To watch the classic silent movies is a little more demanding than watching a "talkie". However, that said, it doesn't mean that you still can't enjoy them. First, and most importantly, Terje Vigen got a story that works, even today (actually I am little surprised that no one has tried to make a modern remake). Based on a poem by Henrik Ibsen, it is a tale set in the Napoleonic Wars. A sailor leaves the sea when his wife gives birth to a daughter. But war brakes out and British warships patrol and blockade the Norwegian coast and ports. Starvation follows. Terje sets out on an epic journey, rowing to Denmark, to get grain for his family. But, when he is close to home he is caught by the British and his boat (with the grain) sunk. Terje is thrown in prison, never to see his family again.
After the war, he returns, but there is no one left for him. He settles on the outermost islands. One day, a yacht is in trouble nearby and Terje sets out to rescue them, only to find that the yacht's captain is the same officer that sank his boat with the grain all those years ago (and practically sentenced Terje's family to death).
The story got all the components a movie needs. Adventure and suspense. Actually some good action (the scene when the British chase Terje is very good - years before it's time and impressive from a directorial and cinematographic point of view). Emotional highs and lows with an edge of irony and revenge thrown in. And some good acting. It is not uncommon that silent actors overact quite a bit to get the message through the screen, but not here. Victor Sjöström, both the director and lead actor, keeps the acting on an acceptable and therefore plausible level. And the movie is not too long, running about 45 minutes (as stated above, I can't relax as much when watching a silent movie)
So, well worth watching, both from a technological/cinematographic perspective, but also just because it is a good story.
After the war, he returns, but there is no one left for him. He settles on the outermost islands. One day, a yacht is in trouble nearby and Terje sets out to rescue them, only to find that the yacht's captain is the same officer that sank his boat with the grain all those years ago (and practically sentenced Terje's family to death).
The story got all the components a movie needs. Adventure and suspense. Actually some good action (the scene when the British chase Terje is very good - years before it's time and impressive from a directorial and cinematographic point of view). Emotional highs and lows with an edge of irony and revenge thrown in. And some good acting. It is not uncommon that silent actors overact quite a bit to get the message through the screen, but not here. Victor Sjöström, both the director and lead actor, keeps the acting on an acceptable and therefore plausible level. And the movie is not too long, running about 45 minutes (as stated above, I can't relax as much when watching a silent movie)
So, well worth watching, both from a technological/cinematographic perspective, but also just because it is a good story.