MovieChat Forums > The Island at the Top of the World (1974) Discussion > As a German, I find this film refreshing

As a German, I find this film refreshing

posted 11 years ago by ScarletSpider87
3 replies | jump to latest

There aren't many films out there that deal with Germanic heritage and history in a positive way.

"Island at the Top of the World" is a rare film that reminds Germans like me about the lifestyle of our Germanic ancestors.

They should make more films like this.

I want my children to watch this film so that they can be reminded about the Norse culture and great explorations, and how the Norse were the first Europeans to set foot in America.

"The Vikings" was another good film.

I look forward to Mel Gibson's "Berserker."

However, I do get a little irritated that the only Germanics that seem to interest people are the Vikings. They need to do a few films about the other Germanic tribes.

For example, a big budget film about Arminius would be awesome- comparable to Braveheart and Gladiator.

When you consider that the majority of European Americans are of Germanic ancestry, the rarity of movies with Germanic themes is disturbing.

[–] cseanp 11 years ago

Yes, "Island at the Top of the World" is an enjoyable, interesting flick in a spirit which we do not see in films today- I first saw it when I was seven and it remained in my mind for years. I like that the characters speaki Norwegian (modern?) or something closer to old Norse, and the actors are actually European. I like how they didn't use subtitles so that we (non-Norwegian speakers) can imagine what they're arguing about in a number of scenes. Yet the movie is quite different from the novel by Ian Cameron- some of these changes are improvements.

And you are right- there aren't many films with Germanic history out there- and I cannot think of any films about tribes such as the Jutes- yet the Vikings are fascinating. A good film about Leif Eriksson is waiting to be made.

[–] gary_overman 11 years ago

I agree: it would be interesting to see a movie about the battle of Teutoburg Forest, and the defeat of Publius Quinctilius Varus' three legions by Arminius. As I recall that defeat effectively ended Roman attempts to conquer the area that they called Germania.

Arminius is also identified by some as Sigurd. What do you think?

And yes; this is a thoroughly enjoyable film!!!

[–] ScarletSpider87 11 years ago

I agree with you that a film about Armin is long overdue. He is a national hero, and he hasn't been given the honor he is due by the film industry.

As for the identification of Armin with Sigurd/Siegfried, this is bogus. They are not the same person in any way. Siegfried is firmly tied to the 5th century. He lived 400 years after Armin. In addition, there are numerous character and story differences.

If you want to understand Siegfried's true historical identity, I suggest you read this article:

http://www.web-books.com/Classics/ON/B1/B1537/09MB1537.html