Movie Review: The Huntsman Winter's War

Jessica Chastain and Charlize Theron in a modern twist on a classic fairytale.

The Huntsman: Winter's War is a prequel to Snow White and the Huntsman and is a modern twist on the classic fairy-tale.

The story revolves around the rivalry between two sisters, Ravenna played by Charlize Theron and Freya, played by Emily Blunt. As Freya battles with the death of the Duke of Blackwood (Colin Morgan), who is the father of her child, she flees her sister's kingdom to start her own where love is forbidden and war reigns supreme.

Freya's huntsmen, Ethan (Chris Hemsworth) and Sarah (Jessica Chastain), eventually do fall in love and try to run away only to be stopped at the last moment by the cruel and unforgiving Freya. They are banished, separated and think each other to be dead.

The plot then jumps forward seven years.

Eric out alone wandering the woods is informed that the prized, all powerful Magic Mirror, which turns out to be another form of evil sister Ravenna, has been stolen and he must go on a quest to find it.

Freya is reunited with Ravenna when she takes hold of the mirror, and the two argue over the future of the ice kingdom until they eventually turn on each other for one final battle, with the aid of Ethan and Sarah, who are still fighting for love in the cold, unforgiving kingdom.

Although at times quite intense and mystical, the plotline was somewhat predictable and not much was left to the imagination.

The film has all the effects, poetic one-liners and battles that you would expect, but not much in the way that truly thrills or offers suspense.

Emily Blunt gives the best performance as Freya, keeping her stern look and mystique throughout.

I would recommend Huntsman to anyone who like medieval battles and a classic romance that is not meant to be.

Rating: 3/5 stars.