Backdrop preview Valhalla backdrop
Valhalla

Valhalla (2019)

Oct 10, 2019 1h 45m Adventure Fantasy

The Viking children Røskva and Tjalfe embark on an adventurous journey from Midgard to Valhalla with the gods Thor and Loki. Life in Valhalla, however, turns out to be threatened by the dreaded Fenrir wolf and the god's barbaric archenemies, the Jotnar. Side by side with the gods the two children must fight to save Valhalla from the end of the world - Ragnarok.

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Directed by Fenar Ahmad

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Fenar Ahmad
Producer
  • Jacob Jarek

Reviews

CinemaSerf
6/10

Now I reckon that if you have a bit of imagination and a working knowledge of Norse mythology, you might quite enjoy this. When Thor (Roland Møller) and Loki (Dulfi Al-Jabouri) stop by the remote farm of "Røskva" (Cecilia Loffredo) and her elder brother Tjalfe (Saxo Molyke-Leth) for some supper, the young boy is encouraged to try out bone marrow by his more mischievous guest, much to the chagrin of "Thor" who insists that the boy serve them in Valhalla. Not to be left behind, his sister joins her sibling and they embark on some adventures involving the giant wolf "Fenrir" and their enemies - the giant people, the Jotnar. Norse mythology is fascinatingly interesting. Rich pickings for anyone who knows how to turn an adventure story, and to be fair to the kids and to director Denar Ahmad, they make a decent stab at this. No, the characterisations are not very substantial, but the production standards are high; there is plenty of action and beautiful scenery. The effects are cleverly interwoven with the scenarios and it pays enough of a nod to it's fantasy basis to keep it enjoyable.

Mar 28, 2022

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Thematic Analysis

Valhalla represents a fascinating example of Adventure/Fantasy cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Director Fenar Ahmad brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2019, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Valhalla took approximately 13 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • With a budget of $5.3 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 105 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 143 minutes long.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.
  • The musical score contains over 73 unique compositions.
  • The costume department created over 426 unique costume pieces for the production.

Historical Context

  • In 2019, when this film is released:
  • Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
  • Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Valhalla shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Asterix in Britain, which focuses more on action than character development, Valhalla subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Asterix Conquers America and The Twelve Tasks of Asterix explore similar territory, Valhalla stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: October 10, 2019
  • Runtime: 1h 45m
  • Budget: $5,256,817
  • Revenue: $70,821

Where to Watch

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