Redbad is a 2018 Dutch historical action film directed by Roel Reiné, depicting the life of the 8th-century Frisian king, Radbod. The film portrays his resistance against the Christianization of his people and the expansionist ambitions of the Frankish Empire.

Set around 700 AD, the narrative follows Redbad (Gijs Naber), son of King Aldgisl (Huub Stapel), as he grapples with the encroaching influence of Christianity and the political machinations of the Franks, led by Pepin of Herstal (Jonathan Banks) and his son Charles Martel. After a failed sacrificial ritual and a subsequent attack by the Franks, Redbad is blamed for the downfall of his people and left for dead. He survives, finds refuge with Viking allies, and eventually returns to reclaim his homeland and challenge the Frankish domination .

With a substantial budget of €8 million, Redbad boasts impressive production values for a Dutch film. The cinematography captures the rugged landscapes of Northern Europe, and the battle sequences are grand in scale, involving over 10,000 extras—a record for Dutch cinema . The film was also notable for being the first Dutch production released in 4DX format

Despite its ambitious scope, Redbad was met with predominantly negative reviews. Critics pointed to its sluggish pacing, lackluster dialogue, and historical inaccuracies. The Algemeen Dagblad criticized the film’s slow progression and overextended scenes, while De Volkskrant highlighted the screenplay’s lack of logic and tension . Audience reactions were mixed; some appreciated the film’s epic scale, while others found it tedious and poorly executed .

Historians have noted several inaccuracies in the film’s portrayal of the era. For instance, the depiction of Frisians living in primitive huts contradicts evidence that they resided in wooden houses adorned with woven tapestries. Additionally, the use of late medieval castles and chainmail armor is anachronistic for the early medieval setting .

Redbad was a commercial failure, grossing only $482,992 against its €8 million budget . The producers attributed this to factors like the 2018 World Cup and unusually warm weather, which they claimed kept audiences away from cinemas .

While Redbad aspires to be a grand historical epic, it falls short due to its narrative shortcomings and historical liberties. Its ambitious production values are commendable, but they are undermined by a lack of cohesive storytelling and character development. For viewers interested in historical dramas, Redbad may offer some visual spectacle, but it is unlikely to satisfy those seeking a compelling and accurate portrayal of the era.