Arn: O Reino ao Final da Jornada

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.

Camera work, script and acting are brilliant. Concept to go from language to language stunning even with subtitles Long film watched with effortless desire for more

This movie and the previous one is actually quite dissatisfying. If you, like me, have read the books. You will be quite disappointed. The movie does not live up to the standard of the books, unfortunately. There's so many things in the books which is not present in the movies, I actually had quite big hopes for the second movie. Unfortunately, the movie did not live up to my hopes.. I had hoped for so much more. Especially when it comes to the parts regarding the Holy Land. Unfortunately my expectations were a lot higher then I should have expected :S Well, the movie was alright. But the money spent on it was a total waste since they removed all the great parts from the story.. Excuse me for my poor drunken English, its not much more to say except that the movie was quite the appointment :(

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.

Most of the people who have given poor reviews for this movie have read the book - they then seem to compare the two but most people here won't have read the book, like myself. I thought the movie was, in conjunction with the 1st one, the best of last year...and I watch a lot of movies...

So the story takes off from where the last one ended. It moves a little faster than the previous movie, which I also enjoyed, and there is plenty of character development. I did identify with the characters in Tempelriddaren (2007) and so was very much ready for their last adventure.

This film will not disappoint and the final scene where he rides onto the battlefield will bring a lump to your throat...

Super film - don't judge the movie by the film and go and enjoy it instead.