Arn: Riket vid vägens slut (2008) Reviews

• Sweden's most expensive film ever: epic honor & chivalry with great production values.

  intelearts2008-12-11

  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.

• It's simply great - go and see it:)

  Brubaker192009-03-25

  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.

• one word ... Beautiful!

  nebur852014-03-30

  To be honest, I am a sucker when it comes to Historical movies & for me this movie is sheer brilliance. I will not compare it to any other epic movies of the same genre like Kingdom of heaven or Troy because this one has a beauty of it's own. Each & every Character had a great screen presence which really added value to the story & to the drama. Some of the scenes are spell binding & all credit must go to the director for choosing some breath taking shooting locations. In conclusion, this one is for the keepers. Get to witness moments of lives of historical figures like Saladin, Arn; Crusades, Swedish & Danish battles. The scene with Arn & his horse is for me the best scene of the movie. Did i forget to mention about some romance .. oh yeah! ..this one is revolving around love. I won't add any spoilers as this movie is for grabs and talking about the plot is just not me. PS: I am yet to see the first part..

• This Movie Is excellent

  mprea-38-2348542011-04-26

  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.

• wonderful movie

  Bor_Bas2009-04-25

  a bit low-budget, but a wonderful, warm tale. I enjoyed it almost as much as i enjoyed the first one. Haven't read the book, though, so don't know how it measures up to the original, but all in all i would very much recommend it. Nice scenery and locations, good acting. Could have done a bit more with the scenes set in the Holy Land, maybe played up a bit the Saracens he brought back home to Sweden with him later on. One of the things i really enjoyed was that they weren't spilling buckets of blood all over the place, i hate this recent trend which puts the emphasis on "gory"....I have to say i will be checking for new productions in the genre from Sweden....