Cool, entertaining Channel 4 documentary, making use of a fictionalized story line to illustrate how the Anglosaxons repelled the Vikings, and then took on the Norman invader, in the fateful year that was 1066.
The action scenes turned out nicely, especially when considering the documentary's budget. As a whole "1066, The Battle For Middle Earth" is crafted in the tradition of the fantasy/epic adventure/medieval/romance movie genre that has been so popular ever since 'Braveheart' appeared onto the scene.
Religion doesn't feature prominently in the doc, however, I'm curious as to whether the Anglosaxons, but first and foremost the Vikings, were already so Christianized that God's name should be evoked more often than Odin's by the actors, which is what happens. Also, ignore the fact that the Anglosaxon's helmets aren't accurately depicted, unless you want to spoil the whole experience.
The Anglosaxons, Vikings and Normans talk only briefly in their native tongue, in the opening scenes, afterwards we have to settle for English - both the Anglosaxons and Viking world feature prominently in the story, but the Anglosaxon perspective dominates.
That being said, if you got the time to watch both parts of the doc, you should.
Moment to look out for (and I quote): When England doesn't bow down to bounty hunters.
Watch Part 1
Crowhurst newlywed Tofi and his farmer friend Leofric are torn from their Sussex homes by the English warrior Ordgar and summoned to defend the English coast from invasion. But while the army of King Harold waits in the south, fierce Vikings set sail from the fjords of the north.
The Vikings land in Cleveland - and annihilate the men of Yorkshire at the Battle of Fulford. Hearing of this surprise invasion, our English fighters are ordered to march 280 miles north to repel the invaders. After an epic trek they meet the Vikings at the Battle of Stamford Bridge. But the Vikings have divided their force - and the English triumph.
It's the end of the Viking age, and Ordgar, Tofi and Leofric have survived. But news soon reaches them that the Normans have landed in Sussex. Their own homes are under attack, so they must run all the way south again to save all that they love.
Watch Part 2
Tofi, Leofric and Ordgar are reinforced by the Viking warrior Snorri as they race south to save Crowhurst and defend England from the Norman invasion.
We meet the Normans - an alien army of men loyal to the ruthless Duke William. Among them, the ruthless Ozouf struggles to command the loyalty of the aristocratic and gentler Coutances, despite the intimidating presence of the tongueless Drogo.
Just outside London, the English fellowship divides. Ordgar and Snorri stay with the dwindling army of King Harold, while Tofi and Leofric set off to rescue the women of Crowhurst. To their horror, they discover that Crowhurst has been destroyed. Stumbling across the captive women and children in the southern forest, they fight off Ozouf and Coutances, rescue Judith and the child Aelf, and take them to safety.
Bookmarks