The low ratings are probably from those that expect an action filled superhero movie. This is a bit of a slow burner, but it's different and quite refreshing. Provided you're aware of that, then you'll likely enjoy it.
412 Reviews
Norwegian Magic On A Low Budget
omendata1 September 2020
I have been watching a lot of Norwegian movies recently and to be honest I have not seen a single bad one yet and this is no exception.
It shows what can be done on a low budget; the photography and landscapes are awesome, the story is intriguing from the very start and keeps you hooked and on the edge of your seat until the very end and puts a magic spin on the old real Norse mythology of Thor and the tree of life.
The people giving this a 1 or 2 stars have no right to be reviewing movies as this means it is the worst movie you have ever seen and if you don't have any idea of what ratings like 1 or 2 mean, you should not be doing reviews. It is almost as bad as the paid shills giving movies a 9 or 10 stars and this is definitely nothing less than a 7 star movie!
It would have gotten an extra star if it had not been for the rather abrupt ending which made me feel like they had run out of money or perhaps angling for a sequel and the main character could have had a better choice of actor but i liked the idea of replacing the usual musclebound, brainless Marvel nonsense with a more ordinary bloke; kudos to the director and may he make many more movies in future and hopefully a sequel as this beats the Marvel crash, bang , wallop ordure into a cocked hat!
If you enjoyed this movie then do try other Norwegian classics such as the magnificent disaster movies Bølgen (2015) and the sequel Skjelvet (2018), for horror try some Fritt vilt (2006) and one of the best thrillers I have seen in ten years Hodejegerne (2011) but do rent this Thor alternative or preferably see it at the cinema as this film is truly a joy to behold!
It shows what can be done on a low budget; the photography and landscapes are awesome, the story is intriguing from the very start and keeps you hooked and on the edge of your seat until the very end and puts a magic spin on the old real Norse mythology of Thor and the tree of life.
The people giving this a 1 or 2 stars have no right to be reviewing movies as this means it is the worst movie you have ever seen and if you don't have any idea of what ratings like 1 or 2 mean, you should not be doing reviews. It is almost as bad as the paid shills giving movies a 9 or 10 stars and this is definitely nothing less than a 7 star movie!
It would have gotten an extra star if it had not been for the rather abrupt ending which made me feel like they had run out of money or perhaps angling for a sequel and the main character could have had a better choice of actor but i liked the idea of replacing the usual musclebound, brainless Marvel nonsense with a more ordinary bloke; kudos to the director and may he make many more movies in future and hopefully a sequel as this beats the Marvel crash, bang , wallop ordure into a cocked hat!
If you enjoyed this movie then do try other Norwegian classics such as the magnificent disaster movies Bølgen (2015) and the sequel Skjelvet (2018), for horror try some Fritt vilt (2006) and one of the best thrillers I have seen in ten years Hodejegerne (2011) but do rent this Thor alternative or preferably see it at the cinema as this film is truly a joy to behold!
Not the cliche hero movies
toddcha29 December 2021
It's not bad, really.
It deserves at least 7, maybe 7.3. But definitely more than 6.
The pace is okay. What ruins the movie is the sound effect/music. It gives a creepy feeling but in fact the scene is not creepy or eerie at all.
The same content/ideal probably will be ruined if the scripts falls into the hands of marvel.
Some American government agent puts together a team and ruin everything. I see this an irony to American's ego which is often translated as a heroic image in many movies. It's nice to have a different interpretation of what a legendary is.
Not someone genetically modified muscular tall guy. Not some rich intelligent entrepreneur wearing iron suits flying around. Ect...
It deserves at least 7, maybe 7.3. But definitely more than 6.
The pace is okay. What ruins the movie is the sound effect/music. It gives a creepy feeling but in fact the scene is not creepy or eerie at all.
The same content/ideal probably will be ruined if the scripts falls into the hands of marvel.
Some American government agent puts together a team and ruin everything. I see this an irony to American's ego which is often translated as a heroic image in many movies. It's nice to have a different interpretation of what a legendary is.
Not someone genetically modified muscular tall guy. Not some rich intelligent entrepreneur wearing iron suits flying around. Ect...
Just watch it.
JCinHB17 August 2020
Don't worry about the reviews being too low or too high. This is a decent movie, a little slower at times, but its not meant to be a non-stop action flick. Its more of a story.
I wish my version had subtitles as there is a decent amount of Norwegian in the movie.
Depressing, slow and boring.
Finfrosk8628 February 2020
You know.. what the hell happened here?
Øvredals last three movies are "Trolljegeren", "The autopsy of Jane Doe" and "Scary stories to tell in the dark". Three prette awesome movies. And then this? What!
It starts off depressing, and it keeps on being depressing, dark, slow and just a big downer all the way to the end.
The leads, Iben Akerlie and Nat Wolff have no chemistry, or very little at least. We don't get to know them at all. Nat Wolff is sulking and acting afraid. We get about a billion close ups of his face. He is also totally charmless, I'm sorry to say.
Overall the acting is ok tho. And it is kinda cool to see this kind of movie in norwegian. A lot of the dialogue is in norwegian.
The action is tolerable, if you can call it action? The movie looks pretty good. Nice nature. Probably the best thing about it. It's beautiful here in Norway. It's not exactly a bad movie, it is just slow, very uninteresting, and well, pointless. And again, Nat Wolff.. boy. He is so boring, and plays a character I don't care about at all.
And please get actual americans to play americans.
It starts off depressing, and it keeps on being depressing, dark, slow and just a big downer all the way to the end.
The leads, Iben Akerlie and Nat Wolff have no chemistry, or very little at least. We don't get to know them at all. Nat Wolff is sulking and acting afraid. We get about a billion close ups of his face. He is also totally charmless, I'm sorry to say.
Overall the acting is ok tho. And it is kinda cool to see this kind of movie in norwegian. A lot of the dialogue is in norwegian.
The action is tolerable, if you can call it action? The movie looks pretty good. Nice nature. Probably the best thing about it. It's beautiful here in Norway. It's not exactly a bad movie, it is just slow, very uninteresting, and well, pointless. And again, Nat Wolff.. boy. He is so boring, and plays a character I don't care about at all.
And please get actual americans to play americans.
Uexpected good
antonantonius-7960424 January 2021
I expected the movie to be quite depressive, plot a bit unexpected, but the ending was really great. It kind of remineded me of brightburn. A man who is expected to be good and fight for humanity, but turns out to fight against humanity.
Too slow and some sloppy editing/cutting
Tor-Steinar1 June 2020
This movie had potential. However the acting doesn't give credit to the story. The female lead is not convincing. She talks like a theatre actor. Staccato.
And, those small mistakes througout the film; They stand talking in front of her car, the sky is relatively clear and the ground is dry. Then seconds later they take off in the car, the clouds are low and the ground is wet after rain. A couple of these mistakes, at least. I guess they didn't have the time or money to do it properly, but it's annoying.
Fantastic
nikhil_mi22 August 2020
I am not surprised to see all these negative reviews. The World is really deteriorating if garbage like "Money Heist" gets 8 stars and movies like Mortal get below 6. The Audience by far is getting tasteless and is being impressed by Over Dramatic, cheap and instant gratifying special effect filled SH** creations.
This movie is not perfect. But it is such a beautiful attempt to tell a wonderful tale. The cinematography is top notch. The locations are breath taking. The story, although slow and imperfect is satisfying.
Yes it isn't a 9 Star movie but definitely a 7.5 star
This movie is not perfect. But it is such a beautiful attempt to tell a wonderful tale. The cinematography is top notch. The locations are breath taking. The story, although slow and imperfect is satisfying.
Yes it isn't a 9 Star movie but definitely a 7.5 star
6.5 Worth the watch if you have seen Trolls
timothyjlynch2 August 2020
Left wanting more
junenwaller6 August 2020
This movie has more intensity and storyline than some of the bigger movies of the superpowers genre.
It takes you on a deep and intriguing journey, with decent acting and great scenery.
Well produced, I found it more believable, although still touching on myths and legends but as ancient, rather than modern day.
Building and culminating in a riveting and exciting ending that leaves you wanting more.
New gen superhero movie
kathiravanvj1 January 2022
The idea of portraying superhero movie was at a whole new level. The director made to sit me on the edge of the seat till the end of the movie. Actors performed well. I cant say where the movie fails to get such under rated. Please watch it.
Disappointing, fairly terrible
connie-mclennan6 February 2021
The enormous number of good reviews and high ratings are unbelievable-as in I don't believe they are real. It's as if some huge organization of Norwegian people participated in a campaign to promote this bad movie. The scenery is nice, but otherwise it's a complete waste of time. Thin, ridiculous plot. Thin, ridiculous characters.Terrible acting.
Mixed bag
hemipristis16 January 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Not a bad film. Certainly better than what is regularly released out of Hollywood nowadays (not exactly a high bar).
Cinematography and setting are beautiful. The performances are above-average and and engaging, and indeed, one could believe one is watching a drama up to at least half-way through the film. The movie is not woke, which is refreshing.
The young actor who plays lead does a fine job of portraying the reluctant hero. That said, the one item that I couldn't get past was the selection of the actor for the lead. I'm sure I"m going to catch flak for this, but could they have found anyone who looks less Nordic? We are talking about a Norse god here; not only a Norse god, but The Norse god--Thor. The actor is very swarthy in appearance, and is no more Nordic than Jamie Farr. For those who will condemn my view, ask yourself if it would be appropriate to cast Alexander Ludwig in the role of an Egyptian, Assyrian, or Persian god.
Cinematography and setting are beautiful. The performances are above-average and and engaging, and indeed, one could believe one is watching a drama up to at least half-way through the film. The movie is not woke, which is refreshing.
The young actor who plays lead does a fine job of portraying the reluctant hero. That said, the one item that I couldn't get past was the selection of the actor for the lead. I'm sure I"m going to catch flak for this, but could they have found anyone who looks less Nordic? We are talking about a Norse god here; not only a Norse god, but The Norse god--Thor. The actor is very swarthy in appearance, and is no more Nordic than Jamie Farr. For those who will condemn my view, ask yourself if it would be appropriate to cast Alexander Ludwig in the role of an Egyptian, Assyrian, or Persian god.
Modern Day Turkey?
halvliter16 July 2020
Great basic story idea undermined by a very poor script
williamdeanauthor28 April 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Technically competent cast and production crew, great idea but hobbled by lazy scriptwriting--slow, monotone and repetitive with standard low-level meaningless dialogue.
Because it's set in Norway, within the first five minutes, it's very apparent to the viewer where this is headed but it takes its time getting there through characters who don't know what's going on, can't verbalize what they experience and how they feel about it, which yields sluggish, confused, vague dialogue. Adding to this are extended pauses, long fades and repetitive special effects. (It's relatively low-budget and, to their credit, at least they don't get overly ambitious with their limited effects so the cracks don't show too often.)
Our hero is basically a confused American in Norway (which, by the way, seems to dilute his destiny...I mean did he really have to be American? Everyone else is Norwegian...it gets awkward.) He is a combination of The Hulk and Thor - emotionally erratic and not in control of new and raging powers. And, in this movie, everyone and every situation they put him in sets him off, so we're basically moving from one unlikely and totally avoidable uncontrollable rage-blast to another.
The acting's not bad, but the characters are stereotypical, dull-witted and swing into action as if on valium, often spurred by unjustified or unclear motivators. It's an origin story in which the actual origin triggering event is only vaguely alluded to. And, when our hero finally accepts his destiny and wields the mighty Mjolnir...he erupts in still-uncontrolled fury indiscriminately obliterating innocents as well a handful of his tormentors (so we are left to presume).
And then...it ends! Very abruptly and without any real resolution.
Definitely not a "Great breath of fresh air" "a must-see!" "Spectacular" or "Best film of the year!"
Because it's set in Norway, within the first five minutes, it's very apparent to the viewer where this is headed but it takes its time getting there through characters who don't know what's going on, can't verbalize what they experience and how they feel about it, which yields sluggish, confused, vague dialogue. Adding to this are extended pauses, long fades and repetitive special effects. (It's relatively low-budget and, to their credit, at least they don't get overly ambitious with their limited effects so the cracks don't show too often.)
Our hero is basically a confused American in Norway (which, by the way, seems to dilute his destiny...I mean did he really have to be American? Everyone else is Norwegian...it gets awkward.) He is a combination of The Hulk and Thor - emotionally erratic and not in control of new and raging powers. And, in this movie, everyone and every situation they put him in sets him off, so we're basically moving from one unlikely and totally avoidable uncontrollable rage-blast to another.
The acting's not bad, but the characters are stereotypical, dull-witted and swing into action as if on valium, often spurred by unjustified or unclear motivators. It's an origin story in which the actual origin triggering event is only vaguely alluded to. And, when our hero finally accepts his destiny and wields the mighty Mjolnir...he erupts in still-uncontrolled fury indiscriminately obliterating innocents as well a handful of his tormentors (so we are left to presume).
And then...it ends! Very abruptly and without any real resolution.
Definitely not a "Great breath of fresh air" "a must-see!" "Spectacular" or "Best film of the year!"
I'm really surprised that I finished this movie
amarrevolver31 August 2020
Looks like some low budget amateur movie with a silly plot but some how you want to know where all this is going even though it was obvious.. very fast forward romance.. insane plot holes and illogical decisions.. Very Mediocre acting.
I gave this movie 4 stars just to avoid offending the Norwegians
Speechless. probably the best film ive watched All year.
stgking8 September 2020
Ive been left with goose bumps after watching this.
I registered just to review this, and thats saying something.
If historical mythology is up your street, particularly aimed at Vikings, and Old Norse, then you will enjoy this. Its a movie about discovery, without spoiling it too much.
Its a slow burn, but anticipation grows and your left with arguably the best film I've watched in recent years. Id even argue its better than most mainstream films. It has a hint of a "Bmovie" about it, but the special effects used, look believable and outstanding. It never felt over done or overly Cgi.
The acting was decent. The dialogue and script for Priyanka Bose's part as Hathaway felt hollywoody. I REALLY hope theres a sequal coming, and wasnt a one off. The entire film was staged perfectly for a sequal, and there's so much more that could be told.
If historical mythology is up your street, particularly aimed at Vikings, and Old Norse, then you will enjoy this. Its a movie about discovery, without spoiling it too much.
Its a slow burn, but anticipation grows and your left with arguably the best film I've watched in recent years. Id even argue its better than most mainstream films. It has a hint of a "Bmovie" about it, but the special effects used, look believable and outstanding. It never felt over done or overly Cgi.
The acting was decent. The dialogue and script for Priyanka Bose's part as Hathaway felt hollywoody. I REALLY hope theres a sequal coming, and wasnt a one off. The entire film was staged perfectly for a sequal, and there's so much more that could be told.
In my opinion well worth watching
jewelch11 December 2020
It was ok
Draysan-Jennings29 July 2020
Nothing very spectacular about this film. Had a few good scenes here and there, but mostly dragged. I wouldn't say it was terrible, I wouldn't say it was great. Just ok. I guess if you can't find anything to watch, give it a shot.
Forget Marvel's Movie Thor for a bit...
thevoodooroom30 September 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Absolutely wonderful. Didn't know what to expect and was blown away. Forget Marvel's movie Thor for a bit. This was really reminiscent of the early Marvel Thor comics I grew up loving and reading. It had the same feel. Loved it.
Norrøn Mythology...????
i-spookie1 August 2020
No matter how you look at this film, it is entertaining. Being Norwegian I watch it as that - Norwegian. What I saw was an honorable effort to make a countable film. It did not reach all the way. To me, it failed at all the references to christianity, and the prolonged slow pace. Also - it stressed the religious part too much. But I did appreciate the mountains, fjords and waterfalls. So - you made Trolls, now this - not so good - good luck with your next film.
Zero message movie.
azrafiq23 June 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Very poor plot story, waste of money and time. The leat the director of this movie should more explainable story of what is going on, so call 'god's power' but the only thing I can see is only some poorly edited graphic. Story involved an agent ordering to shot the girl without any reasons and the man only grudge is shouting and missing? What are the purpose of the Thor's Hammer and lightning shoots everywhere doing nothing?
Very poor attempt of recreating a mythical legend
roxmewild10 September 2020
Firstly the Norwegian scenery is beautiful and for that I give 2 stars
As for the movie zero stars the male lead is awful has a dead pan expression from start to finish and as much charisma as bottle of flat bubbly and if he is supposedly representing Thor or another North God then poor choice
The psychologist after meeting him for 15 minutes ends up 2hours later running off and falling in love yeah right🙄
There are so many flaws for me it is more of a comedy , a comedy of errors!
The psychologist after meeting him for 15 minutes ends up 2hours later running off and falling in love yeah right🙄
There are so many flaws for me it is more of a comedy , a comedy of errors!
Quite good
calicut11031 January 2021
Average, but...
juan-rg-0693331 May 2020
The director is more than capable, the script is not so bad, but the acting is... awful. I mean, the cast makes you throw up.
The main character Nat Wolff is awful as an actor, at least in this movie, no way he can be the main character in this film. Priyanka Bose the same, and Iben Akerlie is an amateur.
I couldn't stand the three of them. OK, I know this is a medium-low budget film, placed in a typical norwegian environment, but that's not excuse.
I really don't get it, I'm not norwegian, but I understand the language pretty well, and there are some good actors out there, with an impressive frame and acting skill who could have done a much better acting.
The casting director of this film should be banned from the film industry.
There's nothing much to say, just don't watch it. Don't waste your time with this one.
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