Sword Of Xanten [2004]

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Customer reviews

review by: date: 2009-01-08 rating:
A lot better than the critics would have you believe
Let me just say that I pretty much hate 99% of all films, particularly modern ones, they are generally a series of nasty cliches and hackneyed plots thinly disguised by clever camera-work or hip pseudo-emotional content.
I happened to catch this movie on TV the other day and after watching part 1 I was hooked. Whenever I watch a movie I always look hard and am generally disappointed, but with Sword of Xanten I couldn't believe it wasn't falling into the same lazy plot devices we see time and again.
When I had finished watching part 2 I was genuinely moved, something I haven't felt from a movie in ages. The story is very emotional and (in my opinion) brilliantly acted, especially by Kristanna Loken as Brunhild, an excellent casting choice.
This is not your usual fantasy fare but has the authenticity of legends passed down from ancient times.
More like this please movie-makers.

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review by: date: 2008-10-13 rating:
Silly sounding title but great film
My husband bought this film/Tv Series and I was dreading some really cheesey fantasy film but no, instead what I saw was a well written, well acted, beautifully directed film with great special effects and hardly an ounce of cheese! I read the Norse myths about ten years ago and loved them, and this film is very much in that vein. Personally I think this film will become one of my top ten favourites. I didn't get bored once or find myself clock watching. I just wonder I'd never heard of it before. If heroic sagas are your cup of tea you won't be dissapointed. Buy it, it's a great film and one I'm sure you'll keep in your collection forever.

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review by: Symphonic Metal Fan date: 2008-09-21 rating:
STRONG FANTASY OFFERING, WITH DECENT FX (INCL. AN IMPRESSIVE DRAGON!)
Recommended for anyone who has enjoyed the recent Beowulf films or In The Name Of The King - this isn't on the scale of Lord Of The Rings but it is a decently budgeted movie with very good production values. It's always good to see the legendary Max Von Sydow in a typically dignified role too!
The FX are excellent, well integrated into the plot with a Dragon that is one of the best that I have seen since 1981's Dragonslayer, certainly as good as Beowulf's and a lot, lot better than Dragonheart's Draco and the BBC's Merlin! The flesh tones are really good, with exceptionally good CG that looks solid & 3D, and the battle in the cave is again very reminiscent of Dragonslayer.
There is also excellent sword combat/fight choreography, with impressive 'massed army' visuals. It's not too gory but neither does the film seem overly light hearted or childish. It isn't as dark as John Boorman's Excalibur but it's more serious than say In The Name Of The King.
Kristianna Lokken is stunning as per se - one of THE most beautiful women around.
It could use a bit more action in parts, and sometimes is a bit talky but at least there is some substance behind it.
Excellent photography and scenery married to impressive FX and tight direction allow for a reasonably epic feel. Fantasy fans should pick this one up...

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review by: date: 2008-08-30 rating:
Classy stuff indeed
You know you're watching something special when even Julian Sands rises above 'wooden' and into 'character'. Sword of Xanten - series of an ever changing title across the globe - should have been a disaster. A ham piece of TV hackery that stayed firmly in the 'Xena - but not as much fun' camp. Amazingly, the 2 part retelling of the Nibelung Saga is a very classy affair indeed. Solid acting, a script that avoids post modern referencing and keeps simple and straight to the point, pretty good special effects, excellent (unavailable) music and level headed directing by Uli Edel (he of 'Last Exit to Brooklyn' fame and 'Body of Evidence' stinker).

The story follows the rise and fall of Siegfried of Xanten. An innocent pawn caught up in a complicated web of deceit. Promised to the Queen of Iceland, Siegfried sets out to discover his true identity and along the way encounters a dragon seiged kingdom, a manipulative king, a beautiful princess and dark magic. Like the old epic itself, the story is a tragedy, but a captivating one at that. A twisted love story between Siegfried, the Queen and the Princess, with some excellent set pieces and imaginative action sequences (the battle on the ice is very well done).

Part 1 and part 2 are completely different in tone. Part 1 is quite light and an old fashioned adventure. Part 2 is darker and more involved with politics (of the sexual kind also), deceit, murder and greed.

It shouldn't be this good, but obviously the god's were smiling...


review by: anglo-saxon date: 2008-05-09 rating:
A Viking Saga Brought to Life
If you like dark-age/medieval/viking age films then you will like this one. This film is a good film, its not in the league of '300' or 'Gladiator' but it was only ever made for TV. But the special effects of the Dragon are shockingly good. The story is long (3hours) and is full of twists and suprises, so explaining the story is difficult (I dont want to ruin anything). Here's what to expect.

Cursed gold, lots of sword fights, a dwarf, a dragon fight, cheesy grins, "evil pagan magic" according to the Christians, fit birds with swords, betrayals, courage, honour, tragedy, Ghosts, more cheesy grins, lots of frowning, sly looks and a very fit Queen of Iceland. And there is a moral to the story, dont take drinks off Ginger women.

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