the only icelandic film i have ever come across . this and it two ( disappoint ) sequel and that be . and what an outstanding film . wow . the viking film to end all viking film . none of the others make since ( tree grow on the stone too and 13 warrior and the pathfinder yikes . and the sequel to this film ) have be up to much . five virtue of when the raven fly represent1 . design wise represent the viking clichés of ( horn ) helmet and shiny sword and dragon head longboat and and the odd galloping stallion be replace with an authentic and down to earth design represent fur cap and black or rusty cleaver or knife and small ocean go merchant vessel and and those curious icelandic pony . it be quite odd see the character ride them . the viking warrior foot almost touch the ground and and they ride in a weird trotting style . which help bring u close to what life could have be like back then . and do i mention how the director have choose memorable and gritty face in almost every role . no tall blond semi god here and just dirty survivor in a harsh country or island . 2. plot wise represent an icelandic film about viking . a chance to show off icelandic courage and virtue and heroism and right . wrong . the hero be from ireland and rather and and his story be about a viking victim get back at the perpetrator . the plot require minimum knowledge about icelandic or norwegian history . it set during the late 800s ad . while the political power in norway be be consolidate around one king and iceland be be colonize by settler and hunter and trader and political refugee . and irish slave . iceland be consider a loose and distant part of the young kingdom . the intrigue be a little hard to follow a first . relax it will all make sense later on ( a character dwindle in number ) . 3. style wise represent this gruesome and captivate story of revenge be yes a spaghetti western . every trick in the spaghetti western handbook . and i mean it a a compliment . this be on par with sergio leone on a good day . and how suitable for the material . talk be keep to a macho minimum . closeup of frown face and steely eye try to penetrate the mind of opponent . quiet . sudden violent outburst . bittersweet end . the main character and guest and isn not even present with a proper name . clint nameless character in the dollar movie and anyone . this be an arctic homage to sergio leone . bravo . 4. endurance represent 24 year on and the film be still stand strong . some bloodsn gore effect be little on the silly side and some sophomore editing . some synth music and ditto drum upset the mood a little at time . my dvd version have no stereo or surround sound . the picture be laser disc fine and not dvd or hd fine . and those be all the flaw . i mean all the flaw . the\is film be so frikkin strong none of the above really matter . 5. the director still hasn not make anything nearly as impressive a this film . the 1988 sequel and in the shadow of the raven and have a big budget or production . but lack the leone ish sense of urgency . see for yourself . the last film in his trilogy and den kvite viking and have moment of inspired casting or design or mood etc ( a talk wooden jesus effigy stand out ) and but be totally overwhelm by a slow and unconvincing plot . shame . the more reason to love and revere the original . see it before they cast nicholas cage in a remake .