“In
a violent time in 700AD when
the Franks seek to conquer all of
Europe and in the name of
Christianity begin a bloody battle
to convert and forcibly baptise
everyone into the Catholic church,
a hero rises to protect his people
in the blistering, non-stop action
historical epic Rise of the Viking...”
IN EIGHTH CENTURY EUROPE, two vastly differing worlds exist with the Frisians,
Saxons and Danes above the rivers and the Franks below the rivers. They are
soon to clash in a bloody and terrifying battle for survival where no quarter
is given.
Determined to conquer the entire European continent, the Franks have a new weapon
to overthrow the heathens. Christianity: a weapon used against non-believers,
forcing them into the Christian faith by renouncing their former beliefs and
forsaking their traditional gods.
“Rise
of the Viking:
A terrific,
well constructed,
gritty period drama
based on ancient
legends...”
The
Franks are attempting what even the Romans failed to achieve in taking over
the North of the continent and they have set their sights on the territory ruled
by the Frisian King Aldigisl (Huub Stapel), who lives in the village of Dorestad.
The king's son Redbad (Gijs Naber: Tulipani) is in love with Fenne (Lisa
Smit), but she is among the maidens to be sacrificed to appease the gods. Redbad
objects to the sacrifices and during the battle between the two tribes he manages
to free his love.
Aldigisl is killed and his brother Eibert (Derek de Lint) takes over as King.
When Redbad is blamed for interfering with his people's beliefs he is banished
from his homeland. Bound to a raft and tossed into the sea; his fate in the
lap of the gods.
He is washed up on the Danish shore and rescued by Frea (Loes Haverkort: Rendez-vous),
the daughter of King Wiglek (Søren Malling: Borgen). He is eventually
accepted as a warrior and marries Frea, but his own people are in further danger
from the Lord of the Franks, Pepijn of Herstal (Jonathan Banks: Breaking
Bad), who in the name of Christianity is determined to quash every other
belief in his quest to dominate Northern Europe.
Despite his banishment, Redbad puts himself and his Christian warrior wife in
the utmost danger by returning to his homeland to defend his people from the
bloodthirsty, fanatic Franks. Distraught to discover his sister has been taken
by Pepijn and, knowing how perilous it will be to enter the castle, Redbad sets
out to rescue her.
Rise of the Viking is a brilliantly compelling saga. Based on ancient
legends and at 154 minutes might be a bit of a challenge, this movie from Holland
is best experienced in two bites; we broke off for a quick lunch without realising
we had already watched nearly two hours (!) before watching through to the end.
The mix of some Dutch with subtitles and some English language adds an even
more authentic feel to the film's atmosphere. A terrific, well constructed,
gritty period drama based on ancient legends.
Rise of the Viking also features: Aus Greidanus as Odulf; Peter Faber as
Sibod; Jack Wouterse as Bishop Willibrod; Tibo Vandenborre as Charles Martel;
Egbert Jan Weeber as Bonifatius; Mark van Eeuwen as Wulf; Birgit Schuurman as
The Priestess, Renee Soutendijk as Idwina; Britte Lagcher as Sinde; Colijn Spelt
as Young Redbad; and Sierd Jan van der Meulen as Baby Poppo.
Music by Trevor Morris; Cinematography by Roel Reine; Writer is Alex van Galen;
Producer is Klaas de Jong; and Director is Roel Reine.
* From the Director of epic fantasy favourite
Black Sails, Signature Entertainment presents the action-packed historical
drama Rise of the Viking — also known as Redbad — released
on Digital HD on 11 February 2019 and on DVD in the UK on 18 February 2019.
Certificate: 15 | Running Time: 154 Minutes | Languages: Some Dutch with English
subtitles and English.
"Rise of the Viking… A terrific, well constructed, gritty period drama
based on ancient legends" ****
— Maggie Woods, MotorBar
“In
a violent time in 700AD when