Arn: The Kingdom at the End of the Road (2008) User Reviews

An improvement from the first

[Enchorde · 7/10 · 12 February 2010]

Recap: Arn is still stuck in the Holy Land, and his new grand master is not about to release him. At home Cecilia is starting to doubt that Arn will ever return, as news about him is rare. And when news reaches Cecilia that the Templars has been defeated she gives up hope. But Arn has been rescued and sent home by Saladin. But home the situation is deteriorating. Birger Brosa is growing old, and the king Knut is fatally ill. And rival Sverker Karlsson has gained the support of the Danes. Amidst all this Arn dreams only of peace and at last being able to marry Cecilia.

Comments: The sequel, and similar, to Arn – Tempelriddaren (2007). To enjoy and understand this fully, you need to see that one first. Otherwise it is very similar, Arn – Riket vid vägens slut (2008) does show the same ambition, the same epic scenes and battles, and the same style of telling.

What should be noted is that this is not a pure medieval action, nor is the battles in main focus. Instead the love story between Arn and Cecilia is at the center of the story. That means that it changes pace and slows down considerably at times. You can't expect a complete high paced action, you will only get disappointed. Still I think that this sequel is better balanced than the first movie, it does change pace but doesn't get too slow anytime. That is an improvement and I did enjoy the sequel more.

It is no masterpiece though. The scale and ambition is impressive for Scandinavian standards and comparable to fairly big sized budgets on the international scene. But the story is pretty average. It uses the standard turns and developments, and it gets pretty predictable and without much surprises. Actually some scenes are too obviously made up to be dramatic and suspenseful, but are much too predictable to succeed, it almost falls flat.

It does entertain though, but it sure helps to like the genre as I do. Well worth watching after the first.

7/10

The missing parts from Arn: The Knight Templar (2007)

[danny-me-you · 7/10 · 22 February 2014]

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.

One review for both movies.

[deloudelouvain · 6/10 · 21 March 2019]

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.

So i went to see this movie on the cinema

[Childrenofbodom_Fan1 · 7/10 · 23 August 2008]

So i saw the first Arn movie couple of years ago, in Stockholm cinema then i thought the movie was kinda slow and little boring but when i heard about this movie i knew that they had to make a less slow movie, and my wish came true. This movie wasn't that slow as the first one, so you will have a movie with many actions in it! Arn is the hero again in this movie, kills everyone and saves many people. He battles danish kings and danish army's and much more. And the spoiling thing is that Arn wont do any more movies. But enjoy the movie and have patience in it! You wont be disappointed but it can be slow some times! If you like Troy and Gladiator you have came wrong. But if you like Braveheart you have came right! So take your wallet with you and go see this movie and judge it by yourself!

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

[intelearts · 9/10 · 11 December 2008]

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.

If you have read the book you will be very disappointed!

[Turbo123 · 5/10 · 31 August 2008]

The original story of the book has been changed in many ways to the worse. If you have read the book you will get very disappointed.

For example the castle they build at Arnäs is not even in the movie. The team of workers Arn brings from the holy land, is not explained at all and thats how the story goes from many things in this movie. For example Arns brother Eskil has a great role in the book, but in the movie he has nearly a bi role. The book also tells much about trade and intrigues between people which is absent in the movie.

Arns father is dead in the movie at Arns return. In the book his still there and gets help from the Armenian doctors. Also the same thing with brother Gilbert - dead in the movie and alive in the book.

How Arn became rich is also false and so on...

The director has done a horrible job of a very great book. To bad since I had great expectations!

one word ... Beautiful!

[nebur85 · 10/10 · 30 March 2014]

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..

Don't knock it till you try it

[steph20458 · 5 August 2010]

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.

A huge disappointment

[addehedning · 5/10 · 24 August 2008]

I don't think I have ever been so disappointed as I was when saw this movie. I really enjoyed the first film as it was a really good attempt to make a movie that held somewhat internationally class, but this one did not continue that trend.

This movies biggest weakness (not counting acting) is that it has so many useless scenes. The movie could without any real problems been cut in half.

There was good moments though, seeing Swedes kick the asses of a bunch of Danish invaders is always a fun experience and the ending was in my taste. The landscapes are also pretty amazing but seeing people in profile looking out from Visingsö is not very good when you see it for the fourth time..

If you liked the first one you are bound to see it otherwise I wouldn't bother.

It's simply great - go and see it:)

[Brubaker19 · 10/10 · 25 March 2009]

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.

A horrible way to sacrifice a good story

[Heat-is-the-best-ever · 1/10 · 7 December 2008]

This movie is probably the worst film ever made from a book! The screenwriter and director had no idea of what made the books so thrilling and loved by all Swedes. In their ignorance, they turned the biggest movie project in Sweden's history into a joke. The only good parts are long episodes with beautiful scenery and music, but the time spent on those parts are balanced out with shorter dialogues. Even if I read the books twice, which I have, I don't follow the story.

Now to the worst parts - the war scenes. If you've seen Kingdom of Heaven, you know what an army of thousands should look like. In Arn it's more like: "Oh no, I'm so scared, cause here comes the bad guys, all twenty of them! How are we gonna make it"? I would rather laugh at a computer fake of 20 000 people than to see an approaching army of twenty people, zoomed in and all so you only see ten of them. It is without question a joke, and I regret paying money to see this film.

This Movie Is excellent

[mprea-38-234854 · 10/10 · 26 April 2011]

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.

A Decent Movie

[nataraja-3 · 5/10 · 22 November 2008]

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 :(

wonderful movie

[Bor_Bas · 9/10 · 25 April 2009]

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....

Arn 2007 and Arn 2008 - two same movies!

[supergroove00 · 1/10 · 17 November 2011]

OK, this movie was completely unnecessary.

After seeing Arn: The Knight Templar i was completely satisfied with it, and decided to watch Arn: The Kingdom at Road's End, because i thought it will be decent sequel.

If you saw Arn: The Knight Templar, Arn - Tempelriddaren (original title) from 2007, you will notice only 15-20 minutes of new scenes in this 2008 release.

Do not watch both movies, you'll waste your time!!!

So, my question is why bother and make the same movie?

1/10

Quite brilliant

[riggo-73503 · 9/10 · 23 April 2020]

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

Why are the Norwgians dressed like savage unorganized mountain people?

[jens-58105 · 4/10 · 1 January 2022]

Norwegian people would not be dressed like that in South Norway just as they don't do it in South Sweden. Annoying to watch Swedens big brother complex make them miss so much. Most of us live in an actual mountain you do know that? Norway was a independent kingdom 600 years before you. That's 2 full existences of USA. Funny. And also we have the almost exact population of denmark. But that is more noethern Scandinavian style. Not Norwegian. They basically tok the worse they could imagine and put it on us to make us look like hillpeople. Khabib Nurmagomedov live in a mountain people. Norway don't look like that. Only at the coast are there and from the middle up if we count in landmass that Norway is a Mountain.