[email protected] Widely viewed by commentators as one of the greatest family action adventure films ever made, this 1977 Swedish gem is a real find for any collector of such films. The acting is first rate, especially from the young lead, Lars Soderdahl, who has that rare quality of being able to make the audience feel what his character (Skorpan) is feeling, without even speaking. The story is adorable; It is of two brothers, one of whom is terminally ill, their love for each other, and their adventures after death. Technically this film is excellent, and fans of creature features will be thrilled with special effects that rival the work of Ray Harryhausen. Be prepared for the fact that this is a Swedish Family action adventure, and not the cutesie type of 'safe' fare that American audiences have been treated to by the Domestic film industry. Enjoy the ride.

morphricky I kind of like the story, at least the beginning and the end. But all the stuff in between is something I've never enjoyed watching and found boring. I've never been a fan of war movies even in the medieval times.I was apart of some after-school activities where they showed this movie in parts each time we were there. Unfortunately my worst memory is that I had to be removed from the room crying in panic because I was so afraid of the dragon Katla. Katla, when I watch the movie today, is so ugly and silly looking that I just snort while trying to hold back a laugh. The flapping of the fake looking wings is just too funny.My biggest gripe with this movie is the acting. Skorpan is just devoid of emotion most of the time and I found him hard to relate to. It's also hard to feel sorry for him or happy with him since you can't really tell what he is feeling. Even when his brother tells him he is going to die Skorpan seems barely responsive. You'd think when your brother laying next to you dying because he's been burned by a dragon would evoke more than an "Oh noez" kind of response.

Atreyu_II Sweden is known for its gorgeous landscapes, freezy weather and all that snow (very christmassy), for mythical music (thanks to legendary names such as ABBA, Ace of Base and Roxette), for producing some of the world's finest and safest cars (Volvo and Saab), for its beautiful women and for not having joined the Euro (a very right and clever decision), only to name a few examples.This is probably one of the most remembered Swedish films, particularly in its native country, where it is especially significant and even won awards. As to why it isn't in other places, I believe it has to do with people's general lack of knowledge on foreign cinema. People's obsession and fixation on American cinema surprises me, being such that they often forget that other countries and cultures have their own cinema. That can also be because there are so many really good movies that are hard to find and this is one of them.The cinematography on this is some of the most beautiful I've ever laid my eyes on. The story and pacing are practically perfect and the movie is touching. The dragon Katla looks hilariously dated and almost resembles one of those strange creatures from 'Star Wars'. Its animation is purely mechanical and would be considered by many as too crude for nowadays's ultra-demanding standards but was effective for its time and still is for those who don't care about progress. The soundtrack, especially the main theme, is somewhat odd but haunting.The main actors who portray the brothers are authentic. The younger is tenderly called "Skorpan" by the older. "Skorpan" means "Rusk", which has different meanings (apparently): a light, soft-textured sweetened biscuit; a sweet raised bread dried and browned in an oven.The story is about the Lionheart Brothers. "Skorpan" is very ill and won't live much longer, but his older brother Jonatan tries to calm him down and convince him that death might not be such a bad thing, as he will go to a beautiful place. Very shortly after, Jonatan dies while saving "Skorpan" from a house fire and "Skorpan" dies not long after. As promised by Jonatan, they meet in the beautiful land and "Skorpan" is strong and healthy. Together they go through moments of peace and tenderness, but they also face risky adventures and fight against evil knights to save the magnificent land.Technically the movie is distinguish and unique. What other movie has the sophisticated sepia-tone, bright colors and the classic black and white? And all in the same movie! You name me one which combines all these techniques.This should definitely be on Top 250.

graphic_innovations I have vague but very fond memories of this movie from my youth. My parents rented it for me sometime in the late 80's and I remember watching it again and again. I wish it wasn't so hard to find, it appears Amazon has a copy now and again. The movie has a magical quality about it, that as a child I found to be very gripping! I loved the characters and the story had wonderful morals that even children could understand and identify with. Anyway, the previous review is much better than anything I could write here, but I wanted to add my great memories to this review. Excellent story for children, I remember laughing, crying, and truly being enthralled in the story (Age 5 or so).