Redbad (2018) Movie Script
1
[BOTH LAUGHING]
[CHANTING]
My children and grandchildren
are starving.
My people are starting to believe that
Freya has made the land infertile.
And that I am cursed.
So I think we should double
the number of sacrifices.
What is this?
Four failed harvests in a row.
You're a failed harvest.
Get away from me. You
should have been a farmer.
If you wish to sacrifice girls
from your own tribe,
then that's all the same to us.
Your tribe is much larger
and more powerful.
We've done our duty.
[MUTTERING AFFIRMATIVELY]
More than enough.
Why is there all this panic?
In the past few years, our tribes
have had a lot of prosperity.
What do you mean by that?
That it will be even worse
the next few years?
Freya gives and she takes.
Sometimes a wonderful harvest.
And sometimes a poor one.
She has her cycle.
And we cannot change that.
The spring tide
has emptied my tribe's food plate for the
coming years. Something has to be done.
That's easy for you to say, Odulf.
You don't have any daughters.
My own sister
was sacrificed.
But that didn't seem
to bother anyone.
That's how
it has always been.
That's how
our ancestors did it.
Traditie.
And that is how
your father did it too.
Don't tell me you are
seriously considering this.
I'm listening.
But you should
say something instead.
Does Redbad have
something to say as well?
If no one else will.
Apparently some people like to throw their
daughters into the fire to harvest more grain.
Maybe we can spend our energy
into building new terpen.
It is not really reassuring.
That my brother's heir does not believe
in the customs of his own people.
And one of those customs is that
anyone can say how they feel.
Shall we not discuss
our bloodline here, Eibert?
It's not about you.
And it's not about me.
It's about our people.
About the interest
of our nation.
I do not force my will
upon free people.
Everyone who wishes to participate
in the ritual is free to do so.
Out of free will.
I repeat:
Out of free will.
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
[BIRDS SCREECHING]
[MYSTICAL MUSIC PLAYING]
CHARLES: Arms up.
[GRUNTING]
Are you a Frank?
Hey.
You should all be working
a bit more,
instead of praying.
Redbad!
- What are you doing?
- Redbad, no.
- I love you.
- Yes.
You're the son of Aldigisl.
They will never let you
marry a girl like me.
Without titles,
without a name.
- I am going to take you away from here.
- And then?
What kind of future
can we have?
Do you want to run off
to an unknown land?
Your place is here.
And so is mine.
No.
I decide what I do
with my life.
- They cannot force you to do this.
- No one is forcing me.
- This is an honor for my family.
- Nonsense!
Redbad!
I'm sorry.
Eventually you would
have had to let her go.
Redbad, these are the
sacrifices we have to make.
Then let me go as well.
You are the daughter of a king. You will
make plenty of sacrifices for your people.
This is who we are.
- Who I want you to be.
- I don't want to be like this.
[CHANTING]
Mother of the sky
and the earth.
Of fire and water.
Of the springs and the trees.
Of the animals and the grain.
Mother of the ancestors.
and the children.
Mother, lead me.
Mother, feel me.
Mother, see me.
Mother, hear me!
Now!
Fate has decided!
[ALL CHEERING]
No.
No.
No!
No!
Hey!
You need to accept it.
What are you doing?
I ought to ask you
the same question.
I have to consider
my people, boy.
And you only have to consider that one
girl. She's your best friend's daughter.
This is not just about one girl.
You are my son.
And the son of Aldigisl cannot let
himself be led by self-interest.
But also not by fear.
You think I don't have
the courage.
You think I don't have
the courage to lead my people.
The people are afraid.
And if one more harvest fails,
people will die.
So I have to take
that fear into account.
And if you want to be their leader
you will have to do the same.
I believe in our own strength
and our love for each other.
That's the only thing
I'm sure exists.
We have
our customs to consider.
- Sometimes you have to change those customs.
- Oh yes?
You want to throw
everything away?
To throw everything away
which unites a people?
Its traditions,
its practices, its customs?
If you don't respect that, you
don't deserve to be a leader.
I don't want to be a leader of a people
which clings onto barbarian rituals
to ward off its own fears.
I've given you every chance to
become the leader you want to be.
Just like my father
did for me.
But when he died...
I would have given anything
to talk to him once more.
So he could tell me...
and make me understand how
lonely it is to wear that cloak.
This royal fibula.
Listen
to the advice
your father gives you.
Sometimes fathers
become old men.
Past their prime.
[CROWD CONTINUES
CLAPPING AND CHEERING]
[THUNDER RUMBLING]
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
[GRUNTS]
I will take the pain away.
[WOMAN SCREAMING]
[CROWD SCREAMING]
Fire!
Aldigisl! We have to get the
children out of the city.
Get all the children
out of the city!
[ALL SCREAMING]
Weapons!
Get the weapons!
Wall!
Wall!
Close the ranks!
Is this Woden's punishment?
It may be.
Is this the day we will all die?
It probably is.
But I do not fear death.
And neither do you.
Because I know one thing for certain.
This is our soil, and our water.
Our city and our land.
I am a free man.
We are free people.
And I will not die on my knees.
Because I have not lived that way.
But we will not be
led by our pride.
We will now retreat,
so we may attack again soon.
Sound the horn!
[HORN BLOWING]
Retreat.
No.
Stay.
Redbad.
Redbad!
Redbad!
[CROWD SCREAMING]
Back! Come on boys,
get out of here. Retreat!
The King is dead.
Dorestad is ours.
[SOMBER INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
[ALL SCREAMING]
They call it
a longhouse, Father.
A long house.
How does it go?
Just some small revolts,
no central leadership.
No leadership.
But you know how it is
with the barbarians.
You can take their land,
but we must break
their will.
Father, this is bishop Willibrord
and his pupil Bonifacius.
- Come!
- They have an authorization from the Pope.
Isn't it beautiful?
[WILLIBRORD LAUGHING]
That is a hopeful sign,
my Lord.
Yes,
something these barbarians
don't understand,
is obedience,
humility, the pillars
of our faith in Christ.
You'll teach them,
break them like a horse.
- My Lord.
- Hmm.
Yes.
And you.
Yes, my Lord?
You must be careful.
They are wild animals.
Chair, the throne from God.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
We've lost Dorestad.
And the Franks now
have complete access
to the Rhine, to our trade,
to our territories.
And whose fault is that?
Aldigisl was responsible.
He was in charge.
Under Aldigisl's leadership, the gods
have given us years of prosperity.
But he was betrayed.
By the Franks.
My brother was a great leader.
But Redbad...
What about him?
If he hadn't been so reckless
Aldigisl wouldn't have been killed.
And he rebelled against his own father.
He ignored his commands.
And why?
For a girl.
That is what you get, when you don't respect
your own traditions, your own culture...
They are talking
about you.
And now Woden has abandoned us.
You have the right
to defend yourself.
Perhaps Woden wants Redbad
to be our new king.
And you want
to go against it?
Let Fate decide.
Every chieftain has the right
to let Fate decide.
Eibert, what on earth are you doing?
He's your own nephew.
Nobody loves Redbad
more than I do.
But if he has brought
this evil upon us,
then it will haunt us
as long as he is among us.
[SIGHS]
You really have to go inside.
You have to defend yourself now.
Redbad, listen to him.
Do you want to be king?
Me? No.
Because we still choose
our kings here.
And no one here will choose a leader
with a limb and a cursed leg.
Back then I accepted the fact that
my younger brother became king.
And no one has served
him more loyally than I.
And now your son
may take Redbad's place.
That is not on my mind.
I respect our customs.
They are right.
It's my fault.
Come, son.
It is time.
[SOMBER INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
Choose your fate, Redbad.
Guilty.
Woden has spoken.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
[SEAGULLS SQUAWKING]
Is this really necessary?
You know what
this means for us, boy.
Father of the Sea.
Accept this sacrifice from us.
It is time.
No, no, no.
Let me go.
You have to let me go.
I will always love you.
Always, always.
Your ancestors
will watch over you.
Don't forget who you are.
He's going into the sea, now.
Let him go.
Let's go home.
[SOLEMN INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
No!
You are my son.
And the son of Aldigisl cannot
let himself be led
by self-interest.
I've given you every chance to
become the leader you want to be.
Just like my father did for me.
And if you don't respect that, you
don't deserve to be their leader.
...for God is great.
And God is good.
Do you not want to welcome
Jesus into your hearts?
He has come to this Earth
to save us.
It is all written here.
It is written.
- A book? A book, dickhead.
- A book!
What is it you want? Do you want
to burn in hell for all eternity?
Why?
On this rock...
I will build my church.
On this rock
I will build my church.
[ALL GASP]
Friezen, listen to what
the bishop has to say.
Or else.
Go.
Forward.
But we cannot spread the word
of Christ with violence.
I'm not here to bring peace.
I'm here to bring the sword.
Music, music!
John said:
For now, I baptize
with moderation.
But he who comes after me,
who is much better than I am,
who is stronger than I am,
he will baptize us
in the Holy Spirit with fire.
The might of the true God
is with us.
Who wants to be baptized?
Him!
Who else wants to be baptized?
Come, come here.
Come, come, come.
I baptize you in the name of the
Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
In the name of the Father,
the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Next. Come!
I baptize you in the name of the
Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
[SERENE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
He's still alive.
We'll take him with us.
MAN: I think he's a Saxon.
Maybe he's a Frisian.
Which tribe are you from?
Who is your father?
MAN: Clearly this man
was banished.
His own tribe
wanted him dead.
Huh?
- I say kill him, before he brings us bad luck.
- [ALL CHEER]
Kill him!
ALL: Kill him!
Kill him!
WIGLEK: We don't just kill
people without a good reason.
FREA: Then what do we do?
And can we trust him?
The God of sea left this man,
alive on the beach
and my daughter found him.
That's a sign.
I don't yet know
what it means
but I will take you
into my household.
That's my word.
Just follow me.
GUND: Go.
[CHANTING]
[MYSTICAL INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
With a new
Frisian leader in place,
maybe this was
a turning point.
God is on our side.
[LAUGHS]
It would be nice
if you believe that too.
Father.
Father, we need to take it to the
next step and continue north.
No.
[BREATHING HEAVILY]
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
[BOTH GRUNTING]
Where are you going?
Huh?
Why don't you ever say anything?
You're scared of us?
Come on.
No, no, no.
- [LAUGHING]
- Show us what you can do.
Come on, big guy.
Don't be shy.
- [TIBOLD CHUCKLING]
- Huh?
Come on.
[LAUGHING]
Speed the work up a bit.
You want to go hunting?
Let's go.
This man is coming with us.
Let's go hunting.
[SERENE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
I had a dream
last night.
Do you
even have dreams?
A man should think
about his dreams.
I dreamt
I saw a fish.
I saw the same fish in
real life, it was a whale.
Enormous beast. It was dying
under its own weight.
It was terrible to watch.
But the fish in my dream,
it didn't die.
He sucked up all the water
from the sea
and all the fish were just
floundering around on the seafloor
as long as you could see.
I think
that means something.
And I think it has
to do with you.
We found you alive
on the beach.
Have you ever wondered
why you are still alive?
Everything has
a reason,
silent one.
Think about that.
[ARROW WHIZZES]
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
No, the tail.
Oh, Frea. It's coming.
- [GROANS]
- FREA: It's time for new live.
Listen up!
I have a son.
[ALL CHEERING]
I have a son!
[CHANTING]
Everything in its right place.
[BABY WAILING]
Kendryck,
you're a father.
Everyone,
fill up the horns!
[ALL CHEERING]
Let's celebrate.
Next time it's you.
Oh, here comes.
Oh, my beautiful daughter.
Well done. Well.
[CHEERING CONTINUES]
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
MAN: Hey, over there.
[HORN BLOWING]
TIBOLD: Ready, everybody.
- Come on! Hurry up!
- Come along, faster!
MAN: Make room, make room.
Come on.
[ALL SCREAMING]
MAN: Make room, make room.
Come on.
[PANTS] The Sveads
are coming.
It's the Svear.
They would plunder
their own mothers house.
Woden give us strength.
[ALL CHEERING]
Get ready!
TIBOLD: Go! Go!
No, this is not your fight.
You stay here.
It will only bring
bad luck.
It's not your fight.
You will not fight for us.
Try and stop me.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
[ALL GRUNTING]
[GROANING]
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
[BOTH GRUNTING]
MAN: Come on.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC CONTINUES]
[BOTH GRUNTING]
WOMAN: Loading. Pull.
To the right. Come on.
MAN:
Hurry, hurry, hurry.
WOMAN 2: Hold it, hold it.
MAN: Fire.
Fire
- Go.
- Fire.
[GRUNTS]
[BOTH GRUNTING]
[YELLS]
You're welcome.
[ALL GRUNTING]
MAN: Retreat.
[BOTH PANTING]
[ECHOING] The dream I had,
all the fish were dead.
You, silent one,
you're the whale!
[ALL CHEERING]
- MAN 1: I killed more than him.
- MAN 2: No, you did not.
- I killed more than him.
- No, you did not.
MAN 1: Yes, I did.
MAN 2: I saw you.
My count was higher.
- MAN 1: Why?
- MAN 2: I am a better fighter than you are.
WIGLEK: Silent one,
I always thought your arrival
meant something, right?
Something important.
And I was right.
This man is now free.
[ALL CHEERING]
You can have
a piece of land.
You can even have a family.
[CHUCKLES] Well,
if anyone will have you.
[ALL LAUGHING]
- MAN 1: Who wants that ugly one?
- MAN 2: Yeah!
Oh yeah, we need to find
him a blind woman huh?
[ALL LAUGHING]
MAN 3: A blind woman!
You don't
have to say yes.
You don't even know
my name.
I see you.
This belongs to you.
You've had it
all the time.
Are you ready
for this?
WIGLEK:
You know I love you.
Will you have her?
Yes.
It's an honor.
My name is Frea
daughter of Wiglek.
My name is Redbad,
son of Aldigisl.
TIBOLD: Let's celebrate!
[ALL CHEERING]
Make her happy.
I will.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
[GASPS]
Pepijn?
- Pepijn?
- PEPIJN: The church.
My church.
What's going on?
Godless heathen.
Godless heathen!
My church.
He will punish!
He will punish!
[SCREAMING AND SHOUTING]
[SOMBER INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
Build another church, have it
ready by the time I return.
We'll have them
do that.
And this time
made of stone.
Yes, Father.
Sit down, Drogo.
EIBERT: Do exactly
as we've agreed.
JURRE: My Lord.
Perhaps you can tell me
what terrible crimes
that I have committed that
you would do this to me?
A house of God.
Our people,
are being exploited
and abused.
Is it so strange
that they're revolting?
I gave you the freedom
to govern your own areas
and collect part
of my taxes.
Our people don't even
understand what taxes are.
Let alone that they
can pay such amounts.
It's ridiculous.
Your son
should guard his tongue.
We keep our promises.
PEPIJN:
Keep your promises.
I can't counsel
a compromise
with people who resist
the true faith,
who allow my churches
to be set on fire.
It's time you made
a good example.
How?
You will see.
You will see.
[THUNDER RUMBLING]
I come on behalf of
King Pepijn of Herstal.
And I have a proposal
to return peace
to our peoples.
The daughter of Aldigisl
lives here.
But, is she still a virgin?
[SOMBER INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
- GEBBE: We cannot give her away, can we?
- EIBERT: Why not?
EIBERT: This is a symbol of friendship
from the Franks. We really need them.
GEBBE: And have Sinde
baptized against her will?
EIBERT: She makes
this sacrifice for the gods.
ODULF:
We don't have a choice.
Or do you want to start a war against
the most powerful army in the world?
- Redbad should have made this decision, not us.
- EIBERT: Redbad is dead.
Come on, boy.
Accept this proposal.
This is the moment to show
that you're a decisive leader.
[THUNDER RUMBLING]
[RAIN PATTERING]
FREA: Sea. Sea. Good?
Stone. Stone?
Ow!
[CHUCKLES]
- Fot.
- What?
Voot?
Foot.
Foot.
You.
No. You?
I.
We.
[WIND BLOWS]
[BELL DINGING]
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
MESSENGER: I have news
from Frisian territory.
The Frisian made a truce
with the Franks
by marrying off the daughter
of king Aldigisl.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
[SIGHS]
REDBAD: It's not about you.
And it's not about me.
[BREATHING HEAVILY]
SINDE: Where have you been
all this time?
[WHISPERS]
What have they done to you?
[ECHOING]
Get me out of here.
I want to go home.
- [ALDIGISL SCREAMS] Redbad!
- [GASPS]
I cannot allow this
to happen.
FREA: It's
Frankish territory now.
It's teaming with
soldiers down there.
REDBAD: They won't
recognize me.
You're not exactly
hard to recognize.
She's my sister.
Mmm.
I cannot allow them
to simply hand her over.
You really want to rescue
her from the Franks?
I don't know,
I don't have a plan.
But I must try
something.
Then we go together.
Hmm.
[BABY CRYING]
Hey baby.
[SOMBER INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
It's time to say goodbye.
[CHUCKLES] Yeah.
I love you.
I love you.
[KISSES]
Oh God,
I'm gonna miss you.
WIGLEK: Take good care of her.
Give her a home
like we have a home right here.
We will come back.
Please follow your heart.
Go!
[MAN SCREAMING IN DISTANCE]
CHARLES: Welcome.
[HORSE WHINNIES]
My grace.
[SOMBER INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
It's a great pleasure.
Oh, your room
is upstairs.
[DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES]
MAN: Left, right, left, right.
Left, right.
MAN: Come on, Come on.
Don't resist, don't resist.
We better get you.
Come on.
[GRUNTS]
...de Vader,
de Zoon en de Heilige Geest.
[PEOPLE SCREAMING]
[WOMAN SCREAMING]
[WOMAN SOBBING INDISTINCTLY]
[SOMBER INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
CONTINUES]
[WAVES SPLASHING]
PEPIJN: Is this the bride?
Let me see.
We are accepting you
into our family
like a daughter.
My daughter.
You will sit
at our dining table
you will warm yourself
by our hearth
and you will sleep
in our bed.
You have no choice.
[SWORDS HISSES]
You should realize,
I don't extend a hand twice.
I'm not afraid to die.
Hmm.
You do this in the name
of that God of yours?
Yes or no?
[WOMAN BREATHING HEAVILY]
Yes.
[WOMAN SOBBING]
[GASPS]
No, no.
[SIGHS]
[SINDE SOBBING]
That was unnecessary.
[GASPS]
[SIGHS]
[CHUCKLES]
[SOMBER INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
You can't tell anyone.
[WHISPERS] It's between you
and I.
[HORSES TROTTING]
REDBAD: Wait here.
I'll be back soon.
[WILLIBRORD CHANTING]
[OPERATIC INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
God, give me the power.
On your knees.
Come on.
Kiss it.
Kiss it!
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
Relax, relax...
[MOANING]
[GRUNTS]
[PANTING]
[NECK CRACKING]
[OPERATIC INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
CONTINUES]
Do you forsake
the devil and all his works?
Yes or no?
Yes?
Or no?
[SINDE GASPS]
- [GASPS]
- Huh?
[OPERATIC INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
CONTINUES]
Sinde.
[GASPING]
CHARLES: Who are you?
Capture him. You.
- [SWORDS HISS]
- [GROANS]
[GROWLING]
WILLIBRORD:
Say the Almighty Father.
I believe in God,
[MAN SCREAMING INDISTINCTLY]
and his son, Jesus Christ.
Do you forsake
the heathen gods?
Woden, Donar, Freya...
Yes?
The Almighty Father.
Yes.
And Jesus Christ, his son.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
[GRUNTS]
[SINDE GASPS]
[SCREAMS]
[SWORDS CLASHING]
You have been baptized.
Well done, girl.
[GRUNTING]
Come, come, come.
[LAUGHING]
[BOTH GRUNTING]
[OPERATIC INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
[MEN SCREAMING]
[PANTING]
[GRUNTS]
- Do you trust me?
- Why?
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
This is a good step, girl.
You will see.
You will see.
- MAN: Now.
- [FREA GASPS]
[GRUNTS]
[ARROWS WHIZZING]
I must know
who's responsible for this.
FREA: What do you mean?
Redbad?
[GRUNTS]
I've told you.
No one between you and me.
[HORSE WHINNIES]
PEPIJN: Who is this new ruler?
CHARLES:
There are some rumors, Father.
Rumors?
What rumors?
Aldigisl's son.
Redbad.
But Redbad...
Redbad is dead.
CHARLES: Fairy tales.
Nothing important.
Maybe we should have
never taken Dorestad.
Shouldn't have taken
Dorestad?
Sometimes you think an
idea is inspired by God
but it's your pride,
your ambition speaking.
We will wait here,
until after winter
and I will make a decision.
No, Father.
We have to act now,
and we have to act fast.
And then the whole area up to
the sea is for the taking.
We need to call
for extra troops. Now.
- No. No!
- Father.
You spend time
with your new wife.
A happy woman
bares more children.
[THUNDER RUMBLING]
[RAIN PATTERING]
[HORSE WHINNIES]
[SOFT OPERATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
GEBBE: Redbad?
Redbad, is that you?
REDBAD: Gebbe.
I...
Where have you been?
This is my wife, Frea.
And this is my son,
Poppo.
Welcome, beauty.
It's really you.
You're back.
Hey boys, bugger off.
Get away.
They think
you've returned from Valhalla.
[LAUGHS SOFTLY]
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
Fenne.
Hey.
This is Frea,
daughter of Wiglek.
And my son,
Poppo.
[BABY CRYING]
You have a son.
Yes.
Welcome to our people,
Frea.
This is my husband,
Wulf, son of Ragnak.
We have prayed
for you.
JURRE: Redbad.
Look at you.
[LAUGHS]
EIBERT: I would like to know
why Redbad is here.
If I recall correctly,
he was exiled.
Exiled?
I thought I was sacrificed.
Then why has he
not died?
[PEOPLE LAUGHING]
Perhaps Uncle Eibert fears that I
want to take back my father's land.
Upon which he now lives.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
JURRE: Redbad.
Stand up.
This belongs to you.
I welcome Redbad.
[PEOPLE CHEERING]
And now?
Now you intend to stay.
I don't know.
JURRE: You cannot leave.
You have only just arrived.
You have married off my sister.
And you let them baptize her.
- EIBERT: We had good reasons.
- Oh yes?
Yes.
A free person cannot be
baptized against her will.
Especially not
the daughter of Aldigisl.
Your brother.
REDBAD: Everywhere I come,
I see scared people.
Dorestad was once
a free city.
Where everyone could go
and do as they pleased.
Where everyone could act freely,
regardless of where they came from.
And now?
You have already brought ill fortune upon
us once. Why would we listen to you now?
Father!
You let yourself be led by fear.
What has happened
to you all?
This all feels
very familiar, but,
at the same time it's as if I don't
recognize these people anymore.
- You know, Fenne and I...
- You don't have to say anything.
I trust you.
[SIGHS]
Why do you let your own kin
treat you like this?
You are your father's
rightful heir.
You look hurt every time
you hear his name.
Why?
[BELLS CHIMING]
[THUNDER RUMBLING]
PEPIJN: When I'm no longer here,
I want you to help him.
Can I trust you?
Of course, Father.
I know your pride.
I know your anger.
But he...
He is the successor
to the throne.
And you,
you, you are the son
of a kitchen maid.
Go ahead, drink.
And get the rest you so long for.
That's right.
That's right, Father.
Oh, good.
[CHOKING]
Father wants the fourth army
moved to Dorestad.
You, what have you done?
CHARLES: I would hurry
if I were you.
- [PEPIJN MOANS]
- Go.
Help me.
I need a doctor!
Help me.
What have you done?
[PEPIJN GASPING]
I may not believe
in heaven,
but I know there's a hell,
and you will rot in it.
I'll kill you!
No! No!
Do you still remember?
This is the North Star.
This is us.
This is the Moon.
REDBAD:
Planets move in fixed patterns.
That's what you've taught me.
You can calculate
when the days become longer
and when the Moon
makes the tide strongest.
Your father's time had come.
His death was not your fault.
Great changes are coming.
Your father didn't fit
into the New World.
And you...
You will have to adapt
- to pave the way for future generations.
- No.
Jurre is king now.
So you are no longer necessary?
Everything is as it should be?
Why did you come back?
[OPERATIC INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
[SOMBER INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
[GASPING]
May Jesus Christ,
through this holy anointment
have...
- Ah...
- [GASPS]
Ah, yes.
[GASPS]
Yes. Yes.
Him.
WILLIBRORD: Him? Him?
PEPIJN: Him!
- Him!
- Him. Him.
- [CHOKING]
- May Jesus...
[SOMBER INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
CONTINUES]
[WOMAN SOBBING]
Drogo?
Let him go.
I am the mother
of the crown prince,
and therefore,
the regent of the empire.
Sit down, Drogo.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
Come on, boy.
Come here.
Where are you taking him?
Drogo?
Drogo?
[SCREAMS] Drogo?
[SOMBER INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
CHARLES: Come hear it.
A cart drove along
an old road...
- No, it's a sandy road.
- Oh, I am sorry.
A cart drove along
a sandy road...
Wait, wait, wait,
this way I can hear you better.
Like this.
[WIND BLOWING]
This is high.
But you're not afraid, right?
Yeah.
Okay, I'll hold your hand.
A cart drove along
a sandy road
The moon shone bright
the road was wide
A horse walked happily
I'll bet it'll...
[SCREAMS]
...asleep
[SOMBER INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
[SIGHS IN RELIEF]
[EXHALES]
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
[GRUNTS]
Swords up.
Shields down.
[OPERATIC INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC]
[PEOPLE SCREAMING]
[HORSE WHINNIES]
[THUNDER RUMBLING]
They are coming.
- How near are they?
- We don't know. We need Redbad.
She is right. We cannot
do this without Redbad.
Go get Redbad, now.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
Why have you come?
I was summoned by the King.
- That means you have to listen to what I say.
- You know me, don't you?
Let's go!
[ALL ROARING]
JURRE:
Wulf, Redbad, south side.
The rest of you come with me,
from the north.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC CONTINUES]
[HORSE WHINNIES]
[GRUNTS]
[HORSE WHINNIES IN DISTANCE]
Let's go back.
- [HORSE WHINNIES]
- [GRUNTING]
[ALL SCREAMING]
GENERAL: Formation!
Turn!
[ALL ROARING]
Hold!
Turn!
Shield!
Wall!
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
[INDISTINCT SHOUTING]
This is madness.
We must retreat.
[INDISTINCT CHANTING]
Where is General Focard?
I don't know, my Lord,
he was just here.
[HORSE WHINNIES]
[DRAMATIC MUSIC CONTINUES]
[ALL SCREAMING]
REDBAD: Looking for this?
Damn him.
[INDISTINCT SHOUTING]
[WHINNYING]
Come, come, come.
Come on.
Get that man.
The cavalry sir,
we should stay together.
Wait for my signal!
[CHEERING]
Send the cavalry now.
Cavalry in pursuit!
GENERAL THIERRY:
Go! Hurry up!
Move!
[HORSE WHINNIES]
Engage!
ALL: Muur! Vuur!
Archers!
[SWORDS CLASHING]
JURRE: Wall!
Fire!
[ARROWS WHIZZING]
For Woden!
[ALL ROARING]
[SWORDS CLASHING]
[DRAMATIC MUSIC CONTINUES]
[GRUNTING]
[GRUNTS]
[GRUNTS]
[WAVES SPLASHING]
[HORSE SNORTING]
[ALL SCREAMING]
It's high tide.
[HORSE NEIGHS]
Easy. Easy.
[WHINNYING]
[GRUNTING]
[GROANS]
GEBBE: Jurre! Jurre!
This isn't working.
We're being pushed back.
There are too many of them.
[GROANS]
GEBBE: Odulf, protect Jurre!
- We must retreat.
- I won't surrender.
- Let me go.
- We don't stand a chance.
[SWORDS CLASHING]
[GRUNTING]
Listen, boy.
We must regroup.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC CONTINUES]
[PEOPLE ROARING]
[HEROIC INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
Where are my men?
What are you doing?
We must push on.
[REDBAD ROARS]
[GRUNTS]
Wall! Wall! Wall!
[ROARING]
Now!
[HEROIC INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
[PEOPLE SCREAMING]
Charge! Now!
[SWORDS CLASHING]
[BOTH GRUNTING]
[GRUNTS]
[ROARS]
[GRUNTS]
[SWORD THWACKS]
[TRIUMPHANT INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
[GRUNTING]
We should retreat, my Lord.
[EFFORT GRUNT]
REDBAD: We have the upper hand!
[ROARING]
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
[ALL CHEERING]
Redbad!
[ALL CHANTING] Redbad! Redbad!
Redbad! Redbad!
Redbad! Redbad!
Redbad! Redbad!
Redbad! Redbad!
Redbad! Redbad!
Redbad! Redbad!
Redbad! Redbad!
[CHANTING CONTINUES]
A time will come when you have
to show who's the leader.
[INAUDIBLE]
CHARLES: We seem to have
a common problem.
This Redbad.
We have him
under control.
Redbad is rallying
troops everywhere.
They won't do anything
without my son's orders.
But does your son
take orders himself?
Of course.
[BREATHES DEEPLY]
Really?
I want Redbad eliminated,
and then
I can return home.
But... But who would
govern Dorestad?
I'll gladly leave that
to a loyal, deputy.
[CHANTING]
[CHANTING]
- I...
- You don't have to say anything.
[HORSE WHINNIES]
[COOING]
REDBAD: Now they're clinging
on to their gods even more.
FREA:
Now more than ever.
Oh, you understand them?
They just keep on believing.
What good
does it do?
FREA: Something to
hold on to, Redbad.
Something to
hold on to.
That Jesus of yours
is not much better.
- Oh?
- All those massacres in his name.
It's not Jesus
who does that.
What do you think these people will do
when they find out that I'm a Christian?
Perhaps we should
return to your family.
And abandon your people?
IDWINA: What does
your heart say?
Fear.
- For what?
- For what others see in me.
FREA: You've just
said it yourself.
These people
deserve better.
A better leader.
How can I
lead these people
when I don't even know
what I believe in?
You believe
the gods do nothing.
But they have
sent you, Redbad.
I don't believe
in that nonsense.
True leaders
take power.
By force.
REDBAD: Frea says
you should always...
Frea knows what
she believes in.
Yes. In the God
of the Christians.
No, in you.
Frea believes in you.
Why are you not
doing that to yourself?
Or do you believe that
Jurre will save this people?
Come on, Redbad. It is not
about rituals or customs.
Or about cloaks or fibulas.
It is about what's in here.
Your love
for Frea and Poppo.
For your father.
For your country.
That is what
gives you strength.
And that is what
people see in you.
You keep coming here
with questions.
But you already know
the answers.
You just have to
want to hear them.
[BIRDS SQUAWKING]
- I don't have much time.
- I'm not here for that.
You want me to baptize
your son, don't you?
My husband
is not a Christian.
My husband is Redbad.
Redbad?
Then it is especially important that
I baptize him as soon as possible.
You cannot force people
to become Christians.
Jesus says you should
love your enemies.
Without reluctance
or compulsion.
For God loves
a cheerful giver.
If the people would only
engage in conversation with us
they would start to see that we
Christians even treat our enemies...
The way you're doing it now
will only provoke more war.
Is that
what you want?
Not me.
But to convince
Willibrord that...
Talk to him.
Talk to him, and let
him convince Charles.
Otherwise,
it will be a massacre.
Do you want that
on your conscience?
All right.
I will try my best.
[THUNDER RUMBLES]
[ALL PRAYING INDISTINCTLY]
[WIND HOWLING]
We must continue.
We must push on now.
Should we attack?
At least that way
we'll gain the initiative.
We don't have a choice.
We must free Dorestad.
You want to attack the most powerful
army in the world, and defeat it.
Yes.
We'll do it together.
FREA:
I've spoken to a priest.
I've asked you
not to intervene.
I can get
through to him.
Priests have blood on their hands.
They cannot be trusted.
Is that really
what you want?
To solve everything
with the sword?
The sword
does not lie.
That's the only thing
I believe in.
Then you're exactly what they name you.
A barbarian.
But that's not
who you are.
KENDRYCK: Redbad.
REDBAD: How is Frea?
Is she manageable?
KENDRYCK: You know her.
REDBAD:
Is she afraid of dying?
What is your plan?
How many ships can you bring to
Dorestad before the next full moon?
Enough.
Why by
the next full moon?
[LAUGHING]
KENDRYCK: Leave some Franks
for us.
Yeah.
- It will be all right.
- I know.
I wish I could find the words
to keep you here, Father.
I wish I could find the words to
convince you to come with me.
Father...
There have to be other
ways to convert them.
Those barbarians
only speak one language.
And yet, they are people.
Just like you and me.
If you would only
talk to them.
WILLIBRORD:
You are a good boy.
But if you can only see
the good in people
then you will often be
so disappointed in the end.
My son.
[PEOPLE YELLING]
WOMAN: Stop it!
No, not our sacred oak!
[CROWD YELLING]
Stop!
Stop!
Music!
[MEN SINGING HYMN]
If this thing,
this tree,
if it is so sacred,
then why does Donar
not hurl a thunderbolt
from the sky to kill me?
Why, huh?
Why? Why?
Come on. Donar!
Come on!
Come on, here I am!
See?
Nothing at all.
Nothing...
Superstition.
Nothing but superstition.
You don't have to
sacrifice people.
Jesus...
Jesus has sacrificed himself.
For all of us!
A platoon of Franks is
cutting down the sacred oak.
They have Christian priests
with them.
Wulf. You stay here
with the troops.
Tomorrow you'll lead
them to Dorestad.
With or without me.
Gebbe.
Come.
REDBAD: Come.
Stop!
Stop this madness!
- Stay back!
- Stop this madness!
[GRUNTS]
Come on, come on!
[CROWD EXCLAIMING]
[SCREAMING]
No!
They cannot
destroy our world.
They cannot
destroy our world.
You know who you are.
[REDBAD SOBBING]
SOLDIER: Forward!
[TROOPS MARCHING]
Attention!
EIBERT: I know who's
to blame for this.
Redbad's wife.
She is a Christian.
That is ridiculous.
I have seen her
conspire with the priests.
She was praying in
one of their churches.
GEBBE: Redbad, tell them
that this is nonsense.
She has nothing
to do with it.
EIBERT: She is to
blame for all of it.
So she's a Christian?
It's not about
what you believe.
It's about
what you do with it.
GENERAL THIERRY: Give us Redbad
and his wife,
and we will leave you alone.
FREA: Fenne.
It's no use.
Let's leave in peace.
We won't hurt you.
GENERAL THIERRY:
Take the three of them.
And take down
that Pagan tree.
[LOUD RUMBLING]
He does bring luck,
that God of yours.
It's not about luck.
Or about God making
life easier for people.
Then what good
does it do?
Jesus said you should
love your enemies.
He must've been crazy.
Jesus knew he had been
betrayed to the Romans.
And yet he let himself be
captured, and be killed.
Why?
He wanted to show his
friends that he loved them.
You still love him.
I could never have
given him a child.
Perhaps it just
had to be this way.
[CRYING]
JURRE: You have betrayed Redbad.
- Oh, yes, have I?
- You have betrayed me!
I have saved our people
from a huge defeat.
A defeat?
Everyone is ready.
The Danes are
just off the coast.
Let them stay there.
Father...
We can still
catch up to them.
Do you want
to free Redbad?
Is that what
you really want?
We arrange this
with Charles Martel.
For the first time we are powerful
enough to defeat the Franks.
Are we?
And who will
lead that attack?
[THUNDER CRASHING]
Go, then.
Go to them. And tell them
we're going to play soldiers.
Because you feel
you must prove yourself.
Make one mistake, and
they'll torture you alive.
You don't
stand a chance.
Not even if you were a hundred
times better than Redbad.
You just never considered
that I could be a good leader.
That I would be able to
lead our people to victory.
That I could be like...
Why are you
not supporting me?
[SNIFFLING]
[DOOR OPENS]
Tell the Danes
we no longer need them.
[DOOR SHUTS]
EIBERT: We're going to Utrecht.
To negotiate with Charles Martel.
[THUNDER CONTINUES RUMBLING]
[MAN SHOUTING INDISTINCTLY]
Halt.
FREA: No, no.
REDBAD:
No, don't touch him.
- Give him to me!
- REDBAD: No! No!
Stop!
Please! Please!
Stop!
Give him to me!
FREA: No!
Poppo!
[BABY CRYING]
[DOOR CLANGS]
[BABY CONTINUES CRYING]
FREA: Redbad?
Redbad?
[WAILING]
How cozy.
A family reunion.
[DOOR CLANGS]
[BABY'S CRIES ECHOING]
FREA: Redbad!
[BABY CONTINUES CRYING
IN DISTANCE]
I wanted to get a closer look at
the man who everybody talks about.
The great Redbad.
We have to give the people
what the people want.
Nice fairy tales
about heroes,
and dark fairy tales
about God.
Hmm.
Our fathers believe that,
while we don't,
so let's keep that a secret.
For us,
it doesn't matter
what's up there,
because around here,
we rule,
and we do as we please.
Maybe we do.
Or maybe our fathers understood
something we still have yet to learn.
But that's the problem,
isn't it?
You're too smart
to really believe that.
So...
just play along,
and I'll let you live.
Oppose me
and I'll kill you
and your cute little family.
Understood?
[DOOR CREAKS OPEN]
[DOOR SLAMS SHUT]
[MUTTERING PRAYERS INDISTINCTLY]
Redbad,
do you forsake the devil
and all his works?
Do you forsake
the Pagan gods,
Woden, Donar,
Freya...
Yes or no?
Huh?
Yes.
[LAUGHS]
Then step into the water,
and I shall baptize you in
the name of the Holy Spirit.
[WATER SPLASHING]
On your knees.
On your knees.
Do you believe
in the one true God?
The Almighty Father,
and his son,
Jesus Christ,
and the Holy Spirit?
Yes or no?
Do you believe
in that one true God?
In the Almighty Father,
and his Son?
ALDIGISL: Throw away everything
that unites our people?
Our traditions,
our practices, our customs?
WILLIBRORD: Yes or no?
Yes?
Or no?
Huh?
[PANTING]
Do you believe
in that one true God?
The Almighty father...
ALDIGISL: I've given you every opportunity
to be the leader you want to be.
...and in the Holy Spirit?
Yes or no?
ALDIGISL:
Redbad, it's not about you,
and it's not about me.
It's about our people, and
the interest of our nation.
Now stand up, Redbad.
Rise.
Yes or no?
Will I go to heaven then?
Just answer my question.
You want to baptize me,
so then will I go to heaven?
Every good Christian
will go to heaven.
- Do you believe in...
- And my ancestors?
What about
your ancestors?
Will I see them in heaven if I'm baptized?
My own father?
Your father
was not baptized.
But I will see him
in heaven, right?
WILLIBRORD: He was not
a Christian.
But he was a good person.
A brave man, who gave his
life for his people.
He was a heathen!
He was a heathen!
And heathens do not go to heaven.
They cannot. It's impossible.
And Sietse, son of Boed?
Hille, son of Reider?
Maike, daughter of Taeke?
Your fathers, your sons,
your daughters, all
honorable men and women,
who died for their people.
Is there a place for them
in Christianity?
You can
pray for their souls.
REDBAD: Yes or no?
[CROWD GASPING]
No.
- Yes or no?
- No, of course not.
Why would I convert
to such a religion, then?
Why don't you grab him.
so thought I could
break his will
and get him baptized.
Our fathers may not have been
gods, but they were our fathers.
Yes!
And I would rather be
in hell with my friends,
than in Heaven
with my enemies.
Yes!
Redbad!
Come with me now.
We're leaving for Dorestad.
Attack!
For Redbad!
Jurre! Jurre!
Let's go!
EIBERT: Jurre!
- Let's go!
- No!
[INDISTINCT SHOUTING]
[GROANING]
[LAUGHING]
We should've done this
a long time ago.
[GRUNTS IN PAIN]
No.
No.
This truly belongs
to you.
Hey.
It belongs to us.
[LAUGHS WRYLY]
[SOBBING]
Redbad. Redbad.
He got away to Dorestad.
- It's a trap.
- Of course, it's a trap.
Did you do what
I've asked you to do?
Everything's ready.
Redbad.
They have Poppo.
REDBAD: It's time.
[THUNDER RUMBLING]
Pater noster...
WILLIBRORD:
May the Lord be with you.
Amen.
Don't you want to wait
for the light?
REDBAD:
Is everyone ready?
What now?
REDBAD: We wait
just a little while longer.
FENNE: He knows
what he's doing.
Usually.
GENERAL THIERRY: Torches.
Fire up.
GEBBE: Redbad, we don't stand
a chance without the Danes.
We have little choice.
GEBBE:
What do you want to do?
- Straw?
- Everything's ready.
[LOUD GROANING]
[HORSES WHINNYING]
WILLIBRORD:
A sign from God!
WULF:
Redbad, what's happening?
CHARLES: Stay in line.
On the formation.
- GEBBE: It's an ill omen.
- Yes, but for whom?
Oh, God...
[WHIMPERING]
It's the fifth full moon
of the year.
You knew this was
going to happen.
Idwina.
Warriors!
Is this a sign?
Perhaps.
Is it an ill omen?
It might be.
Are we going to die today?
Probably.
But I know
one thing for certain.
We won't let anyone tell us
how to live our lives,
or what we should believe.
No king,
no priest,
not even the Sun
or the Moon.
Because this is the land of
free people, who bow to no one.
This is the land
of our ancestors.
Of the people we love.
That's what unites us. And no
one can take that from us.
[PEOPLE SHOUTING]
So if you
want to live freely,
or die freely,
then follow me!
[ALL YELLING]
SOLDIER: Redbad!
CHARLES: Formation.
Break your line.
[ALL YELLING]
Formation.
Stay in line.
Stay!
Get ready.
[ALL YELLING]
Open the gate.
Well, General,
let's start it.
Yes, my Lord.
[ARROWS WHIZZING]
Psst!
[ARROWS WHIZZING]
[MEN YELLING]
Who's that?
I think they're attacking,
my Lord.
Order the front lines
to attack.
Front lines, attack!
[ALL YELLING]
[INDISTINCT SHOUTING]
Redbad!
You're late.
Chase the pigs into
the city now.
GENERAL THIERRY: Are you sure,
my Lord?
Pig fat burns for hours.
That will clean things up.
[PIGS GRUNTING]
[PIGS SQUEALING]
Redbad! Dorestad.
[PIGS CONTINUE SQUEALING]
Open the gate!
Get in.
Redbad, they have Poppo.
Frea, Frea.
Poppo.
It's all right.
No! No!
Oh, no.
[BOTH STRAINING]
[GROANING]
General, aim for the child.
[YELLING]
Is this still about
your father?
Those are the laws of war.
You fool!
Soldier!
A horse! A horse!
We could have
ruled the world.
No!
[INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC]
[GASPING IN PAIN]
REDBAD: Fenne.
You're so brave.
[SOBBING]
You're so brave.
Fenne.
[BLOWING TRUMPET]
What have we done?
Son, God is good,
and...
We have to get of here,
come on.
Come on, come on.
[SHUDDERING]
[SOMBER INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
[BOTH LAUGHING]
[CHANTING]
My children and grandchildren
are starving.
My people are starting to believe that
Freya has made the land infertile.
And that I am cursed.
So I think we should double
the number of sacrifices.
What is this?
Four failed harvests in a row.
You're a failed harvest.
Get away from me. You
should have been a farmer.
If you wish to sacrifice girls
from your own tribe,
then that's all the same to us.
Your tribe is much larger
and more powerful.
We've done our duty.
[MUTTERING AFFIRMATIVELY]
More than enough.
Why is there all this panic?
In the past few years, our tribes
have had a lot of prosperity.
What do you mean by that?
That it will be even worse
the next few years?
Freya gives and she takes.
Sometimes a wonderful harvest.
And sometimes a poor one.
She has her cycle.
And we cannot change that.
The spring tide
has emptied my tribe's food plate for the
coming years. Something has to be done.
That's easy for you to say, Odulf.
You don't have any daughters.
My own sister
was sacrificed.
But that didn't seem
to bother anyone.
That's how
it has always been.
That's how
our ancestors did it.
Traditie.
And that is how
your father did it too.
Don't tell me you are
seriously considering this.
I'm listening.
But you should
say something instead.
Does Redbad have
something to say as well?
If no one else will.
Apparently some people like to throw their
daughters into the fire to harvest more grain.
Maybe we can spend our energy
into building new terpen.
It is not really reassuring.
That my brother's heir does not believe
in the customs of his own people.
And one of those customs is that
anyone can say how they feel.
Shall we not discuss
our bloodline here, Eibert?
It's not about you.
And it's not about me.
It's about our people.
About the interest
of our nation.
I do not force my will
upon free people.
Everyone who wishes to participate
in the ritual is free to do so.
Out of free will.
I repeat:
Out of free will.
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
[BIRDS SCREECHING]
[MYSTICAL MUSIC PLAYING]
CHARLES: Arms up.
[GRUNTING]
Are you a Frank?
Hey.
You should all be working
a bit more,
instead of praying.
Redbad!
- What are you doing?
- Redbad, no.
- I love you.
- Yes.
You're the son of Aldigisl.
They will never let you
marry a girl like me.
Without titles,
without a name.
- I am going to take you away from here.
- And then?
What kind of future
can we have?
Do you want to run off
to an unknown land?
Your place is here.
And so is mine.
No.
I decide what I do
with my life.
- They cannot force you to do this.
- No one is forcing me.
- This is an honor for my family.
- Nonsense!
Redbad!
I'm sorry.
Eventually you would
have had to let her go.
Redbad, these are the
sacrifices we have to make.
Then let me go as well.
You are the daughter of a king. You will
make plenty of sacrifices for your people.
This is who we are.
- Who I want you to be.
- I don't want to be like this.
[CHANTING]
Mother of the sky
and the earth.
Of fire and water.
Of the springs and the trees.
Of the animals and the grain.
Mother of the ancestors.
and the children.
Mother, lead me.
Mother, feel me.
Mother, see me.
Mother, hear me!
Now!
Fate has decided!
[ALL CHEERING]
No.
No.
No!
No!
Hey!
You need to accept it.
What are you doing?
I ought to ask you
the same question.
I have to consider
my people, boy.
And you only have to consider that one
girl. She's your best friend's daughter.
This is not just about one girl.
You are my son.
And the son of Aldigisl cannot let
himself be led by self-interest.
But also not by fear.
You think I don't have
the courage.
You think I don't have
the courage to lead my people.
The people are afraid.
And if one more harvest fails,
people will die.
So I have to take
that fear into account.
And if you want to be their leader
you will have to do the same.
I believe in our own strength
and our love for each other.
That's the only thing
I'm sure exists.
We have
our customs to consider.
- Sometimes you have to change those customs.
- Oh yes?
You want to throw
everything away?
To throw everything away
which unites a people?
Its traditions,
its practices, its customs?
If you don't respect that, you
don't deserve to be a leader.
I don't want to be a leader of a people
which clings onto barbarian rituals
to ward off its own fears.
I've given you every chance to
become the leader you want to be.
Just like my father
did for me.
But when he died...
I would have given anything
to talk to him once more.
So he could tell me...
and make me understand how
lonely it is to wear that cloak.
This royal fibula.
Listen
to the advice
your father gives you.
Sometimes fathers
become old men.
Past their prime.
[CROWD CONTINUES
CLAPPING AND CHEERING]
[THUNDER RUMBLING]
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
[GRUNTS]
I will take the pain away.
[WOMAN SCREAMING]
[CROWD SCREAMING]
Fire!
Aldigisl! We have to get the
children out of the city.
Get all the children
out of the city!
[ALL SCREAMING]
Weapons!
Get the weapons!
Wall!
Wall!
Close the ranks!
Is this Woden's punishment?
It may be.
Is this the day we will all die?
It probably is.
But I do not fear death.
And neither do you.
Because I know one thing for certain.
This is our soil, and our water.
Our city and our land.
I am a free man.
We are free people.
And I will not die on my knees.
Because I have not lived that way.
But we will not be
led by our pride.
We will now retreat,
so we may attack again soon.
Sound the horn!
[HORN BLOWING]
Retreat.
No.
Stay.
Redbad.
Redbad!
Redbad!
[CROWD SCREAMING]
Back! Come on boys,
get out of here. Retreat!
The King is dead.
Dorestad is ours.
[SOMBER INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
[ALL SCREAMING]
They call it
a longhouse, Father.
A long house.
How does it go?
Just some small revolts,
no central leadership.
No leadership.
But you know how it is
with the barbarians.
You can take their land,
but we must break
their will.
Father, this is bishop Willibrord
and his pupil Bonifacius.
- Come!
- They have an authorization from the Pope.
Isn't it beautiful?
[WILLIBRORD LAUGHING]
That is a hopeful sign,
my Lord.
Yes,
something these barbarians
don't understand,
is obedience,
humility, the pillars
of our faith in Christ.
You'll teach them,
break them like a horse.
- My Lord.
- Hmm.
Yes.
And you.
Yes, my Lord?
You must be careful.
They are wild animals.
Chair, the throne from God.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
We've lost Dorestad.
And the Franks now
have complete access
to the Rhine, to our trade,
to our territories.
And whose fault is that?
Aldigisl was responsible.
He was in charge.
Under Aldigisl's leadership, the gods
have given us years of prosperity.
But he was betrayed.
By the Franks.
My brother was a great leader.
But Redbad...
What about him?
If he hadn't been so reckless
Aldigisl wouldn't have been killed.
And he rebelled against his own father.
He ignored his commands.
And why?
For a girl.
That is what you get, when you don't respect
your own traditions, your own culture...
They are talking
about you.
And now Woden has abandoned us.
You have the right
to defend yourself.
Perhaps Woden wants Redbad
to be our new king.
And you want
to go against it?
Let Fate decide.
Every chieftain has the right
to let Fate decide.
Eibert, what on earth are you doing?
He's your own nephew.
Nobody loves Redbad
more than I do.
But if he has brought
this evil upon us,
then it will haunt us
as long as he is among us.
[SIGHS]
You really have to go inside.
You have to defend yourself now.
Redbad, listen to him.
Do you want to be king?
Me? No.
Because we still choose
our kings here.
And no one here will choose a leader
with a limb and a cursed leg.
Back then I accepted the fact that
my younger brother became king.
And no one has served
him more loyally than I.
And now your son
may take Redbad's place.
That is not on my mind.
I respect our customs.
They are right.
It's my fault.
Come, son.
It is time.
[SOMBER INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
Choose your fate, Redbad.
Guilty.
Woden has spoken.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
[SEAGULLS SQUAWKING]
Is this really necessary?
You know what
this means for us, boy.
Father of the Sea.
Accept this sacrifice from us.
It is time.
No, no, no.
Let me go.
You have to let me go.
I will always love you.
Always, always.
Your ancestors
will watch over you.
Don't forget who you are.
He's going into the sea, now.
Let him go.
Let's go home.
[SOLEMN INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
No!
You are my son.
And the son of Aldigisl cannot
let himself be led
by self-interest.
I've given you every chance to
become the leader you want to be.
Just like my father did for me.
And if you don't respect that, you
don't deserve to be their leader.
...for God is great.
And God is good.
Do you not want to welcome
Jesus into your hearts?
He has come to this Earth
to save us.
It is all written here.
It is written.
- A book? A book, dickhead.
- A book!
What is it you want? Do you want
to burn in hell for all eternity?
Why?
On this rock...
I will build my church.
On this rock
I will build my church.
[ALL GASP]
Friezen, listen to what
the bishop has to say.
Or else.
Go.
Forward.
But we cannot spread the word
of Christ with violence.
I'm not here to bring peace.
I'm here to bring the sword.
Music, music!
John said:
For now, I baptize
with moderation.
But he who comes after me,
who is much better than I am,
who is stronger than I am,
he will baptize us
in the Holy Spirit with fire.
The might of the true God
is with us.
Who wants to be baptized?
Him!
Who else wants to be baptized?
Come, come here.
Come, come, come.
I baptize you in the name of the
Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
In the name of the Father,
the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Next. Come!
I baptize you in the name of the
Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
[SERENE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
He's still alive.
We'll take him with us.
MAN: I think he's a Saxon.
Maybe he's a Frisian.
Which tribe are you from?
Who is your father?
MAN: Clearly this man
was banished.
His own tribe
wanted him dead.
Huh?
- I say kill him, before he brings us bad luck.
- [ALL CHEER]
Kill him!
ALL: Kill him!
Kill him!
WIGLEK: We don't just kill
people without a good reason.
FREA: Then what do we do?
And can we trust him?
The God of sea left this man,
alive on the beach
and my daughter found him.
That's a sign.
I don't yet know
what it means
but I will take you
into my household.
That's my word.
Just follow me.
GUND: Go.
[CHANTING]
[MYSTICAL INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
With a new
Frisian leader in place,
maybe this was
a turning point.
God is on our side.
[LAUGHS]
It would be nice
if you believe that too.
Father.
Father, we need to take it to the
next step and continue north.
No.
[BREATHING HEAVILY]
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
[BOTH GRUNTING]
Where are you going?
Huh?
Why don't you ever say anything?
You're scared of us?
Come on.
No, no, no.
- [LAUGHING]
- Show us what you can do.
Come on, big guy.
Don't be shy.
- [TIBOLD CHUCKLING]
- Huh?
Come on.
[LAUGHING]
Speed the work up a bit.
You want to go hunting?
Let's go.
This man is coming with us.
Let's go hunting.
[SERENE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
I had a dream
last night.
Do you
even have dreams?
A man should think
about his dreams.
I dreamt
I saw a fish.
I saw the same fish in
real life, it was a whale.
Enormous beast. It was dying
under its own weight.
It was terrible to watch.
But the fish in my dream,
it didn't die.
He sucked up all the water
from the sea
and all the fish were just
floundering around on the seafloor
as long as you could see.
I think
that means something.
And I think it has
to do with you.
We found you alive
on the beach.
Have you ever wondered
why you are still alive?
Everything has
a reason,
silent one.
Think about that.
[ARROW WHIZZES]
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
No, the tail.
Oh, Frea. It's coming.
- [GROANS]
- FREA: It's time for new live.
Listen up!
I have a son.
[ALL CHEERING]
I have a son!
[CHANTING]
Everything in its right place.
[BABY WAILING]
Kendryck,
you're a father.
Everyone,
fill up the horns!
[ALL CHEERING]
Let's celebrate.
Next time it's you.
Oh, here comes.
Oh, my beautiful daughter.
Well done. Well.
[CHEERING CONTINUES]
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
MAN: Hey, over there.
[HORN BLOWING]
TIBOLD: Ready, everybody.
- Come on! Hurry up!
- Come along, faster!
MAN: Make room, make room.
Come on.
[ALL SCREAMING]
MAN: Make room, make room.
Come on.
[PANTS] The Sveads
are coming.
It's the Svear.
They would plunder
their own mothers house.
Woden give us strength.
[ALL CHEERING]
Get ready!
TIBOLD: Go! Go!
No, this is not your fight.
You stay here.
It will only bring
bad luck.
It's not your fight.
You will not fight for us.
Try and stop me.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
[ALL GRUNTING]
[GROANING]
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
[BOTH GRUNTING]
MAN: Come on.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC CONTINUES]
[BOTH GRUNTING]
WOMAN: Loading. Pull.
To the right. Come on.
MAN:
Hurry, hurry, hurry.
WOMAN 2: Hold it, hold it.
MAN: Fire.
Fire
- Go.
- Fire.
[GRUNTS]
[BOTH GRUNTING]
[YELLS]
You're welcome.
[ALL GRUNTING]
MAN: Retreat.
[BOTH PANTING]
[ECHOING] The dream I had,
all the fish were dead.
You, silent one,
you're the whale!
[ALL CHEERING]
- MAN 1: I killed more than him.
- MAN 2: No, you did not.
- I killed more than him.
- No, you did not.
MAN 1: Yes, I did.
MAN 2: I saw you.
My count was higher.
- MAN 1: Why?
- MAN 2: I am a better fighter than you are.
WIGLEK: Silent one,
I always thought your arrival
meant something, right?
Something important.
And I was right.
This man is now free.
[ALL CHEERING]
You can have
a piece of land.
You can even have a family.
[CHUCKLES] Well,
if anyone will have you.
[ALL LAUGHING]
- MAN 1: Who wants that ugly one?
- MAN 2: Yeah!
Oh yeah, we need to find
him a blind woman huh?
[ALL LAUGHING]
MAN 3: A blind woman!
You don't
have to say yes.
You don't even know
my name.
I see you.
This belongs to you.
You've had it
all the time.
Are you ready
for this?
WIGLEK:
You know I love you.
Will you have her?
Yes.
It's an honor.
My name is Frea
daughter of Wiglek.
My name is Redbad,
son of Aldigisl.
TIBOLD: Let's celebrate!
[ALL CHEERING]
Make her happy.
I will.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
[GASPS]
Pepijn?
- Pepijn?
- PEPIJN: The church.
My church.
What's going on?
Godless heathen.
Godless heathen!
My church.
He will punish!
He will punish!
[SCREAMING AND SHOUTING]
[SOMBER INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
Build another church, have it
ready by the time I return.
We'll have them
do that.
And this time
made of stone.
Yes, Father.
Sit down, Drogo.
EIBERT: Do exactly
as we've agreed.
JURRE: My Lord.
Perhaps you can tell me
what terrible crimes
that I have committed that
you would do this to me?
A house of God.
Our people,
are being exploited
and abused.
Is it so strange
that they're revolting?
I gave you the freedom
to govern your own areas
and collect part
of my taxes.
Our people don't even
understand what taxes are.
Let alone that they
can pay such amounts.
It's ridiculous.
Your son
should guard his tongue.
We keep our promises.
PEPIJN:
Keep your promises.
I can't counsel
a compromise
with people who resist
the true faith,
who allow my churches
to be set on fire.
It's time you made
a good example.
How?
You will see.
You will see.
[THUNDER RUMBLING]
I come on behalf of
King Pepijn of Herstal.
And I have a proposal
to return peace
to our peoples.
The daughter of Aldigisl
lives here.
But, is she still a virgin?
[SOMBER INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
- GEBBE: We cannot give her away, can we?
- EIBERT: Why not?
EIBERT: This is a symbol of friendship
from the Franks. We really need them.
GEBBE: And have Sinde
baptized against her will?
EIBERT: She makes
this sacrifice for the gods.
ODULF:
We don't have a choice.
Or do you want to start a war against
the most powerful army in the world?
- Redbad should have made this decision, not us.
- EIBERT: Redbad is dead.
Come on, boy.
Accept this proposal.
This is the moment to show
that you're a decisive leader.
[THUNDER RUMBLING]
[RAIN PATTERING]
FREA: Sea. Sea. Good?
Stone. Stone?
Ow!
[CHUCKLES]
- Fot.
- What?
Voot?
Foot.
Foot.
You.
No. You?
I.
We.
[WIND BLOWS]
[BELL DINGING]
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
MESSENGER: I have news
from Frisian territory.
The Frisian made a truce
with the Franks
by marrying off the daughter
of king Aldigisl.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
[SIGHS]
REDBAD: It's not about you.
And it's not about me.
[BREATHING HEAVILY]
SINDE: Where have you been
all this time?
[WHISPERS]
What have they done to you?
[ECHOING]
Get me out of here.
I want to go home.
- [ALDIGISL SCREAMS] Redbad!
- [GASPS]
I cannot allow this
to happen.
FREA: It's
Frankish territory now.
It's teaming with
soldiers down there.
REDBAD: They won't
recognize me.
You're not exactly
hard to recognize.
She's my sister.
Mmm.
I cannot allow them
to simply hand her over.
You really want to rescue
her from the Franks?
I don't know,
I don't have a plan.
But I must try
something.
Then we go together.
Hmm.
[BABY CRYING]
Hey baby.
[SOMBER INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
It's time to say goodbye.
[CHUCKLES] Yeah.
I love you.
I love you.
[KISSES]
Oh God,
I'm gonna miss you.
WIGLEK: Take good care of her.
Give her a home
like we have a home right here.
We will come back.
Please follow your heart.
Go!
[MAN SCREAMING IN DISTANCE]
CHARLES: Welcome.
[HORSE WHINNIES]
My grace.
[SOMBER INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
It's a great pleasure.
Oh, your room
is upstairs.
[DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES]
MAN: Left, right, left, right.
Left, right.
MAN: Come on, Come on.
Don't resist, don't resist.
We better get you.
Come on.
[GRUNTS]
...de Vader,
de Zoon en de Heilige Geest.
[PEOPLE SCREAMING]
[WOMAN SCREAMING]
[WOMAN SOBBING INDISTINCTLY]
[SOMBER INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
CONTINUES]
[WAVES SPLASHING]
PEPIJN: Is this the bride?
Let me see.
We are accepting you
into our family
like a daughter.
My daughter.
You will sit
at our dining table
you will warm yourself
by our hearth
and you will sleep
in our bed.
You have no choice.
[SWORDS HISSES]
You should realize,
I don't extend a hand twice.
I'm not afraid to die.
Hmm.
You do this in the name
of that God of yours?
Yes or no?
[WOMAN BREATHING HEAVILY]
Yes.
[WOMAN SOBBING]
[GASPS]
No, no.
[SIGHS]
[SINDE SOBBING]
That was unnecessary.
[GASPS]
[SIGHS]
[CHUCKLES]
[SOMBER INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
You can't tell anyone.
[WHISPERS] It's between you
and I.
[HORSES TROTTING]
REDBAD: Wait here.
I'll be back soon.
[WILLIBRORD CHANTING]
[OPERATIC INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
God, give me the power.
On your knees.
Come on.
Kiss it.
Kiss it!
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
Relax, relax...
[MOANING]
[GRUNTS]
[PANTING]
[NECK CRACKING]
[OPERATIC INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
CONTINUES]
Do you forsake
the devil and all his works?
Yes or no?
Yes?
Or no?
[SINDE GASPS]
- [GASPS]
- Huh?
[OPERATIC INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
CONTINUES]
Sinde.
[GASPING]
CHARLES: Who are you?
Capture him. You.
- [SWORDS HISS]
- [GROANS]
[GROWLING]
WILLIBRORD:
Say the Almighty Father.
I believe in God,
[MAN SCREAMING INDISTINCTLY]
and his son, Jesus Christ.
Do you forsake
the heathen gods?
Woden, Donar, Freya...
Yes?
The Almighty Father.
Yes.
And Jesus Christ, his son.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
[GRUNTS]
[SINDE GASPS]
[SCREAMS]
[SWORDS CLASHING]
You have been baptized.
Well done, girl.
[GRUNTING]
Come, come, come.
[LAUGHING]
[BOTH GRUNTING]
[OPERATIC INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
[MEN SCREAMING]
[PANTING]
[GRUNTS]
- Do you trust me?
- Why?
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
This is a good step, girl.
You will see.
You will see.
- MAN: Now.
- [FREA GASPS]
[GRUNTS]
[ARROWS WHIZZING]
I must know
who's responsible for this.
FREA: What do you mean?
Redbad?
[GRUNTS]
I've told you.
No one between you and me.
[HORSE WHINNIES]
PEPIJN: Who is this new ruler?
CHARLES:
There are some rumors, Father.
Rumors?
What rumors?
Aldigisl's son.
Redbad.
But Redbad...
Redbad is dead.
CHARLES: Fairy tales.
Nothing important.
Maybe we should have
never taken Dorestad.
Shouldn't have taken
Dorestad?
Sometimes you think an
idea is inspired by God
but it's your pride,
your ambition speaking.
We will wait here,
until after winter
and I will make a decision.
No, Father.
We have to act now,
and we have to act fast.
And then the whole area up to
the sea is for the taking.
We need to call
for extra troops. Now.
- No. No!
- Father.
You spend time
with your new wife.
A happy woman
bares more children.
[THUNDER RUMBLING]
[RAIN PATTERING]
[HORSE WHINNIES]
[SOFT OPERATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
GEBBE: Redbad?
Redbad, is that you?
REDBAD: Gebbe.
I...
Where have you been?
This is my wife, Frea.
And this is my son,
Poppo.
Welcome, beauty.
It's really you.
You're back.
Hey boys, bugger off.
Get away.
They think
you've returned from Valhalla.
[LAUGHS SOFTLY]
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
Fenne.
Hey.
This is Frea,
daughter of Wiglek.
And my son,
Poppo.
[BABY CRYING]
You have a son.
Yes.
Welcome to our people,
Frea.
This is my husband,
Wulf, son of Ragnak.
We have prayed
for you.
JURRE: Redbad.
Look at you.
[LAUGHS]
EIBERT: I would like to know
why Redbad is here.
If I recall correctly,
he was exiled.
Exiled?
I thought I was sacrificed.
Then why has he
not died?
[PEOPLE LAUGHING]
Perhaps Uncle Eibert fears that I
want to take back my father's land.
Upon which he now lives.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
JURRE: Redbad.
Stand up.
This belongs to you.
I welcome Redbad.
[PEOPLE CHEERING]
And now?
Now you intend to stay.
I don't know.
JURRE: You cannot leave.
You have only just arrived.
You have married off my sister.
And you let them baptize her.
- EIBERT: We had good reasons.
- Oh yes?
Yes.
A free person cannot be
baptized against her will.
Especially not
the daughter of Aldigisl.
Your brother.
REDBAD: Everywhere I come,
I see scared people.
Dorestad was once
a free city.
Where everyone could go
and do as they pleased.
Where everyone could act freely,
regardless of where they came from.
And now?
You have already brought ill fortune upon
us once. Why would we listen to you now?
Father!
You let yourself be led by fear.
What has happened
to you all?
This all feels
very familiar, but,
at the same time it's as if I don't
recognize these people anymore.
- You know, Fenne and I...
- You don't have to say anything.
I trust you.
[SIGHS]
Why do you let your own kin
treat you like this?
You are your father's
rightful heir.
You look hurt every time
you hear his name.
Why?
[BELLS CHIMING]
[THUNDER RUMBLING]
PEPIJN: When I'm no longer here,
I want you to help him.
Can I trust you?
Of course, Father.
I know your pride.
I know your anger.
But he...
He is the successor
to the throne.
And you,
you, you are the son
of a kitchen maid.
Go ahead, drink.
And get the rest you so long for.
That's right.
That's right, Father.
Oh, good.
[CHOKING]
Father wants the fourth army
moved to Dorestad.
You, what have you done?
CHARLES: I would hurry
if I were you.
- [PEPIJN MOANS]
- Go.
Help me.
I need a doctor!
Help me.
What have you done?
[PEPIJN GASPING]
I may not believe
in heaven,
but I know there's a hell,
and you will rot in it.
I'll kill you!
No! No!
Do you still remember?
This is the North Star.
This is us.
This is the Moon.
REDBAD:
Planets move in fixed patterns.
That's what you've taught me.
You can calculate
when the days become longer
and when the Moon
makes the tide strongest.
Your father's time had come.
His death was not your fault.
Great changes are coming.
Your father didn't fit
into the New World.
And you...
You will have to adapt
- to pave the way for future generations.
- No.
Jurre is king now.
So you are no longer necessary?
Everything is as it should be?
Why did you come back?
[OPERATIC INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
[SOMBER INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
[GASPING]
May Jesus Christ,
through this holy anointment
have...
- Ah...
- [GASPS]
Ah, yes.
[GASPS]
Yes. Yes.
Him.
WILLIBRORD: Him? Him?
PEPIJN: Him!
- Him!
- Him. Him.
- [CHOKING]
- May Jesus...
[SOMBER INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
CONTINUES]
[WOMAN SOBBING]
Drogo?
Let him go.
I am the mother
of the crown prince,
and therefore,
the regent of the empire.
Sit down, Drogo.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
Come on, boy.
Come here.
Where are you taking him?
Drogo?
Drogo?
[SCREAMS] Drogo?
[SOMBER INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
CHARLES: Come hear it.
A cart drove along
an old road...
- No, it's a sandy road.
- Oh, I am sorry.
A cart drove along
a sandy road...
Wait, wait, wait,
this way I can hear you better.
Like this.
[WIND BLOWING]
This is high.
But you're not afraid, right?
Yeah.
Okay, I'll hold your hand.
A cart drove along
a sandy road
The moon shone bright
the road was wide
A horse walked happily
I'll bet it'll...
[SCREAMS]
...asleep
[SOMBER INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
[SIGHS IN RELIEF]
[EXHALES]
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
[GRUNTS]
Swords up.
Shields down.
[OPERATIC INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC]
[PEOPLE SCREAMING]
[HORSE WHINNIES]
[THUNDER RUMBLING]
They are coming.
- How near are they?
- We don't know. We need Redbad.
She is right. We cannot
do this without Redbad.
Go get Redbad, now.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
Why have you come?
I was summoned by the King.
- That means you have to listen to what I say.
- You know me, don't you?
Let's go!
[ALL ROARING]
JURRE:
Wulf, Redbad, south side.
The rest of you come with me,
from the north.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC CONTINUES]
[HORSE WHINNIES]
[GRUNTS]
[HORSE WHINNIES IN DISTANCE]
Let's go back.
- [HORSE WHINNIES]
- [GRUNTING]
[ALL SCREAMING]
GENERAL: Formation!
Turn!
[ALL ROARING]
Hold!
Turn!
Shield!
Wall!
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
[INDISTINCT SHOUTING]
This is madness.
We must retreat.
[INDISTINCT CHANTING]
Where is General Focard?
I don't know, my Lord,
he was just here.
[HORSE WHINNIES]
[DRAMATIC MUSIC CONTINUES]
[ALL SCREAMING]
REDBAD: Looking for this?
Damn him.
[INDISTINCT SHOUTING]
[WHINNYING]
Come, come, come.
Come on.
Get that man.
The cavalry sir,
we should stay together.
Wait for my signal!
[CHEERING]
Send the cavalry now.
Cavalry in pursuit!
GENERAL THIERRY:
Go! Hurry up!
Move!
[HORSE WHINNIES]
Engage!
ALL: Muur! Vuur!
Archers!
[SWORDS CLASHING]
JURRE: Wall!
Fire!
[ARROWS WHIZZING]
For Woden!
[ALL ROARING]
[SWORDS CLASHING]
[DRAMATIC MUSIC CONTINUES]
[GRUNTING]
[GRUNTS]
[GRUNTS]
[WAVES SPLASHING]
[HORSE SNORTING]
[ALL SCREAMING]
It's high tide.
[HORSE NEIGHS]
Easy. Easy.
[WHINNYING]
[GRUNTING]
[GROANS]
GEBBE: Jurre! Jurre!
This isn't working.
We're being pushed back.
There are too many of them.
[GROANS]
GEBBE: Odulf, protect Jurre!
- We must retreat.
- I won't surrender.
- Let me go.
- We don't stand a chance.
[SWORDS CLASHING]
[GRUNTING]
Listen, boy.
We must regroup.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC CONTINUES]
[PEOPLE ROARING]
[HEROIC INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
Where are my men?
What are you doing?
We must push on.
[REDBAD ROARS]
[GRUNTS]
Wall! Wall! Wall!
[ROARING]
Now!
[HEROIC INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
[PEOPLE SCREAMING]
Charge! Now!
[SWORDS CLASHING]
[BOTH GRUNTING]
[GRUNTS]
[ROARS]
[GRUNTS]
[SWORD THWACKS]
[TRIUMPHANT INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
[GRUNTING]
We should retreat, my Lord.
[EFFORT GRUNT]
REDBAD: We have the upper hand!
[ROARING]
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
[ALL CHEERING]
Redbad!
[ALL CHANTING] Redbad! Redbad!
Redbad! Redbad!
Redbad! Redbad!
Redbad! Redbad!
Redbad! Redbad!
Redbad! Redbad!
Redbad! Redbad!
Redbad! Redbad!
[CHANTING CONTINUES]
A time will come when you have
to show who's the leader.
[INAUDIBLE]
CHARLES: We seem to have
a common problem.
This Redbad.
We have him
under control.
Redbad is rallying
troops everywhere.
They won't do anything
without my son's orders.
But does your son
take orders himself?
Of course.
[BREATHES DEEPLY]
Really?
I want Redbad eliminated,
and then
I can return home.
But... But who would
govern Dorestad?
I'll gladly leave that
to a loyal, deputy.
[CHANTING]
[CHANTING]
- I...
- You don't have to say anything.
[HORSE WHINNIES]
[COOING]
REDBAD: Now they're clinging
on to their gods even more.
FREA:
Now more than ever.
Oh, you understand them?
They just keep on believing.
What good
does it do?
FREA: Something to
hold on to, Redbad.
Something to
hold on to.
That Jesus of yours
is not much better.
- Oh?
- All those massacres in his name.
It's not Jesus
who does that.
What do you think these people will do
when they find out that I'm a Christian?
Perhaps we should
return to your family.
And abandon your people?
IDWINA: What does
your heart say?
Fear.
- For what?
- For what others see in me.
FREA: You've just
said it yourself.
These people
deserve better.
A better leader.
How can I
lead these people
when I don't even know
what I believe in?
You believe
the gods do nothing.
But they have
sent you, Redbad.
I don't believe
in that nonsense.
True leaders
take power.
By force.
REDBAD: Frea says
you should always...
Frea knows what
she believes in.
Yes. In the God
of the Christians.
No, in you.
Frea believes in you.
Why are you not
doing that to yourself?
Or do you believe that
Jurre will save this people?
Come on, Redbad. It is not
about rituals or customs.
Or about cloaks or fibulas.
It is about what's in here.
Your love
for Frea and Poppo.
For your father.
For your country.
That is what
gives you strength.
And that is what
people see in you.
You keep coming here
with questions.
But you already know
the answers.
You just have to
want to hear them.
[BIRDS SQUAWKING]
- I don't have much time.
- I'm not here for that.
You want me to baptize
your son, don't you?
My husband
is not a Christian.
My husband is Redbad.
Redbad?
Then it is especially important that
I baptize him as soon as possible.
You cannot force people
to become Christians.
Jesus says you should
love your enemies.
Without reluctance
or compulsion.
For God loves
a cheerful giver.
If the people would only
engage in conversation with us
they would start to see that we
Christians even treat our enemies...
The way you're doing it now
will only provoke more war.
Is that
what you want?
Not me.
But to convince
Willibrord that...
Talk to him.
Talk to him, and let
him convince Charles.
Otherwise,
it will be a massacre.
Do you want that
on your conscience?
All right.
I will try my best.
[THUNDER RUMBLES]
[ALL PRAYING INDISTINCTLY]
[WIND HOWLING]
We must continue.
We must push on now.
Should we attack?
At least that way
we'll gain the initiative.
We don't have a choice.
We must free Dorestad.
You want to attack the most powerful
army in the world, and defeat it.
Yes.
We'll do it together.
FREA:
I've spoken to a priest.
I've asked you
not to intervene.
I can get
through to him.
Priests have blood on their hands.
They cannot be trusted.
Is that really
what you want?
To solve everything
with the sword?
The sword
does not lie.
That's the only thing
I believe in.
Then you're exactly what they name you.
A barbarian.
But that's not
who you are.
KENDRYCK: Redbad.
REDBAD: How is Frea?
Is she manageable?
KENDRYCK: You know her.
REDBAD:
Is she afraid of dying?
What is your plan?
How many ships can you bring to
Dorestad before the next full moon?
Enough.
Why by
the next full moon?
[LAUGHING]
KENDRYCK: Leave some Franks
for us.
Yeah.
- It will be all right.
- I know.
I wish I could find the words
to keep you here, Father.
I wish I could find the words to
convince you to come with me.
Father...
There have to be other
ways to convert them.
Those barbarians
only speak one language.
And yet, they are people.
Just like you and me.
If you would only
talk to them.
WILLIBRORD:
You are a good boy.
But if you can only see
the good in people
then you will often be
so disappointed in the end.
My son.
[PEOPLE YELLING]
WOMAN: Stop it!
No, not our sacred oak!
[CROWD YELLING]
Stop!
Stop!
Music!
[MEN SINGING HYMN]
If this thing,
this tree,
if it is so sacred,
then why does Donar
not hurl a thunderbolt
from the sky to kill me?
Why, huh?
Why? Why?
Come on. Donar!
Come on!
Come on, here I am!
See?
Nothing at all.
Nothing...
Superstition.
Nothing but superstition.
You don't have to
sacrifice people.
Jesus...
Jesus has sacrificed himself.
For all of us!
A platoon of Franks is
cutting down the sacred oak.
They have Christian priests
with them.
Wulf. You stay here
with the troops.
Tomorrow you'll lead
them to Dorestad.
With or without me.
Gebbe.
Come.
REDBAD: Come.
Stop!
Stop this madness!
- Stay back!
- Stop this madness!
[GRUNTS]
Come on, come on!
[CROWD EXCLAIMING]
[SCREAMING]
No!
They cannot
destroy our world.
They cannot
destroy our world.
You know who you are.
[REDBAD SOBBING]
SOLDIER: Forward!
[TROOPS MARCHING]
Attention!
EIBERT: I know who's
to blame for this.
Redbad's wife.
She is a Christian.
That is ridiculous.
I have seen her
conspire with the priests.
She was praying in
one of their churches.
GEBBE: Redbad, tell them
that this is nonsense.
She has nothing
to do with it.
EIBERT: She is to
blame for all of it.
So she's a Christian?
It's not about
what you believe.
It's about
what you do with it.
GENERAL THIERRY: Give us Redbad
and his wife,
and we will leave you alone.
FREA: Fenne.
It's no use.
Let's leave in peace.
We won't hurt you.
GENERAL THIERRY:
Take the three of them.
And take down
that Pagan tree.
[LOUD RUMBLING]
He does bring luck,
that God of yours.
It's not about luck.
Or about God making
life easier for people.
Then what good
does it do?
Jesus said you should
love your enemies.
He must've been crazy.
Jesus knew he had been
betrayed to the Romans.
And yet he let himself be
captured, and be killed.
Why?
He wanted to show his
friends that he loved them.
You still love him.
I could never have
given him a child.
Perhaps it just
had to be this way.
[CRYING]
JURRE: You have betrayed Redbad.
- Oh, yes, have I?
- You have betrayed me!
I have saved our people
from a huge defeat.
A defeat?
Everyone is ready.
The Danes are
just off the coast.
Let them stay there.
Father...
We can still
catch up to them.
Do you want
to free Redbad?
Is that what
you really want?
We arrange this
with Charles Martel.
For the first time we are powerful
enough to defeat the Franks.
Are we?
And who will
lead that attack?
[THUNDER CRASHING]
Go, then.
Go to them. And tell them
we're going to play soldiers.
Because you feel
you must prove yourself.
Make one mistake, and
they'll torture you alive.
You don't
stand a chance.
Not even if you were a hundred
times better than Redbad.
You just never considered
that I could be a good leader.
That I would be able to
lead our people to victory.
That I could be like...
Why are you
not supporting me?
[SNIFFLING]
[DOOR OPENS]
Tell the Danes
we no longer need them.
[DOOR SHUTS]
EIBERT: We're going to Utrecht.
To negotiate with Charles Martel.
[THUNDER CONTINUES RUMBLING]
[MAN SHOUTING INDISTINCTLY]
Halt.
FREA: No, no.
REDBAD:
No, don't touch him.
- Give him to me!
- REDBAD: No! No!
Stop!
Please! Please!
Stop!
Give him to me!
FREA: No!
Poppo!
[BABY CRYING]
[DOOR CLANGS]
[BABY CONTINUES CRYING]
FREA: Redbad?
Redbad?
[WAILING]
How cozy.
A family reunion.
[DOOR CLANGS]
[BABY'S CRIES ECHOING]
FREA: Redbad!
[BABY CONTINUES CRYING
IN DISTANCE]
I wanted to get a closer look at
the man who everybody talks about.
The great Redbad.
We have to give the people
what the people want.
Nice fairy tales
about heroes,
and dark fairy tales
about God.
Hmm.
Our fathers believe that,
while we don't,
so let's keep that a secret.
For us,
it doesn't matter
what's up there,
because around here,
we rule,
and we do as we please.
Maybe we do.
Or maybe our fathers understood
something we still have yet to learn.
But that's the problem,
isn't it?
You're too smart
to really believe that.
So...
just play along,
and I'll let you live.
Oppose me
and I'll kill you
and your cute little family.
Understood?
[DOOR CREAKS OPEN]
[DOOR SLAMS SHUT]
[MUTTERING PRAYERS INDISTINCTLY]
Redbad,
do you forsake the devil
and all his works?
Do you forsake
the Pagan gods,
Woden, Donar,
Freya...
Yes or no?
Huh?
Yes.
[LAUGHS]
Then step into the water,
and I shall baptize you in
the name of the Holy Spirit.
[WATER SPLASHING]
On your knees.
On your knees.
Do you believe
in the one true God?
The Almighty Father,
and his son,
Jesus Christ,
and the Holy Spirit?
Yes or no?
Do you believe
in that one true God?
In the Almighty Father,
and his Son?
ALDIGISL: Throw away everything
that unites our people?
Our traditions,
our practices, our customs?
WILLIBRORD: Yes or no?
Yes?
Or no?
Huh?
[PANTING]
Do you believe
in that one true God?
The Almighty father...
ALDIGISL: I've given you every opportunity
to be the leader you want to be.
...and in the Holy Spirit?
Yes or no?
ALDIGISL:
Redbad, it's not about you,
and it's not about me.
It's about our people, and
the interest of our nation.
Now stand up, Redbad.
Rise.
Yes or no?
Will I go to heaven then?
Just answer my question.
You want to baptize me,
so then will I go to heaven?
Every good Christian
will go to heaven.
- Do you believe in...
- And my ancestors?
What about
your ancestors?
Will I see them in heaven if I'm baptized?
My own father?
Your father
was not baptized.
But I will see him
in heaven, right?
WILLIBRORD: He was not
a Christian.
But he was a good person.
A brave man, who gave his
life for his people.
He was a heathen!
He was a heathen!
And heathens do not go to heaven.
They cannot. It's impossible.
And Sietse, son of Boed?
Hille, son of Reider?
Maike, daughter of Taeke?
Your fathers, your sons,
your daughters, all
honorable men and women,
who died for their people.
Is there a place for them
in Christianity?
You can
pray for their souls.
REDBAD: Yes or no?
[CROWD GASPING]
No.
- Yes or no?
- No, of course not.
Why would I convert
to such a religion, then?
Why don't you grab him.
so thought I could
break his will
and get him baptized.
Our fathers may not have been
gods, but they were our fathers.
Yes!
And I would rather be
in hell with my friends,
than in Heaven
with my enemies.
Yes!
Redbad!
Come with me now.
We're leaving for Dorestad.
Attack!
For Redbad!
Jurre! Jurre!
Let's go!
EIBERT: Jurre!
- Let's go!
- No!
[INDISTINCT SHOUTING]
[GROANING]
[LAUGHING]
We should've done this
a long time ago.
[GRUNTS IN PAIN]
No.
No.
This truly belongs
to you.
Hey.
It belongs to us.
[LAUGHS WRYLY]
[SOBBING]
Redbad. Redbad.
He got away to Dorestad.
- It's a trap.
- Of course, it's a trap.
Did you do what
I've asked you to do?
Everything's ready.
Redbad.
They have Poppo.
REDBAD: It's time.
[THUNDER RUMBLING]
Pater noster...
WILLIBRORD:
May the Lord be with you.
Amen.
Don't you want to wait
for the light?
REDBAD:
Is everyone ready?
What now?
REDBAD: We wait
just a little while longer.
FENNE: He knows
what he's doing.
Usually.
GENERAL THIERRY: Torches.
Fire up.
GEBBE: Redbad, we don't stand
a chance without the Danes.
We have little choice.
GEBBE:
What do you want to do?
- Straw?
- Everything's ready.
[LOUD GROANING]
[HORSES WHINNYING]
WILLIBRORD:
A sign from God!
WULF:
Redbad, what's happening?
CHARLES: Stay in line.
On the formation.
- GEBBE: It's an ill omen.
- Yes, but for whom?
Oh, God...
[WHIMPERING]
It's the fifth full moon
of the year.
You knew this was
going to happen.
Idwina.
Warriors!
Is this a sign?
Perhaps.
Is it an ill omen?
It might be.
Are we going to die today?
Probably.
But I know
one thing for certain.
We won't let anyone tell us
how to live our lives,
or what we should believe.
No king,
no priest,
not even the Sun
or the Moon.
Because this is the land of
free people, who bow to no one.
This is the land
of our ancestors.
Of the people we love.
That's what unites us. And no
one can take that from us.
[PEOPLE SHOUTING]
So if you
want to live freely,
or die freely,
then follow me!
[ALL YELLING]
SOLDIER: Redbad!
CHARLES: Formation.
Break your line.
[ALL YELLING]
Formation.
Stay in line.
Stay!
Get ready.
[ALL YELLING]
Open the gate.
Well, General,
let's start it.
Yes, my Lord.
[ARROWS WHIZZING]
Psst!
[ARROWS WHIZZING]
[MEN YELLING]
Who's that?
I think they're attacking,
my Lord.
Order the front lines
to attack.
Front lines, attack!
[ALL YELLING]
[INDISTINCT SHOUTING]
Redbad!
You're late.
Chase the pigs into
the city now.
GENERAL THIERRY: Are you sure,
my Lord?
Pig fat burns for hours.
That will clean things up.
[PIGS GRUNTING]
[PIGS SQUEALING]
Redbad! Dorestad.
[PIGS CONTINUE SQUEALING]
Open the gate!
Get in.
Redbad, they have Poppo.
Frea, Frea.
Poppo.
It's all right.
No! No!
Oh, no.
[BOTH STRAINING]
[GROANING]
General, aim for the child.
[YELLING]
Is this still about
your father?
Those are the laws of war.
You fool!
Soldier!
A horse! A horse!
We could have
ruled the world.
No!
[INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC]
[GASPING IN PAIN]
REDBAD: Fenne.
You're so brave.
[SOBBING]
You're so brave.
Fenne.
[BLOWING TRUMPET]
What have we done?
Son, God is good,
and...
We have to get of here,
come on.
Come on, come on.
[SHUDDERING]
[SOMBER INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]