Arn: The Knight Templar, 2007 (Amazon Prime)

Arn: The Knight Templar is an epic film based on Jan Guillou's novels about a fictional Swedish knight. Released in Sweden on December 17, 2007, its sequel Arn – The Kingdom at Road's End was released on August 22, 2008. For the 2010 English DVD release, the two films were combined into a single cut. The production was a co-production between Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, and Germany. 

PLOT

Follows the life of Arn Magnusson, a Swedish nobleman whose fate is shaped by political and religious forces of the 12th century. After surviving a childhood accident, Arn is sent to the monastery of Varnhem in fulfillment of a vow made by his parents. There he receives an education that includes literacy, discipline, and martial training from Brother Guilbert, a former Knight Templar.

When Arn returns home as a young man, he becomes romantically involved with Cecilia Algotsdotter. The relationship becomes entangled in a rivalry between powerful families and the strict authority of the medieval Church. Arn and Cecilia are accused of violating ecclesiastical rules, and the Church punishes them severely: Arn is condemned to twenty years of service as a Knight Templar in the Holy Land, while Cecilia is confined to a convent.

In the Middle East, Arn proves himself as a disciplined and honorable warrior. He gains respect from both Christian and Muslim leaders, including Saladin, whose interactions with Arn are marked by mutual respect despite their opposing sides in the conflict. Arn’s sense of justice often clashes with the corruption and political maneuvering among some of the crusader leaders, but he remains loyal to his vows and the principles instilled during his monastic upbringing.

Arn later takes part in major military engagements and is gravely injured during battle. His comrades ensure he is returned to Sweden to recover, effectively ending his Templar service. Upon arriving home, he finds his country divided by internal strife and power struggles. Arn reunites with Cecilia after years of separation, and together they attempt to build a stable life despite the lingering consequences of their past. Drawing on his military experience, Arn becomes a central figure in defending and unifying his community during a turbulent period in Sweden’s medieval history.

Rating: 10 Stars

The Lord of Rings: The Rings of Power, 2022 and 2024 (Amazon Prime)

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is an American fantasy series on Amazon Prime Video developed by J. D. Payne and Patrick McKay. It is based on the appendices of J. R. R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings and depicts the major events of the Second Age of Middle-earth, which occurred thousands of years before the novel. The series is produced by Amazon MGM Studios in association with New Line Cinema. 

It Premiered on September 1, 2022, with its first season airing weekly through October 14, 2022. It was a massive success for Amazon, becoming the most-watched Prime Video original series, though its writing and pacing were criticized by some. The second season premiered in August 2024, concluding in October 2024, and saw lower viewership but a similar critical reception. 

TRAILER

PLOT

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is set during the Second Age of Middle-earth, thousands of years before the events of The Lord of the Rings. After the defeat of Morgoth, the world enters a period of apparent peace, though several characters begin to sense that a dormant evil is returning. Galadriel, convinced that Sauron has survived the war, continues her search against the advice of the Elven leadership. Her relentless pursuit leads her to the Sundering Seas, where she encounters Halbrand, a mysterious man from the Southlands whom she meets after a shipwreck.

Among the Harfoots, an early nomadic community of hobbits, life is disrupted when a celestial object crashes nearby. Inside the crater lies a tall, amnesiac figure known only as the Stranger. Nori Brandyfoot attempts to help him understand his powers and origin, even as the Harfoots worry about the danger he might represent.

In the Southlands, tensions rise as humans and the Elves assigned to monitor them discover signs of orc activity. Bronwyn, a healer, and Arondir, an Elf soldier, uncover tunnels created by orcs under the command of Adar, a scarred figure with ties to the first generation of corrupted Elves. Their region begins transforming into the desolate land that will eventually become Mordor.

In Khazad-dûm, Elrond reunites with Prince Durin IV and becomes involved in the Dwarves’ secret discovery of mithril, a rare and powerful metal believed to be vital for the Elves’ survival. However, extracting it threatens to destabilize the ancient mines.

The growing shadow culminates in the forging of the first Rings of Power. Celebrimbor, the master Elven smith, receives unexpected assistance from Halbrand, whose metallurgical knowledge helps guide the creation of the rings. Galadriel eventually realizes that Halbrand is Sauron in disguise, having infiltrated the Elves to manipulate their work. After his identity is exposed, Sauron returns to Mordor, while the Elves complete three rings of their own design to resist his influence.

Rating: 10 Stars