This is a good old fashioned historical action movie absolutely crammed with guts and violence. It's a got a strong cynical Russian feeling, the participants are macho beyond belief, and they spend a lot their time wounded and covered in gore, slashing and chopping and betraying one another. But the best things about this movie are the huge open skylines, the wonderful ethnic costumes and armour, the dances and grotesque masks, and the completely over the top makeup. It seem everyone but the women is plastered in gold leaf and tattoos with the occasional all white ash suit with splatters of blood. It's also got a feeling of historical accuracy, even if it isn't really, because the storyline is merrily sprinkled ancient religious beliefs and rituals. Much more convincing than a sentimental Hollywood attempt would be.
Review of The Scythian
