Viktor's parents died in a car crash when he was very young still. The car veered off a bridge and Viktor has a fear of heights ever since. When him and his friends go in a school group to the mountains to view an eclipse that only happens once in a hundred years, Viktor freezes up when they have to cross a hanging bridge, and runs away ashamed.
Shortly after, an earthquake hits and Viktor is sucked into a portal, transporting him to the year 1120AD. As soon as he arrives, his life is in danger, and is saved by the legendary knight Oleshko.
Oleshko takes him to their village, where Viktor explains that he was transported from the future. Once they believe him, Viktor learns their ways under Oleshko's guidance. In order to get back home again, Viktor has to find the Perun stone, but the evil Cumans are after the stone as well, hoping it will give them power.
'The Stronghold' is an action fantasy adventure and although there was much to enjoy here, it definitely would appeal more to a teen demographic. There's also a teen romance in the movie with Viktor falling in love with Olenka. Due to the fact they are just kids, I didn't care much for their romance, and it felt forced for the sake of a romantic interest. Oleshko and Rosanka's relationship would have made a far better romantic interest.
'The Stronghold' is predictable in the vein of teen protagonist fantasies. This is not a great movie, but nevertheless entertaining with interesting (not great) visuals. Also, Viktor was stuck in 1120AD for several days, if not weeks, yet when he returned to his world, he appeared to have been away for a few seconds only. Does time move super slow in the past? Yes, I know this is high fantasy, but even so there has to be some sort of logic.
