It’s one of those films that gets lost in the shuffle among the more promoted movies and cannot find audiences. The gripping action drama The Salvation however, now on DVD has a powerful story, top notch acting, very good directing and amazing cinematography. Yes it’s a western and most think of the spaghetti westerns of old that crowded theaters and television sets for years. However, if you did not see last year’s The Homesman you missed a dynamite movie, but pick-up The Salvation so you won’t make the same mistake.
It’s the 1870’s in the American west and many foreign settlers have established homes and raise livestock. Brothers Jon (Mads Mikkelsen) and Peter Jensen (Mikael Persbrandt) have emigrated from Scandinavia and built a house and farm over the past seven years and are ready to bring family to their bought land. Located on the far outskirts of Black Creek, a small growing town that’s struggling, the homestead is self-supporting. On this day as the film begins Jon waits at the train station for his wife and child who have finally come to be with him. It’s a heartfelt union for Jon to see his young son has grown and how much he has missed his wife Marie (Nanna Oland Fabricius).
The three enter a waiting stagecoach with an older couple that will take them to the farm. About to leave the station, two men, Paul Delarue (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) and a hired hand Lester (Sean Cameron Michael) fling open the door and tell the couple that they have to get out. The coach with two very dangerous looking men and the Jensen family leave the depot. So begins a story of violence, murder, revenge and retribution.
Director Kristian Levring (Fear Me Not) wastes no time establishing the central characters and getting the meat of action drama. And, his characters unlike many ordinary westerns are interesting, realistic and captivating. He gives his players the perfect location, sets and costumes for the era and then turns his cameras on them so they can deliver this convincing gut-wrenching film.
The veteran cast lead by Mads Mikkelsen (The Hunt, and TV’s “Hannibal”) takes on the role of Jon Jensen and develops his character’s arc from loving husband to fierce avenger. Levring nurtures the role with a ruthless story that’s disturbing, heart rending and faced with impossible odds. It’s a startling protagonist that involves a lot of change and a great deal of tenacity, perfect for Mikkelsen and a huge plus for the film.
In support Jeffery Dean Morgan (Red Dawn, TV’s “Grey’s Anatomy) plays Henry Delarue, father of Paul who initiates the dastardly crime at the center of the story. A rancher who terrorizes the town with fear using his violent henchmen, Delarue has no patience nor tolerance for anyone interfering with his family members. Morgan not only brings ferocity to Delarue, but cunning vengefulness that keeps Jensen at bay during their turbulent clash.
Taking on the role of Madaline, Eva Green (300: Rise of an Empire) turns up the heat as a woman scorned and hell bent on getting revenge. She’s the wife of Paul Delarue and her existence depended on his return from jail where he was serving a sentence for murder. It’s a potent role that figures into the storyline as a grieving widow whose out for blood, but conflicted as to where it will take her.
The DVD does have some Bonus features that are interesting and good teaching aids for budding filmmakers.
“Interviews” 45 minutes of interviews with Mads Mikkelsen, Eva Green, Jeffery Dean Morgan, Nanna Oh Land, and writer Anders Thomas Jensen
“Behind the Scenes” features Micharel Raymond James, Mikael Persbrandt, gun wrangler Olly Steele, stunts, horse riding, VFX and more.
The Salvation has been rated R by the MPAA for violence throughout. The violence includes vicious attacks, sexual assault and torture.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A gripping action drama supported by very good direction, production values and acting. (B)
Specifications and additional video information:
Cast: Mads Mikkelsen, Eva Green, Nanna Oland Fabricius, Michael Raymond-James, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Jonathan Pryce, Mikael Persbrandt
Director and writer: Kristian Levring
MPAA Rating: R for violence throughout
Genre: Drama, Western
Running Time: 1 hr. 32 min.
Original Theatrical Release Date: February 27, 2015
Video Release Date: August 4, 2015
Language: Danish and English, with English Subtitles
Reviewed Format: DVD
Audio: Dolby 5.1
Video: Enhanced widescreen for TV
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish
Number of Discs: 1 Disc
Distributed by: IFC Films
Honors: Official Selection for Cannes Film Festival
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
