always blowing. No stupid horned helmets or Hollywood swashbuckling (as in "Pathfinder"), the vikings do not resemble members of a heavy metal band, trying to be as revolting as only they know how (see "13th Warrior"). The serial killer hero approaches his labor of murder with noble stoicism. The location is postcard Iceland - black sand beach and "troll fingers" rocks near Vik
On the other hand, the budget and imagination are tight, all of the action is limited to the same location. It looks like a saga abridged to a level of a comic book - lots of slaughter, not much talk. In place of complex psychology, there is an overwrought and childish symbolism (crows, last scene, etc.). The soundtrack is bad and exploitative. The whole thing is amateurish and gets frightfully boring. This may be a petty quibble, but for a movie that's gunning for verisimilitude, the place looks wrong - in 9-10th centuries, Iceland was still forested, rather than the barren rock you see today
To sum it up, if you want an art-house viking movie, go watch "Severed Ways", it has compelling, albeit completely anachronistic heavy metal music. Or "Valhalla Rising" - the photography there is amazing.
On the other hand, the budget and imagination are tight, all of the action is limited to the same location. It looks like a saga abridged to a level of a comic book - lots of slaughter, not much talk. In place of complex psychology, there is an overwrought and childish symbolism (crows, last scene, etc.). The soundtrack is bad and exploitative. The whole thing is amateurish and gets frightfully boring. This may be a petty quibble, but for a movie that's gunning for verisimilitude, the place looks wrong - in 9-10th centuries, Iceland was still forested, rather than the barren rock you see today
To sum it up, if you want an art-house viking movie, go watch "Severed Ways", it has compelling, albeit completely anachronistic heavy metal music. Or "Valhalla Rising" - the photography there is amazing.
Outstanding film!
wolf-carl8618 June 2008
The only Icelandic film I've ever come across. This and it's two (disappointing) sequels, that is. And what an OUTSTANDING film. Wow. The viking film to end all viking films. None of the others made since (Trees Grow on the Stones Too, 13 Warrior, The Pathfinder *yikes!*, the sequels to this film) have been up to much.
Five VIRTUES of When The Raven Flies:
1. Design wise: The viking clichés of (horned) helmets, shiny swords, dragon headed longboats, and the odd galloping stallions are replaced with an authentic, down-to-earth design: Fur caps, black/rusty cleavers/knives, small ocean going merchant vessels, and those curious Icelandic ponies. It is quite odd seeing the characters ride them. The viking warriors feet almost touch the ground, and they ride in a weird trotting style.
Which help bring us closer to what life could have been like back then.
And did I mention how the director has chosen memorable, gritty faces in almost every role? No tall blond semi-gods here, just dirty survivors in a harsh country/island.
2. Plot wise: An Icelandic film about vikings? A chance to show off Icelandic courage, virtue and heroism, right? Wrong. The hero is from IRELAND, rather, and his story is about a viking victim getting back at the perpetrators.
The plot requires minimum knowledge about Icelandic/Norwegian history. It's set during the late 800s AD. While the political power in Norway is being consolidated around one king, Iceland is being colonized by settlers, hunters, traders, political refugees...and Irish slaves. Iceland was considered a loose and distant part of the young kingdom.
The intrigue be a little hard to follow a first. Relax - it will all make sense later on (as characters dwindle in number).
3. Style wise: This gruesome and captivating story of revenge is - yes- a SPAGHETTI WESTERN. Every trick in the Spaghetti-Western handbook. And I mean it as a compliment.This is on par with Sergio Leone on a good day. And how suitable for the material. Talking is kept to a macho minimum. Closeups of frowning faces and steely eyes trying to penetrate the minds of opponents. Quiet. Sudden violent outbursts. Bittersweet ending. The main character, "Guest", isn't even presented with a proper name. Clint's nameless character in the Dollar movies, anyone?
This is an Arctic homage to Sergio Leone. Bravo!
4. Endurance: 24 years on and the film is still standing strong. Some bloods'n gore effects are little on the silly side, some sophomore editing. Some synth music and ditto drums upsets the mood a little at times. My DVD version has no stereo/surround sound. The picture is laser disc fine, not DVD or HD fine.
And those were all the flaws. I mean ALL the flaws. The\is film is so frikkin' strong none of the above really matters.
5. The director still hasn't made anything nearly as impressive as this film. The 1988 sequel, In the Shadow of the Raven, had a bigger budget/production. But lacks the Leone-ish sense of urgency. See for yourself. The last film in his trilogy, Den Kvite Viking, had moments of inspired casting/design/mood etc (a talking wooden Jesus effigy stands out), but is totally overwhelmed by a slow and unconvincing plot. Shame. The more reason to love and revere the original!
See it before they cast Nicholas Cage in a remake!
Five VIRTUES of When The Raven Flies:
1. Design wise: The viking clichés of (horned) helmets, shiny swords, dragon headed longboats, and the odd galloping stallions are replaced with an authentic, down-to-earth design: Fur caps, black/rusty cleavers/knives, small ocean going merchant vessels, and those curious Icelandic ponies. It is quite odd seeing the characters ride them. The viking warriors feet almost touch the ground, and they ride in a weird trotting style.
Which help bring us closer to what life could have been like back then.
And did I mention how the director has chosen memorable, gritty faces in almost every role? No tall blond semi-gods here, just dirty survivors in a harsh country/island.
2. Plot wise: An Icelandic film about vikings? A chance to show off Icelandic courage, virtue and heroism, right? Wrong. The hero is from IRELAND, rather, and his story is about a viking victim getting back at the perpetrators.
The plot requires minimum knowledge about Icelandic/Norwegian history. It's set during the late 800s AD. While the political power in Norway is being consolidated around one king, Iceland is being colonized by settlers, hunters, traders, political refugees...and Irish slaves. Iceland was considered a loose and distant part of the young kingdom.
The intrigue be a little hard to follow a first. Relax - it will all make sense later on (as characters dwindle in number).
3. Style wise: This gruesome and captivating story of revenge is - yes- a SPAGHETTI WESTERN. Every trick in the Spaghetti-Western handbook. And I mean it as a compliment.This is on par with Sergio Leone on a good day. And how suitable for the material. Talking is kept to a macho minimum. Closeups of frowning faces and steely eyes trying to penetrate the minds of opponents. Quiet. Sudden violent outbursts. Bittersweet ending. The main character, "Guest", isn't even presented with a proper name. Clint's nameless character in the Dollar movies, anyone?
This is an Arctic homage to Sergio Leone. Bravo!
4. Endurance: 24 years on and the film is still standing strong. Some bloods'n gore effects are little on the silly side, some sophomore editing. Some synth music and ditto drums upsets the mood a little at times. My DVD version has no stereo/surround sound. The picture is laser disc fine, not DVD or HD fine.
And those were all the flaws. I mean ALL the flaws. The\is film is so frikkin' strong none of the above really matters.
5. The director still hasn't made anything nearly as impressive as this film. The 1988 sequel, In the Shadow of the Raven, had a bigger budget/production. But lacks the Leone-ish sense of urgency. See for yourself. The last film in his trilogy, Den Kvite Viking, had moments of inspired casting/design/mood etc (a talking wooden Jesus effigy stands out), but is totally overwhelmed by a slow and unconvincing plot. Shame. The more reason to love and revere the original!
See it before they cast Nicholas Cage in a remake!
Great Viking version of a mediocre Italo-Western
xroo-7377210 March 2023
"When the Raven Flies" is not about Vikings. It is not about Island. And it is definitively not even remotely inspired by Dashiell Hammett's "Red Harvest" (1929). "Raven" is an Italo-Western set in the 11th century, on the coast of Island. The mood, the esthetics, the music, the horses, the indestructible gun, uhm, knife slinger, the nameless stranger, the revenge story, treason, torture, the predominant low-budget vibe - many familiar elements from the Western subgenre have been translated into this new setting.
An Irishman takes revenge on a bunch of bandits in their hideouts. They are expatriates from Norway and called Vikings. Though it might be that their depiction is historically correct, for most viewers they are Vinos, Vikings in name only. Apart from the language, the only thing that distinguishes them from other Europeans is their Norse religion, with the ravens of Odin and a strange sanctuary.
For the most part the concept of "Raven" works quite well, it is really enjoyable for somebody who remembers at least a few Italo-Westerns. Without this knowledge a main attraction is lost. Some of the references might be regarded as flaws, as too distracting. There are better low-budget Italo-Westerns, but "Raven" is an unique film, with some great moments and on the whole well worth watching.
Postscript: The term "Spaghetti Western" is just silly. This specific style of Western films has been invented and cultivated by Italians. Some of those movies were made elsewhere, in Spain, Mexico, the USA. But in none of them people are eating spaghetti.
There has never been a screen adaption of "Red Harvest". Most likely there never will be. Hammett's first novel is a strange and very surprising read, very different from the books he wrote later on. It is quite a stretch to call "Red Harvest" a recognizable inspiration for Kurosawa's Yojimbo. But for "Raven"? That's just pretentious. And "Raven" is down-to-earth - as were the original Italo-Westerns with their gritty naturalism.
An Irishman takes revenge on a bunch of bandits in their hideouts. They are expatriates from Norway and called Vikings. Though it might be that their depiction is historically correct, for most viewers they are Vinos, Vikings in name only. Apart from the language, the only thing that distinguishes them from other Europeans is their Norse religion, with the ravens of Odin and a strange sanctuary.
For the most part the concept of "Raven" works quite well, it is really enjoyable for somebody who remembers at least a few Italo-Westerns. Without this knowledge a main attraction is lost. Some of the references might be regarded as flaws, as too distracting. There are better low-budget Italo-Westerns, but "Raven" is an unique film, with some great moments and on the whole well worth watching.
Postscript: The term "Spaghetti Western" is just silly. This specific style of Western films has been invented and cultivated by Italians. Some of those movies were made elsewhere, in Spain, Mexico, the USA. But in none of them people are eating spaghetti.
There has never been a screen adaption of "Red Harvest". Most likely there never will be. Hammett's first novel is a strange and very surprising read, very different from the books he wrote later on. It is quite a stretch to call "Red Harvest" a recognizable inspiration for Kurosawa's Yojimbo. But for "Raven"? That's just pretentious. And "Raven" is down-to-earth - as were the original Italo-Westerns with their gritty naturalism.
Interesting but a bit boring
TheLurkingFox14 June 2014
Why You Should Watch It: Vikings! Iceland! Vikings on horses! Vikings on horses that probably look pretty much like vikings on horses did (no horned helmets here).
Why It's Not The Best Movie Ever Made However: It's obviously been made on a tight budget, shot in only two locations which seem to be about 3 meters apart from each other, and the cheap 80s-synth Peruvian Flute rendition of Á Sprengisandi isn't helping either (there are only two tunes in the entire movie, and they come back very, very, very regularly). I won't even mention the "omg knife!!" sound effect that accompanies EVERY shot where someone has a knife or a sword, even if there's no way in real life they would have made any kind of sound. Also, tomato-blood.
As for the plot well... I'm not sure there was enough to fill almost two hours. It pretty much feels like you're watching the same thing again and again and again.
Why It's Not The Best Movie Ever Made However: It's obviously been made on a tight budget, shot in only two locations which seem to be about 3 meters apart from each other, and the cheap 80s-synth Peruvian Flute rendition of Á Sprengisandi isn't helping either (there are only two tunes in the entire movie, and they come back very, very, very regularly). I won't even mention the "omg knife!!" sound effect that accompanies EVERY shot where someone has a knife or a sword, even if there's no way in real life they would have made any kind of sound. Also, tomato-blood.
As for the plot well... I'm not sure there was enough to fill almost two hours. It pretty much feels like you're watching the same thing again and again and again.
Sergio Leone is back... and his name is Raven!
shirokishi21 December 2001
Sure, this is a great movie. It has never been arrived in Italy but thanksgiving a friend studying in Iceland (thanks Ivan!), I can see it. I have found somewhat reminiscent of the atmospheres of Sergio Leone's "spaghetti-western" in this viking's REAL-life based film. And the name of director is, actually, Hrafn... Raven, of course! He has tried to destroy the viking's stereotypes typical of Hollywood, and the result is admirable and remarkably beautiful. The duel scenes are memorable... you MUST see it!
A true viking movie
Berserker_swe1 February 2009
I don't know if you've ever seen a movie about vikings, but as far as i know they are few. Of those I've seen this and it's predecessor are the only "true" viking movies.
This movie has pretty bad image and sound quality which is understandable since its old. But it wins my heart for it's story, it follows a kind of norm in viking tales, basically an eye for an eye.
I am no expert in vikings or history but i have read a lot about them and many sagas (if not all) from the "Edda", anyways i liked this movie because it feels natural and real.
Some warnings though:
1. It may not be so interesting for you if you're not interested in vikings.
2. They speak Icelandic and the one i saw had Swedish subtitles only, so beware, you may not understand a word.
This movie has pretty bad image and sound quality which is understandable since its old. But it wins my heart for it's story, it follows a kind of norm in viking tales, basically an eye for an eye.
I am no expert in vikings or history but i have read a lot about them and many sagas (if not all) from the "Edda", anyways i liked this movie because it feels natural and real.
Some warnings though:
1. It may not be so interesting for you if you're not interested in vikings.
2. They speak Icelandic and the one i saw had Swedish subtitles only, so beware, you may not understand a word.
Once Upon a Time on an Island: Nothing new
latsblaster19 June 2003
'Hrafninn flýgur' had no problem getting status and good reviews in Sweden, here where we don't have any good action-flicks at all. Perhaps this is better than most of the action-movies made here, but it is not realistic at all.
'Hrafninn flýgur' is mostly a combination of 'Conan the Barbarian', 'Yojimbo' and 'C'era una volta il west' (but mostly a silly remake of 'Yojimbo').
The worst part in 'Hrafninn flýgur' is the unoriginal and poor music, which at times reminds about 'Yojimbo', but it is not as good.
The direction didn't impress me at all either, it tried to create a rough mood, with weak result.
Rating: 5 of 10.
'Hrafninn flýgur' is mostly a combination of 'Conan the Barbarian', 'Yojimbo' and 'C'era una volta il west' (but mostly a silly remake of 'Yojimbo').
The worst part in 'Hrafninn flýgur' is the unoriginal and poor music, which at times reminds about 'Yojimbo', but it is not as good.
The direction didn't impress me at all either, it tried to create a rough mood, with weak result.
Rating: 5 of 10.
Who chose that music?
CharlottaG19 April 2016
I was made to watch this movie in Swedish-class at school, and as I think we all know; forced watching doesn't make a good first impression of any film.
But it really isn't that bad... the plot is well thought out and the acting is pretty good. The characters all have layers and a depth that adds to the plot. And if that wasn't enough the scenery is stunning.
However, that ridiculous music as taken from a car hunt in a cop movie from the 80's that's played in the horse riding scenes is hilarious. After the first time it came on I just couldn't take anything beyond that seriously. Watching it in 2016 it feels as if they made parody of their own movie, IN the movie itself.
But, even though I feel rather strongly about this whole riding-a-horse-on-the-beach-music it really is a film I think is worth watching. It's a big part of Icelandic film-history and it's very nice to see some vikings portrayed differently from the americanized barbaric stereotype.
5/10 Icelandic horses for vikings and funny music.
But it really isn't that bad... the plot is well thought out and the acting is pretty good. The characters all have layers and a depth that adds to the plot. And if that wasn't enough the scenery is stunning.
However, that ridiculous music as taken from a car hunt in a cop movie from the 80's that's played in the horse riding scenes is hilarious. After the first time it came on I just couldn't take anything beyond that seriously. Watching it in 2016 it feels as if they made parody of their own movie, IN the movie itself.
But, even though I feel rather strongly about this whole riding-a-horse-on-the-beach-music it really is a film I think is worth watching. It's a big part of Icelandic film-history and it's very nice to see some vikings portrayed differently from the americanized barbaric stereotype.
5/10 Icelandic horses for vikings and funny music.
A epic story that remains in ones memory...
Storugglan2 April 2003
I remember seing this movie as a teenager when it was new. I still remember how the touching story burned inside of me, and the soft music that soothened the flames, created a epic memory. Since that first time, I have watched this movie at least ten times and it is STILL as great as the fist time. I really feels lika a "true story". Not like the rough (and often stupid) picture of vikings that Hollywood creates. I highly recommend anyone (above 11) to see this movie!
Sounded interesting, but actually pretty awful.
ppa500026 July 2006
I bought this movie off of ebay thinking it could be a well made viking movie made by actual Scandinavians, but I was wrong. Now I regret watching because it was so awful. The cinematography was uninspired, the acting was OK, and the action boring. Never once do you get to see the harsh and beautiful Icelandic landscape (I've been there), only the shore and the vikings' huts. There are some interesting characters, but they were never developed. The Irishman seems like a sadistic killer since he seems to kill every viking he meets, how could he know which ones pillaged his village? He even throws a knife into a guy's mouth as he yawns, what did that guy ever do to deserve that? The action was also terrible, the Irishman kills by throwing knives and never actually confronts his enemies. The vikings themselves use strange machete looking swords. If I wanted to make a film taking place in Iceland I would first show off the Icelandic landscape, create interesting characters who have motives, and then show more of the viking culture itself: the weaponry and armor, the religion, the sailing, the long-ships, etc. 'Revenge of the Barbarians' fails at all this and was a disappointment. If you want to see the Icelandic landscape I would recommend seeing 'The Viking Sagas,' which is a bad movie, but bad enough that it's entertaining. If you want to see something that's actually an interesting movie, though Hollywood, see 'The Vikings' or for something more lighthearted 'The Longships'. I haven't see this year's 'Beowulf and Grendel' but it sounds like an interesting film. See 'Revenge of the Barbarians' if you want to see how NOT to make a movie about the Vikings.
Yojimbo The Viking
SirBankstone15 June 2017
Grim, vicious, gloomy and by far the best viking movie ever made!
This Icelandic masterpiece is several notches above the rest of the movies in the viking genre. The realism and intensity is truly staggering and the blend of Kurosawa/Leone themes and Scandinavian barbarism leads to a great cinematic experience.
I can not recommend this forgotten masterpiece enough! A total must see!
This Icelandic masterpiece is several notches above the rest of the movies in the viking genre. The realism and intensity is truly staggering and the blend of Kurosawa/Leone themes and Scandinavian barbarism leads to a great cinematic experience.
I can not recommend this forgotten masterpiece enough! A total must see!
Viking films and Northern European development.
kralfa10 September 2005
I suggest that this movie should not be to closely associated with "Vikings". It is an artistic interpretation of a certain stage in the evolution of societies in the most northern reaches of Europe, in which the "Viking" culture is an element-inasmuch as it refers to a seafaring population. Once established in new territory, the history of evolution seems to follow the same lines as in Western Europe. I suggest background reading of the Icelandic Sagas as a start-no doubt you will find referrals to Norwegian, Swedish and Danish annals as well. This comment is placed in the hope that a great effort, and a great result, shall be remembered some more years-BECAUSE I WANT TO HAVE THIS, AND THE FOLLOWUP, IN MY LIBRARY. And I haven't the faintest where to get hold of them...
BRGDS K
BRGDS K
Not A Viking Movie
MaxFaust25 December 2010
This is *not* a viking movie.
Nor is it a movie based in Yojimbo or A Fistful Of Dollars.
This is a movie about Iceland in "Landnam-times".
This is a movie which is based in the Icelandic Sagas - unique pillars in world literature - and if you know them fairly well (which I do), it's easy to see where and why Hrafn Gunnlaugsson has been, um, inspired. The plot line may seen Eastern or Western (or whatever) to somebody whose only point of reference is "other movies" -- but if you know your Sagas there can be no doubt that this is Northern. In fact, it's a MUCH better and more appropriate question whether Akira Kurosawa and Sergio Leone (like William Shakespeare) were readers of the Sagas.
Just like in the Sagas, or the Greek tragedies before them, Hrafninn Flygur is filled with an ominous "mood" of inevitable destiny and downfall. Everything, including the music, is minimalistic and raw. There isn't much of a "story" per se. Nor are there any characters worth remembering. All that remains is the theme itself, the inevitable circle of revenge, and the gods - which in this case means we, the audience - smiling at the pathetic human attempts at "doing the right thing".
For all its low budget and stereotypes, this movie is worth seeing.
Nor is it a movie based in Yojimbo or A Fistful Of Dollars.
This is a movie about Iceland in "Landnam-times".
This is a movie which is based in the Icelandic Sagas - unique pillars in world literature - and if you know them fairly well (which I do), it's easy to see where and why Hrafn Gunnlaugsson has been, um, inspired. The plot line may seen Eastern or Western (or whatever) to somebody whose only point of reference is "other movies" -- but if you know your Sagas there can be no doubt that this is Northern. In fact, it's a MUCH better and more appropriate question whether Akira Kurosawa and Sergio Leone (like William Shakespeare) were readers of the Sagas.
Just like in the Sagas, or the Greek tragedies before them, Hrafninn Flygur is filled with an ominous "mood" of inevitable destiny and downfall. Everything, including the music, is minimalistic and raw. There isn't much of a "story" per se. Nor are there any characters worth remembering. All that remains is the theme itself, the inevitable circle of revenge, and the gods - which in this case means we, the audience - smiling at the pathetic human attempts at "doing the right thing".
For all its low budget and stereotypes, this movie is worth seeing.
Excellent movie
skrapmail66630 December 2007
Lovely movie, I actually had the luck to be able to see it while i was in school. I saw it several times and was facinated. Bloodvengance in Iceland, vikings that appear as vikings,and not with the silly horns or their helmets. Just the down and dirty,realistic fighting that was so common between clans in Iceland and the rest of Scandinavia during the iron-age and the early medieval era. The tale of vengeance and killing really grips me. I recommend this movie to anyone who want to see a movie that portrais, or at least gives a glimpse of what it could have been like, and is not destroyed by Hollywood's myths about vikings. For those of you who want to see what is perhaps the best movies about vikings and see this one and if you like it see the follow up In the Shadow of the Raven.
Best viking film so far!
gunnarsson_p20 January 2013
Hrafninn flygur and its follow on movies Í skugga hrafnsins and Den vite vikingen are, up to now the best Viking films produced. Also "Vägvisaren" is in this same style, but more a reflection of the lapps in the north.
Along Scandinavian cineastic traditions, the brutality is real, hard and authentic;There is ice, snow, fire, metal and leather and a good story about poetic justice.
Scandinavian historical films, despite a rich history, literature and film tradition are sadly a too neglected theme. We still await the most epic film ever: Röde orm. Please make a film on this book!
Along Scandinavian cineastic traditions, the brutality is real, hard and authentic;There is ice, snow, fire, metal and leather and a good story about poetic justice.
Scandinavian historical films, despite a rich history, literature and film tradition are sadly a too neglected theme. We still await the most epic film ever: Röde orm. Please make a film on this book!
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