Arn: Riket vid vägens slut

Arn - Rikets vid Vägens Slut like Braveheart, or El Cid truly remind us that without honor and chivalry - real service - life is without meaning. It is frankly a straight out terrific watch - it carries its weight as the most expensive Swedish film ever - and some for this movie goer.

Faster, tougher, and with more battles and drama, it is not only longer than its predecessor, it's also a class above.

This is well considered film-making and I take mild exception to those here who found the filming naive or under par: several of the camera shots in the desert are breathtaking; simply outstanding. There seems to more effort this time when it comes to scenery, costuming (Weave and weft look right), lighting, and in particular sound - all are well-judged and the palette particular in the Nordic scenes are full of subtle grays and blues that lend much. Unlike the first one really sees the money up on the screen.

In addition Arn mixes more humor, Norwegians in particular come off with great PR from this, and more seriousness with Royal intrigues aplenty to create some good drama - here some more close-ups would have been really good - especially in the court scenes - the story-telling is too literal and focuses too much on the speaker rather than reactions - but it is a small gripe.

What I'm getting at it that this is a wonderfully watchable film - enough swordplay to satisfy and enough political intrigue and chivalrous love to engage the brain and melt the heart.

The story continues from Arn-Tempelriddaren with Arn still in fealty in the Holy Land but soon to released from his debt to serve, and so return to his Nordic home.

The film is the Swedish Braveheart - and none the worse for that - with some tender moments of real love, good battle scenes, and infighting politics - honestly I recommend this a being a really good and satisfying view.

As you can tell we really enjoyed this - no flack - and would openly and honestly recommend as a great couple of hours to anyone who enjoys films like Braveheart etc;

Regarding some of the other reviews: I see that most of the very negative reviews come from those who loved the books- having never read them maybe I am at an advantage here? Whatever, we loved both films, and this one in particular, and on its won merits it really was one of our favorite films of the year. We got the DVD and just wish they had put extras on it - would love some production notes and a commentary.

Recommended.

This film is excellent in every way. I would challenge anyone to watch this and not be totally enthralled. The acting is superb by all involved. The scenes in the Holyland and Sweden are very well portrayed. I was particularly impressed by the lead actor's horsemanship which enhances every scene that he is in on horseback.This is not only an action film but also a very tender love story. A lot of the film has subtitles but this is not a problem as it is very well blended between different languages and the subtitles. I am hard to please in films so believe me when I say this a good movie then it is a very good movie.

Just about to watch this film - haven't read the book but it is next on my list.

Have to say I thought the first movie was brilliant - even with the subtitle - and I have read the first two books.

Obviously it wasn't possible to include everything in the movie but there was enough to whet the appetite for the sequel.

As a Scot I wouldn't put too much store on the Braveheart comparison. Braveheart was a Hollywood abomination with little or no respect for the real story - eg No bridge at the Battle of Stirling Bridge!!! As for Troy - the first and greatest epic tale ever written (which I have also read) - Hollywood once again creates a vile and obscene version of the tale, changing the story to make sure Brad Pitt survives until the final scenes and allowing Paris to survive the final battle (and what was the pronunciation of the names about) Despite some negative comments I am looking forward to watching this movie and will mark it later.

If you like the medival genre, like I do, than the two movies of Arn will probably give you some entertainment. I can write a review and use it for both of the movies as Arn: The Knight Templar (2007) and Arn: The Kingdom At The End Of The Road (2008) are both basically the same movies, or one is the sequel of the exact same quality. Well quality is a big word as they both could have been much better with a bit more bloody battle scenes and lesser religion and devotion. Joakim Nätterqvist as Arn is not a bad actor but his nerdy face doesn't make him very believable as a strong warrior. Both movies are a bit too long, or could have been the right length if there was just more action and a faster pace but overal both movies are still worth a watch if you're into that kind of stories.

The story is good, the script is good, the acting is good, however, the cut wasn't so good.

There are a few holes in the plot of "Arn: The Knight Templar (2007)" which this movie fills in, together with a few repetitions of scenes (with the same footage), so that the movie is watchable.

Is seems like the editor didn't want the original movie to extend beyond two hours, so he cut some of the scenes out.

Personally I would have preferred one longer movie than one movie and then another with the missing scenes, however, both movies were good.

Hopefully, some day someone will edit the two into one complete movie.

P.S. I gave the first one 8/10 and only 7/10 to the second because I felt it wasn't distinctive enough from the first.