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It’s a war epic of mammoth proportions(Image: Aiden Monaghan / Focus Features)

War film aficionados and history buffs with a taste for period dramas are set for a real treat with this ‘epic cinematic masterpiece’ that has left both critics and audiences utterly captivated – and for those with a passion for mythology, it’s an absolute goldmine.

This 2022 offering from director Robert Eggers is a brooding dark fantasy period piece packed with relentless, pulse-pounding action.

Co-written by Eggers and Sjón, this Viking action drama draws inspiration from the Norse legend of Amleth, chronicled by Danish historian Saxo Grammaticus. Fascinatingly, Amleth served as the direct inspiration for Shakespeare’s celebrated play Hamlet.

Boasting a stellar ensemble of Hollywood heavyweights, this Norse mythology fantasy war epic has been universally declared a must-see by both fans and critics.

The formidable cast includes Alexander Skarsgård, Anya Taylor-Joy, Nicole Kidman, Claes Bang, Gustav Lindh, Ethan Hawke, Björk, and Willem Dafoe, with breathtaking filming locations spanning Iceland, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland, reports the Express.

Earning an impressive 90% critics’ approval rating on review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes, The Northman is currently available to stream on Netflix.

The official synopsis reads: “The Northman is an epic revenge thriller that explores how far a Viking prince will go to seek justice for his murdered father.”

Speaking to Vanity Fair about his decision to appear in The Northman, Skarsgård said: “I had this this dream of one day making a big, epic Viking movie, but based on an old Icelandic saga.”

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Anya Taylor-Joy has been praised for her performance in the film(Image: Aidan Monaghan / Focus Features)

Reflecting on director Eggers, the actor said: “I felt he would be a dream director for our Viking project. His attention to detail is just bar-none. It was absolutely extraordinary.”

Produced on a budget of $70-90 million, the film failed to set the box office alight, taking approximately $70 million worldwide. Nevertheless, it garnered widespread critical admiration.

One critic said: “Robert Eggers has crafted one for the ages… The Northman is a cinematic epic that blew my mind from start to finish. Lavishing cinematography that brings to life this era, visceral violence that adds to the world, & a jaw dropping third act.”

Another reviewer heaped praise on director Eggers, writing: “Northman is one of Robert Egger best films. The scope, the scale, the atmospheric building of Norse mythology is groundbreaking. Along with some insanely well acted performances and beyond thrilling action and revenge based story. Must Watch Masterpiece!”

A third critic described the epic period drama as: “This brutally violent, yet soaringly lyrical action epic is quite unlike anything captured on screen before.”

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The war period drama is currently available to stream on Netflix(Image: Aiden Monaghan / Focus Features)

Audience reviews echo similar sentiments, with one viewer writing: “Finally got around to watching this movie, and it is breathtaking! A beautiful exploration of accurate Norse history and culture, told through myth is a similar (though much better) way as Snyder’s movie 300. This movie gave me chills and had me holding my breath throughout.”

They went on to say: “Anya Taylor Joy is particularly powerful here and her speech in the old tongue brought tears to my eyes with the chills it gave me. I will always recommend this movie to people.”

A further fan remarked: “Everything about this movie was amazing. From the acting to the immersive cinematography. It kept me hooked from beginning to end.”

Whilst another delighted viewer declared: “Superb! Brilliant cast all excels in character. Very well written, amazing cinematography, breathtaking scenery and locations. LOTS of action, twists and turns and suspense. Very gripping and captivating”.

The Northman is currently available to stream on Netflix.