Ragnarok 2013

All myths have an origin

5.68 / 10   206 vote(s)
Action Adventure

Archaeologist Sigurd Svendsen discovers that the Oseberg ship hides a secret from the Viking Age. Along with his two children put Sigurd out on a quest to find the truth. The mystery leads them into "No Man's Land" between Norway and Russia where no man traveling in modern times. Old runes take on new meaning when the secret they uncover is more frightening than anyone could have imagined.

Release Date 2013-10-04
Runtime 1h 33m
Directors Mikkel Brænne Sandemose, Daniel Voldheim, Jon Are Uhnger, Kristian Mejdell Nissen
Producers Fredrik Wikström, Roar Uthaug, Are Heidenstrøm, Roy Anderson, Martin Sundland, Jeppe N. Christensen, Fredrik Wikström, Hanna Lundmark, Marius Schatvet, Jeppe Nygaard Christensen, Martin Gårdeler, Aksel Studtgarth, Jarle Bjørknes, Jessica Ask
Writers Harald Rosenløw-Eeg, Tom Gulbrandsen, John Kåre Raake, Martin Sundland, Roar Uthaug, John Kåre Raake, Ole Gjæver

An expedition to arctic Scandinavia turns terrifying

An archaeologist widower in Oslo believes he has discovered the secret to the myth of Ragnarok from an inscription via the Oseberg ship. He and a colleague form a small expedition to Oksefjorden (Finnmark) in extreme northern Norway where they discover a legendary bottomless lake. Unfortunately for them, something ancient and terrifying seems to dwell there. Will they make it back alive?

Released in 2013, “Ragnarkok,” aka “Gåten Ragnarok” (meaning "The Riddle Ragnarok"), is a Norwegian adventure & creature feature highlighted by awesome remote Scandinavian scenery, some simple Nordic mythology and Cold War relics. There are bits of “The Island at the Top of the World,” “Alien,” “Jurassic Park” and a little “Dragonslayer” (1981).

Unfortunately, the characters are rather bland and at least one story idea is glaringly hackneyed (you’ll know what I mean). Yet Pål Sverre Hagen is goodhearted as the protagonist, Sigurd, and Sofia Helin is winsome enough as Elisabeth, although she coulda been utilized better (not talkin’ ’bout nudity or sleaze).

Shortcomings notwithstanding, there are enough positives to make “Ragnarok” worthwhile for those interested. Like “Jurassic Park,” it’s family-friendly despite the terrifying elements.

The film runs about 1 hour, 36 minutes, and was shot in Norway (including Vikingskiphuset, Oslo, for the museum scenes) and Sweden. The language is Norwegian, but there are subtitles.

GRADE: B-

Wuchak