Hagen - Im Tal der Nibelungen (Hagen) 
Germany
2024
Opening 17 Oct 2024
Directed by:
Cyrill Boss, Philipp Stennert
Writing credits:
Cyrill Boss, Philipp Stennert, Doron Wisotzky, Wolfgang Hohlbein
Principal actors:
Jannis Niewöhner, Jördis Triebel, Gijs Naber, Rosalinde Mynster, Maria Erwolter
It’s the early Middle Ages and we are in Germany. Hagen von Tronje (Gijs Naber) is the leader of the Burgundians, trying to keep things peaceful, which is not easy. Still, “false hope is better than no hope.” The king dies, to be succeeded by Gunter (Dominic Marcus Singer). Siegfried von Xanten (Jannis Niewöhner) shows up in the town of Worms. New King Gunter hopes that Siegfried will be able to protect the area in this time of war against the Saxons and the Danes. After all, Siegfried has the reputation of being a dragon killer. Here we have three men, two of whom are eager for a female partner. In these times a woman is arranged (or “sold”) in marriage for political reasons. King Gunter manages to find and meet up with Queen Brunhild (Rosalinde Mynster). Siegfried wins over Kriemhild (Lilja van der Zwaag), the king’s sister. Hagen, trying to keep the peace, loses an eye and remains single.
It's much fun to suddenly find ourselves among Vikings, all equipped with a sword, from about the year 450 when the Nibelungen sagas originated. In 2009 the Nibelungenlied, an epic poem written in 1200, was adopted into the list of UNESCO’s (United Nations Educational, Scientific, Cultural Origin) Memories of the World. Wonderful that they have remained in our culture. Viewers familiar with the sagas will recognize their main characters, appreciate their costumes, and sit back for more sword fighting. Viewers unfamiliar with this literature might find it difficult to differentiate between the characters, perhaps finding the story confusing. No problem, they will learn quickly. This seems to be a film for guys—at least 85% of my audience was male. The plot reminded me of the Vampire Diaries series in that both feature two main types of action: kissing and dying. Here, too, the forest is a popular location for furthering the plot, perfect for sleep, discussions, walks, and fights. (Becky Tan)
