In the Shadow of the Raven
In the Shadow of the Raven

Movie spotlight

In the Shadow of the Raven

1988
Movie
124 min
Icelandic

Trausti returns to Iceland just in time to be entangled in a family feud over a stranded whale-cadaver. His mother (the family head) is mortally wounded and Grim kills Erikur; the other clan leader. Isold, daughter of Erikur now takes his place. Isold and Trausti are attracted to each other, but Isold was promised to Hjoerleifur - the son of the Bishop (of Iceland) and his powerful wife. However, Isold has a plan...

Insights

IMDb6.8/10
Director: Hrafn GunnlaugssonGenres: Drama, Adventure, History

Plot Summary

Set in 10th-century Iceland, the film follows the dramatic and often violent life of a young woman named Solveig. After her family is murdered by a rival clan, she is raised by her uncle and embarks on a journey of revenge and survival. The narrative weaves together elements of Norse mythology, historical events, and personal tragedy.

Critical Reception

In the Shadow of the Raven received mixed to positive reviews, with critics often praising its ambitious scope, visual style, and portrayal of Viking-era Iceland. Some found the pacing and narrative structure to be uneven, but many acknowledged its unique contribution to historical filmmaking.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its authentic depiction of Viking life and mythology.

  • Noted for its strong female protagonist and epic storytelling.

  • Criticized by some for its lengthy runtime and complex plot.

Google audience: Audience reviews are not widely available for this film, making it difficult to summarize specific likes or dislikes.

Fun Fact

The film was Iceland's submission for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 61st Academy Awards but was not nominated.

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