Compared to the first episode of the saga (although the plot has nothing to do with this one's) - it's obvious there's more budget, and that makes for much better camera work and costumes.Also, (and although budget shouldn't have anything to do with it), now there's a plot. The same theme (revenge) is treated in a much more interesting way here. One key way in which this movie is more effective is that we get to know the character(s) before they die. We see treason. Therefore when the main character wants revenge, it doesn't seem completely gratuitous: We actually understand his motives and even root for him.The "Christianity in Iceland" theme, which was already here in the precedent movie, is also much more interestingly developed. Trausti is a believable "convert": He professes his Christianity and he wants to believe in "Jesus Christ" but in the end he is a Norseman who (presumably) grew up with Nordic beliefs. He believes in Vengeance, he believes in Jesus Christ but isn't entirely indifferent to Odin (and for someone raised in a polytheistic faith this is only natural). It doesn't hurt that (most of) the first movie's ridiculous synth-peruvian-flute score has been abandoned in favour of more time-appropriate medieval tunes. The camera work is also much better, with beautiful landscapes and the feeling that Iceland is bigger than *that one shore*. All around a surprisingly good movie (even though the best Viking movie around in my opinion still is, by far, Utlaginn).

I Skugga Hrafnsins--released in English-speaking countries as Shadow of the Raven--is essentially Tristan and Isolde, Icelandic style. During the late 11th century, Iceland is gradually being converted to Christianity, but old ways die hard. Tratusi (Reine Brynolfsson), a young Norseman, returns home to discover that his family is embroiled in a deadly feud...over the beached carcass of a whale. When the rival clan leader is killed, he is replaced by his daughter Isold (Tinna Gunnlaugsdottir) To assure that peace will reign in the region, Isold is promised in marriage to the son of the Bishop of Iceland (Sune Mangs)--who, despite his position as official spokesperson of Christian values, is corrupt and power-hungry. Isold would be willing to swallow her indignation and concede to this marriage of diplomacy, but she has fallen in love with her "enemy" Tratusi. Her plan to follow her heart while seeming to follow her duty inevitably ends in tragedy. Slow going for non-Scandanavian audiences, I Skugga Hrafnsina picks up tremendously in its violent final third.

Another great film from Iceland. What a beautiful and deep work! I saw it many times in my home country, Russia, as it was shown on central TV quite often in 1999-2001. The story is breathtaking - Trausti, who has become a Christian, returns to Iceland from Europe, but then he is thought to be lost at sea and while he is still not found, his house is looted, his people are murdered and he is virtually alone. Then, his revenge starts. Trausti finds new people who will help him to avenge his family and friends. Finally, he uses a very sly method, with the help of nature - in fact, a geyser, that is used as a water heater there. Then, mostly all of his enemies are destroyed and although Trausti is revenged, the film leaves you with a heavy heart, as so many people are dead. What is great in this film is the brilliant, severe nature, with terrible rains all the time. It is not merely a background for the action, no, it acts and work out as a real hero there, too. Other big plus is the role of the fat, greedy Bishop, who is the actual master of the lands, and he is a vile, sinful, horrid creature, with no drop of Christian mercy inside. His power is enormous and his deeds are so gruesome that you feel a deep disgust to him. The very fact that even in a "baptized" land people still pray to hidden statues of Thor explains much in this film. The faith has not come, and the nominal religion is used for masking the bloody crimes. Watch this splendid and breathtaking film, you really must do it.

I just saw the movie here at Rice University. I was very lucky because the director was here with us brought by our English Department. He was very kind to share stories and anecdotes about the movie and answer our questions. I must admit I am very biased because I'm in love with Iceland but if there others over there like me, we do need to see this movie. Gee...I'm still in the XI century with all that people fighting against that landscape and those brave men. Anyways, it was very nice to talk to the director (the Icelandic consul was here as well) but I'm serious, the movie is really, really powerful. Excellent. Who wants to see the Lord of the Rings after this?????