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.

bts1984 Sweden may be famous for a lot of things, but when it comes to cinema it isn't exactly the first country that comes to the minds of most of us. I know very little of Swedish cinema and I am not Swedish myself, so I'm probably not the right person to speculate on this, but it seems to me that even if Swedish films achieve success in their native country, outside they are largely unknown. This is a world and society much too focused on the always and eternally popular American cinema.This is deservedly one of the most famous Nordic films, as well as an fabulous mix of visual art. The beginning is in black and white, however colored in sepia tone - like in 'The Wizard of Oz' (1939). The fantasy sequences are colored, which means that most of it is like that. The ending is in black and white (this time the classic black and white, without sepia tone).This is a very artistic movie in other aspects as well. The cinematography is one of the most beautiful and magical I know. No need to say more, images speak for themselves and there is nothing like seeing with your very own eyes and get stunned.This starts off as a sad story about a cute 9-year old boy, Karl Lejon ("Skorpan"), who is dying from tuberculosis. His much older brother Jonatan promises him that someday they'll meet in a magical land named Nangijala. During a house fire, the older brother dies and the younger dies of terminal illness shortly after being rescued. Then, the movie "jumps" literally into the dreamy land and almost the rest of the thing takes place there. The two brothers are there, as the older promised (now as Jonatan and Karl or "Skorpan" Lejonhjärta). They live adventures, fight against evil knights and become local heroes.This touching film rightfully won an award for Best Direction in its country. No wonder Swedes are so found of this one. Unfortunately, like so many other really good movies, it's really hard to find. These so-hard-to-find movies deserve simpler access, to be better known and to be discovered/rediscovered.Lars Söderdahl is terrific as "Skorpan". Staffan Götestam is excellent as Jonatan. Allan Edwall has the same level of excellence as Mattias. The dragon Katla is clearly mechanical, which you can tell by the primitive animation and walrus-like, awful appearance. But it certainly intimidates.One final word for the soundtrack. The main theme is strong, emotional and beautiful. Combines well with the film's mood. The rest of the soundtrack too.I have no idea what is the title of this in my country.

chirolisa I saw this several times when I lived in Sweden. At first I really didn't "get" it. Then I sat down and read the book in Swedish and got so much more of the context. It still brings tears to my eyes. Beautifully acted, beautifully crafted, and showing so much of Swedish character/persona. What a great film. About the topic of death, it is handled in a way that Americans will find odd, unusual, heartfelt, not horribly pedagogical, certainly without a Hollywood influence. It truly is a different film, with adventure, heartstrings, and love (family, not romantic). Never has the dedication of siblings been so well demonstrated.

dreid-5 I had the privilege of owning this movie when I was a child. I think that my parents bought it from some video store that was going out of business. It was on a BetaMax tape, and was dubbed in English. I had to of watched this movie at least once week. The story is great, and the relationship between the two brothers is rather touching. Despite the fact that even as a child the dragon (who used to remind me of "the secret weapon" from An American Tale) looked terrible, it was one of my favorite movies for years. If anyone can find a copy of this movie, I suggest you watch it. Also, the synthesized soundtrack is quite good (arpeggios reminiscent of Philip Glass or something).