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Asterix and the Vikings (2006)

A Cinematic Adventure of Courage and Comedy

asterix and the viking - film - french cover

Asterix and the Vikings (released in French as Astérix et les Vikings) is a 2006 Danish-French animated adventure film that brings the beloved world of Asterix to life. Directed by Stefan Fjeldmark and Jesper Møller, and written by Fjeldmark and Jean-Luc Goossens, the movie is a loose adaptation of the comic album Asterix and the Normans by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo. The plot centers on Asterix and Obelix as they try to train Chief Vitalstatistix’s nephew, Justforkix, only to end up rescuing him from a tribe of Vikings who mistakenly believe him to be the mythical “Champion of Fear.”

Synopsis

A tribe of Vikings finds their raids increasingly fruitless, as villages are abandoned before they arrive. Cryptograf, the scheming adviser to Viking chief Timandahaf, declares that “fear gives you wings,” leading the chief to conclude that mastering fear will allow them to fly and become invincible. Determined to find the “Champion of Fear,” the Vikings set their sights on Gaul.

In the Gaulish village, Chief Vitalstatistix announces the arrival of his nephew, Justforkix, sent from Parisium to become a man. However, Justforkix is more interested in modern indulgences such as nightlife, messaging his “babes” via bird SMS (Shortmessageservix), and vegetarianism, much to the dismay of Obelix, who fails to entice him with wild boar. Despite Asterix and Obelix’s attempts, their training efforts yield little success.

As the Vikings embark on their quest, Timandahaf’s headstrong daughter, Abba, secretly joins them disguised as a man. Meanwhile, Cryptograf devises a plan for his dim-witted son, Olaf, to capture the Champion of Fear and marry Abba, thus positioning himself to seize power.

Olaf captures Justforkix, mistaking his cowardice for proof of being the Champion of Fear. Asterix and Obelix follow the Vikings to Norway, but Justforkix refuses to leave, having befriended the Vikings and fallen for Abba. The Vikings test Justforkix’s “flying” ability by throwing him off a cliff, only for Cryptograf to secretly rig a rope to save him, fooling the tribe into believing he can fly.

When the Vikings rush to Olaf’s wedding, leaving Justforkix dangling, Asterix and Obelix rescue him. However, Justforkix returns, empowered by magic potion, to stop the wedding and save Abba. Using an improvised hang-glider, he demonstrates true courage, rescuing Abba and exposing Cryptograf’s schemes. Back in the Gaulish village, the Vikings celebrate the wedding of Justforkix and Abba, but flee in terror when Cacofonix sings, finally experiencing true fear. Getafix reminds Asterix that fear is essential for courage, as it gives us something to overcome.

Interesting facts

While Asterix and the Vikings is primarily based on Asterix and the Normans, some fans say it incorporates elements from other Asterix stories as well:

asterix en de vikingen boek van de film
The book of the film – Dutch version

Film Facts

  • Directed by: Stefan Fjeldmark, Jesper Møller
  • Written by: Stefan Fjeldmark, Jean-Luc Goossens
  • Based on: Asterix and the Normans by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo
  • Produced by: Thomas Valentin
  • Starring: Sean Astin, Brad Garrett, Paul Giamatti, Evan Rachel Wood, Greg Proops
  • Edited by: Martin Wichmann Andersen, Anders Hoffmann
  • Music by: Alexandre Azaria
  • Production Companies: A. Film A/S, Mandarin SAS, 2D3D Animations
  • Distributed by: SND
  • Release Date: April 12, 2006
  • Running Time: 78 minutes
  • Countries: Denmark, France
  • Language: English

Conclusion

Asterix and the Vikings combines humor, adventure, and timeless lessons about fear and courage, staying true to the spirit of the Asterix comics while offering a fresh take on a classic tale. With its vibrant animation and engaging story, it remains a delightful addition to the Asterix franchise.