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

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.

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.