Action in every drop
Birkebeinerne is no touching movie with heartfelt characters, but neither is it meant to be. This is action and fun from beginning to end.
A historically inspired script is going to save the Norwegian movie industry. The story of the Birkebeiners is thrown in soaked in elements Norwegians love. Get ready for tough men with beards, breath-taking Norwegian nature and an overly long ski trip.
«He is a great bastard,» is spat out from Thorstein’s (Kristofer Hivju) beard. The little bastard he refers to, the deceased King Håkon Sverreson’s son Håkon, is the Birkebeiners’ only remaining heir to the throne, and must be carried to safety. The kingdom’s Earl Gisle (Pål Sverre Hagen) is hunting for the throne with the support of the Danish-sympathizing Baglers (members of the Bishops’ party in the Norwegian civil wars).
Norway's fate depends on the two Birkebeiners Torstein and Skjervald (Jakob Oftebro) transporting Hakon Håkonsson over Østerdalen to Nidaros. On the journey we see the movie's best scenes, with credible, bloody fighting and velvety skiing, accompanied by fantastic film music. When Hivju roars loudly and animalistic, and Oftebro gets to play a little Legolas on wooden skis, the audience enjoy themselves properly.
The most compelling emotional scenes are provided by an infant. The dynamics between the two leading roles and the child is occasionally charming, but never quite completely saves the movie’s weak side – the characters. Hivju is good only when he yells, eats or fights. The most compelling emotional scenes are provided by an infant. Then again it does a spectacular figure in the role of infant.
Much is yet forgiven as soon as the movie cuts to really great action scenes and nature images. Gaup and the screenwriter have done a brilliant job of narrative, photography and historical correctness. Birkebeinerne falls somewhere between the ski movie Supervention and Game of Thrones, but with Norwegian heroes like Max Manus. It smells of success.
