Erik, el vikingo

Is this a great movie? Worthy of the praise of other Italian flicks starring Giuliano Gemma? No.

But it is a really fun "Vikings & Indians" movie, directed by the guy who did the very first Italian Western (The Sign of the Coyote), Mario Caiano.

And I really don't understand the disdain that one of the user reviewers expressed for Caiano. Although, unlike him, I haven't seen a lot of his work, I think he does a perfectly fine job with this movie.

Again, is in the same league as Leone, Corbucci, or Castellari? No. There's nothing particularly special about his style or the way he films action.

But he is good workmanlike director. When there's action, he captures it and it's good. His set-ups and direction of dialogue, as well as the action tells the story.

And it's a good story. A story of love and deceit. Of betrayal and loyalty. It's Shakespearean in its tale of brothers and their rivalry for love and power.

It's a tale of good vs evil. Of a force for power and greed vs a force for patriotism, love and honor.

And Gemma and Gordon Mitchell are great as per usual. I always love seeing Gemma's stunts and charisma. And Mitchell has a face that just looks great on film. Like it's made out of rock. They have a fight in this with axes and bare hands that's worth the price of admission right there.

I give this a 7.5 and it makes want to watch more of Caiano's films.