The Last Viking movie is a wonderfully clever, dark comedy about identity and inclusion, do not miss it.
Movie Nordic The Last Viking_1
The Hurtigruten Nordic Film Festival has begun. I usually give you my top ten tips for a film festival, but this year I’m doing something a little different. This year I’m singling out one movie that you must see, The Last Viking.
The movie centers on the lives of two brothers, Anker (Nikolaj Lie Kaas) and Manfred (Mads Mikkelsen). Anker has grown up protecting Manfred who finds life harder to understand.
The main action centers around an adult Anker explaining to Manfred that he’s going away for a while and that he’s entrusting him with a very important job. About to be jailed for his part in a massive robbery, Anker asks his brother to bury a black bag in the forest near their old family home. Unbeknown to Manfred the bag contains cash, millions of dollars. Manfred agrees but is reluctant to return to the family home, particularly the forest.
The time jumps fifteen years ahead to Anker being released from prison, his main aim to reunite with Manfred and more importantly the money. But there’s a problem.
Unable to cope without his brother, Manfred has been diagnosed with dissociative disorder and now goes by the name John, thinking he’s John Lennon. He appears to have no knowledge of his earlier life, nor the money.
There’s another issue too. One of Ankers’ fellow robbers is after more of the money, having already spent his share. Will Anker be able to convince John to show him where the money is?
As the credits rolled I pondered:
- Lie Kaas has always been on my list of favourite actors after his time in Department Q. He does a brilliant job, but it’s Mikkelsen movie really;
- The movie offers a unique and hilarious exploration of inclusion, suggesting that “if everyone is broken then no one is broken”, that “it doesn’t matter what other people see in you it’s what you see”, that “people can be more than one thing” and “everyone is entitled to their own unique identity;
- It also touches on childhood abuse, mental health, family and the delusions we tell ourselves;
- Be warned it’s a dark comedy and there is a decent amount blood;
- Fans of the Beatles and ABBA are in for an extra treat;
- I’d happily see this one again.
The Nordic Film Festival is on until August 16th. For more information go to Luna Cinemas.
