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Today's movie was Vahalla Rising. It is my first time watching it. I picked it because of the director, Nicholas Winding Refn. He directed Bronson, which I liked and Drive which I loved. This film is 2 parts epic and every other part alright. From the first couple minutes you can tell that this film is beautiful. The cinematography is amazing. The creepy fog and pale colors great a glow to the shots that make it something special. With that in mind, the music then sets the level even higher. It is eerie and with a slow moving film like this, you get surrounded in the tones and strings the music plays. With the amazing look and wonderful sound you would think that the rest of the film should be at that standard but it isn't.
The story is about a mute warrior who breaks free from his captors and takes a little boy along a trip of religion and a new world to find who he really is. It is a great idea but the film lacks substance. Nothing really happens that much throughout the film and you will leave wanting more. It's not boring or painfully to watch, it just doesn't have anything to remember it by. The plot struggles to stay on track and a lot of the film is just the warrior and the kid walking around.
While I was watching, it reminded me of two films. It has the music of There Will Be Blood and it has the time frame of Apocalypto. It isn't as good as these films but if you liked those yo should check this one out. With all that said he two epic parts that work, cinematography and music, still don't save this film. The average movie goer would struggle with this film. If you love looking and examining every shot like I do then this film has some interest. The least I can recommend is you look online for short 2 minute scenes or listen to a bit of the music because those are what saves this film from being terrible. I still like Refns directing style and I hope he keeps making films. It is interesting and is different than anything mainstream and I think with Drive it proves that he has evolved and has become better.
Positives: Music, cinematography
Negatives: Plot, pace, lack of substance
Rating 3/5
*Once again thanks for reading. Any suggestions or comments would be great. Thanks.
