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.
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.