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
