Oh, my dear lord this was good. Alexander Skarsgard and Anna Taylor-Joy had absolutely spectacular performances in this film.
I felt like this movie stayed true to Norse culture as the protagonist dove head-first into what the fates had planned for him. The ultimate tale of vengeance and bloodshed with hopes to die valiantly in battle with iron in hand and be worthy of dining with the Allfather until Ragnarok.
Part of me wished for larger battle scenes, but the other part of me thought that the events followed logically with the protagonist's pursuits. I mean I wished for different things to happen, but I felt like the story was "pure," if that makes sense. Like, some movies you watch and think, why would THIS character do THAT? But Amleth's actions stay true to his character.
Overall I thought the film was brilliantly shot, beautifully scored, and the right actors were chosen for each part. This is one of those films in which you actually forget it's a movie, you fall into the story and experience the emotions of the characters like they're yours. Watch it!!
The edited portion of this: I read through some of the poor reviews since I was shocked there were so many. I don't expect many 1-star reviewers really read the synopsis on this film before watching it. While watching The Northman, think it's important to keep in mind what someone from this culture and era would want, ya know, since that's what the film is about. What those characters' goals would be, traits they carry - as well as motives for performing a certain action to someone they hate - as examples. The goals and mentality of these characters are not that of 21st century men or women, and they SHOULD NOT BE. This makes the film more accurate and provides that feeling of authenticity. If you change all that then sure, it aligns with your belief system just like all the other "blockbuster" movies where the gorgeously tanned hero rides a dragon into the sunset with some skinny super-model and the world is saved. But if you're watching this movie, then I hope you're doing it because you love Old Norse/Viking culture and want to lose yourself in the story of a young man who lives in that society. WHICH, if you know anything about Old Norse religion/culture, then you know that nobody was looking to ride off into the sunset on a shiny dragon with a super-model. C'mon! - End Ranty-Edit