Title: ARN: The Knight Templar
Director: Peter Flinth
Starring: Joakim Nätterqvist, Sofia Helin, Stellan Skarsgård, Michael Nyqvist
Released: 9th August 2010
Duration: 139 min
ARN: The Knight Templar is an epic film based on Jan Guillou's trilogy about the fictional Swedish Knight Templar Arn Magnusson. It marks the most expensive production in Swedish cinema history.
Part of the powerful Folkung dynasty in the mid 12th century Arn Magnusson grows up in a monastery belonging to the Cistercians. When he is young he learns to use a bow and arrow and a sword and how to ride a horse. His teacher is a former Knight Templar. He is peaceful until he reaches adulthood when he leaves the monastery and is sent out as the Knight Templar to the Holy Land to fight against the Saracens as penance for a forbidden love affair.
If there is one element of the film that falters in parts it’s the script and some of the dialogue. It’s not a big complaint but it’s not perfect. However there is much good news to report about this film. For instance, there are certain scenes in this film that are simply beautiful. The film is quite enchanting at times as well as fairly gripping. Director Peter Flinth has done an excellent job. The actors too have put a lot of effort into creating their characters and into becoming them, not just acting them, but living them. It really helps to give the whole film a genuine vibe. It has an 800 year old feel to it. Often films such as this can feel far too contemporary. The odd giveaway here and there, someone who looks a little too modern, the wrong type of dress, a haircut that looks out of place in the 12th century or scenery that doesn’t quite look lived in. But ARN: The Knight Templar looks and feels very realistic. The Swedish landscapes throughout the changing seasons are shot beautifully in fact the cinematography in general is close to breathtaking. The colours and images are perfect.
The pacing of the film is also good, with slower scenes as well as scenes of sword fights and even at a little over average length at about two hours the film never feels boring. Joakim Nätterqvist, Sofia Helin and Stellan Skarsgård all produce strong performances.
A similar film that is on current release is Solomon Kane. When you compare these films with one another ARN: Knight Templar certainly seems more realistic, and although also fictional, slightly more historical. Both films are enjoyable but in different ways. So there you have it – Solomon Kane is for Friday night popcorn fun – ARN: Knight Templar is for slightly more serious viewing.
