Inspired by Viking legend and myth, filmmaker Nicolas Winding Refn opens his film Valhalla Rising with gut wrenching, brutal violence. Uncompromising cinematography throws the viewer immediately into blood curdling graphic detail. Christian clansman and Pagans are busy killing each other in territorial warfare. This sets the tone for the misadventures of a Christian clan setting out to help establish the New Jerusalem, seeking inestimable riches and glory in the name of Christ. Their unlikely leaders become the enigmatic warrior ‘One Eye’ (Mads Mikkelsen) who is mute or chooses not to speak and a Young Boy who mystically becomes his voice. One Eye fulfills everyone’s superstitions, dreams and fears. He is both devil and savior, capable of giving life or taking it.

The Clansman land in a place of virgin beauty after passing countless days at sea in a stupefying mist, but it is not the promised New Jerusalem of riches and glory that greets them. They have to their surprise reached the New World, a primitive world where their hopes and dreams unravel. One Eye and the Young Boy will eventually be the only ones to face their new enemy with an astounding result.

Nicolas Winding Refn has recalled the legend of Oden with One Eye who sees reality more acutely than others. An unusual screenplay, the hero without a single word of dialogue communicates with an arresting physical power that captivates the audience. Refn once again brings a unique definition to a film genre and concept of hero with this gripping tale of adventure to a new world.