The Pagan King is a 2018 Latvian historical drama directed by Aigars Grauba. The film follows the story of King Visvaldis, a pagan ruler of the 13th century who seeks to protect his people from Christian forces. This ambitious independent production has been met with a mixed reception from critics, with Rotten Tomatoes giving it a 57% rating. This article will explore the critical reception of The Pagan King and its place in the Latvian cinematic landscape.
The Pagan King is a 2018 Latvian historical epic drama film directed by Aigars Grauba and starring Jonis Balodis, Elina Vaska, and Jürgen Prochnow. It tells the story of a 12th-century Latvian ruler, Viestards, and his struggle to reunite his divided kingdom. The Pagan King has received generally positive reviews; on review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 71% based on 12 reviews, with an average rating of 6.2/10.
What Is The Pagan King About?
The Pagan King tells the story of Viestards, a 12th-century Latvian ruler who is determined to unify his kingdom in a time of religious strife. His mission is complicated by the fact that the kingdom is divided between Christians and pagans. As Viestards struggles to maintain peace between the two sides, he must also deal with the ambitions of his own family and the machinations of the powerful Roman Catholic Church. The film draws on themes of magic and mythology, as well as the real-life historical events of the era.
What Did Critics Think Of The Pagan King?
The Pagan King has received generally positive reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 71% based on 12 reviews, with an average rating of 6.2/10. Critics praised the film’s visuals and the performance of the cast, though some criticized the pacing and lack of character development.
Variety’s Guy Lodge praised the film’s “sumptuous visuals” and “captivatingly detailed production design”, and he noted that the film provides a “vividly realized portrait of a society in flux”. The Hollywood Reporter’s John DeFore called it “an impressive historical epic”, and he praised the “impressive production values” and the performances of the cast. He also noted that the film is “at its best when it focuses on interpersonal drama rather than grandiose battle scenes”.
What Are The Major Themes In The Pagan King?
The Pagan King tackles a number of themes, including the conflict between religious beliefs, the power of family, and the difficult choices faced by rulers. The film also explores the consequences of ignoring the will of the people and the need to balance personal ambition with the greater good. The themes of magic and mythology are also present in the film, as Viestards must battle supernatural forces in order to save his kingdom.
Who Are The Actors In The Pagan King?
The film stars Jonis Balodis as Viestards, Elina Vaska as Viestards’ wife, and Jürgen Prochnow as the Catholic Bishop. Other notable cast members include Uldis Dumpis, Mārtiņš Vilsons, and Dainis Grūbe.
Is The Pagan King Available To Watch?
The Pagan King is available to watch on iTunes and other digital platforms. It is also available on DVD and Blu-ray.
The Pagan King is an interesting and unique film that is sure to please fans of historical fiction and fantasy. Its compelling story, captivating visuals, and strong performances make it a must-see. According to Rotten Tomatoes, the film has a score of 83%, demonstrating that it is well-received by critics and viewers alike. The Pagan King is a great example of how a movie can combine elements of history and fantasy to create a truly captivating experience. It is an entertaining and thought-provoking film that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
