katewings This film is about illegitimate son's long journey to success. Vladimir was the first one kill his brothers (was the first one to do so in known Russian history) and simultaneously marry multiple women while having harem full of virgins. This was before, during and after his new-found Christian faith. Was there something good in him? Yeah. He "loved his mother" who was a kind of slave to his grandmother Olga.Thanks to so-called "peacefull conversion to Christianity" it took Vladimir Lenin just a minute to say "f@ck it" 1000 years after the events - and so-called religious Russia ditched it without much regret. Good job, both Vladimirs! Another reason for me to be ashamed of my compatriots - they care more about Vladimir's myth as a saint than about the lesson Russians should've learned from it. You cannot force love in any translation of this word from Greek: love for a woman (eros), brother (philia), mother (storge) or God (agape). Vladimir only loved his mother (according to his own words in the beginning, not his actions).Modern Russian domestic vikings in the 90s have killed and robbed their own people to become "princes", just like Vladimir did. And now they're sponsoring Russian Orthodox Church because of her all-forgiving "you're OK, but give us money" motto. Funny that history repeats itself this way.This movie is so bad it's actually good.

Time Saver It is always difficult to make a movie based on historical facts. One must do a thorough research and properly put those facts in the movie. But one should also try to make that movie interesting and entertaining. Otherwise you'll get a protracted documentary.First of all, the title has almost nothing to do with the story. The story indeed follows the historical facts, but is told in such a messy way, full of illogical, irrational and unjustifiable events and decisions that it is tiresome to watch. You will find illogicality and complete idiocy even during the fight scenes. Moreover, this movie has no specific plot, no higher agenda and no epic moments, which all makes it difficult for the spectators to connect with the story.The story is practically about just one person and I kept wondering why it is so. Throughout the whole movie, the main character is completely and utterly useless, failing each and every challenge in front of him. Call it a paradox, but he somehow managed to fail even when he was winning. I wonder if director's decision was to purposely make this character so weak and clumsy. If it was, it's a bad decision because no one wants to watch a 2-hour movie where the main protagonist is a weakling and an idiot. If it wasn't, then the director has totally failed at his creation. I didn't "see" the main character. I didn't believe in him for one moment. He is not strong, he is not smart, he is not a great warrior, and not a great leader. So why is he the main character?I do not blame any of the actors, they really did their best. I blame the writers and the producers for ruining the potential this story had. Thus, I do not recommend this movie, there are far better ways to spend your time than watching this nonsense.

GeorgeWHAMMYBush This story baffles anyone confined to the restrictive and inaccurate western misinformation with regards to vikings/varangians. The story is told in perfect segments outlining the story of a Kiev Rus (Scandinavian founders of Russia) reclaiming his title. If somewhat familiar the context is derivative but of other stories of similar scope. The characters, costumes, and design all feature ancient European artifacts the Varangians were well known to have recovered during raids. The authenticity of the costumes makes other viking related material seem juvenile. If you compare this to the current Anglo/Keltoi created Vikings TV show you'll see. Vikings did in fact not have hipster haircuts and manscaped beards etc nor is there a single shred of evidence anywhere that viking women even existed let alone went on raids. If you love your Nordic history this movie is for you. Don't let the rating steer you away. Enjoy!

Nare Skadi After watching the whole movie in cinema, I couldn't really understand what has the title in common with the movie itself. Neither history, nor drama, this movie is a total mess of illogical actions and was scenes. A bunch of bearded Slavonic men screaming out loud and struggling with obviously fake weapon, having no philosophy, moral or logical basement in their head. So what? is it enough to be called viking? Is it enough to make a movie? My biggest problem was not the fact that nothing in the movie looked realistic or solid: the weapons, helmets and ships taken from various historical and cultural environment. I am not too mad about the fact, that I don't believe the dialogues and speech 10 centuries ago were the same as I hear on contemporary Russian streets. But to have no solid and logical story-line and no any well defined character who is conscious enough ... in a 133 minute-long movie? That's totally insane. Sorry, but no more nowadays Russian filmography!