The Brothers Lionheart (1977) User Reviews

A bit of enchantment

[keoismyname · 8/10 · 18 August 2005]

This is an enjoyable little film which boasts both originality and sentimentality. And while it obviously wasn't the most outstanding production of its day, it certainly wasn't the worst either.

The English dubbed version of this film (which is the only one I have seen) seems to suffer from translation. I am much more fond of subtitling as the original actors' speech inflections are preserved, as is the original music score.

Having read the story by Astrid Lindgren from which this movie was made, I was pleased to note that the producers followed her work religiously and did not make any significant deviations from the book except for the manner of Katla's death (see spoiler below for details).

This was refreshing as a very many Hollywood movies have been destroyed by taking liberties with their literary sources.

THE SPOILER.

If you don't care to have the story revealed, skip on to "End of spoiler".

The film opens with narration by 10-year-old Crispy (The book calls him Rusky) Lion. He's a terminally ill boy from whose viewpoint the story unfolds. Crispy and Jonathan (his 13-year-old brother) have an extremely close bond. Knowing Crispy is aware of his impending death Jonathan has told him of the wonders of Nangiyala where people go after death.

However, in saving Crispy from a fire, it's Jonathan who dies first. Knowing Crispy is saddened by their separation, Jonathan sends his spirit as a white dove (pigeon in the book) to reassure him they will soon be together again.

Crispy dies soon thereafter and is also transported to Nangiyala (at this point the movie transforms from B&W to color). Jonathan is waiting, and the two (now Lionheart) brothers enjoy a happy reunion with Crispy being shown the beautiful Cherry Blossom Valley.

But all is not peace and tranquility. Crispy soon discovers an evil warlord called Tengil who has already enslaved nearby Wild Rose Valley is now a threat to Cherry Blossom Valley. He also learns his brave and courageous brother Jonathan is a major figure in the resistance against Tengil.

Presently, Jonathan makes a dangerous journey to Wild Rose Valley, and answering a call in his dream, Crispy follows him. Along the way, Crispy discovers the identity of a traitor in Cherry Blossom Valley (Jossi), but is captured by Tengil's soldiers.

Thinking quickly, Crispy outwits the dullard soldiers, duping them into taking him to Wild Rose Valley---And as luck would have it, directly to the house where his brother Jonathan is in hiding.

Pleased that his younger brother possesses the same qualities of courage and honor as he, Jonathan includes Crispy in his mission to free Orvar (a captured resistance leader from Wild Rose Valley) from Katla's cave.

The brothers ride to Tengil's land of Karmanyaka where Crispy beholds for the first time Katla (an evil dragon held in Tengil's power by a battlehorn)

Finding a back entrance to Katla cave, Jonathan and Crispy manage to free Orvar just in the nick of time before he is to be sacrificed to Katla. (Here the movie deviates just slightly from the book by having the boys leave their horses behind before crossing the bridge. In the book they camp their horses next to the back entrance.).

Now with Orvar free to plan and guide, preparations are made to battle Tengil's men and free Wild Rose Valley. The battle rages and it seems as though the rebellion will succeed, when Tengil appears with Katla. The rebels have no defense against the dragon. But in a one-on-one dual with Tengil, Jonathan manages to snatch the battlehorn from him. Jonathan then turns the dragon's wrath upon Tengil. Tengil's time had come.

After the battle Jonathan uses the battlehorn to return Katla to her cave, but a mishap causes him to lose the horn in the boiling mud pool freeing Katla from all control. Calling upon his innermost strength, Jonathan manages to roll a boulder down upon Katla, knocking her into the boiling mud pool. An end to Katla. (Here is where the movie deviates most noticeably from the book. In the book, Jonathan loses the battlehorn on the bridge and barely manages to get across. He then sends a boulder down which knocks Katla into the raging river where she fights to the death with the sea serpent called Karm).

Jonathan does not escape unscathed however. He is burned by Katla's fire and paralysis sets in, but he knows if he dies he can get to the world of Nangilima where all is peace and tranquility again. Crispy conquers his fear and helps his brother jump from the mountain---and into Nangilima. (The movie does not actually show the jump, but mentions it so you know what occurs). The movie adds a scene of the boys' gravestone which is not mentioned in the book.

END OF SPOILER

The movie seemed to have a little more depressing mood to it than the book did, but this did not seem to detract from it.

There is a definite enchantment to this film which will appeal to anyone who enjoys fairy tales. Also, the theme seems to go beyond most fairy tales to deal with the idea of death from the perspective of a child. There were also several touching scenes showing the affection the brothers held for each other.

For literary critics: This is one film that conforms solidly to the source---almost word-for-word in many instances. Usually, I am disappointed with the movie version of a literary work, but not this time.

It seems to me this film would be suitable for almost anyone to watch. Possibly very small children may be frightened by the Katla scenes.

I have this on a VHS tape which isn't in prime condition. I would enjoy having this movie on a DVD in widescreen format.

A brave, brave movie

[milo_494 · 8/10 · 15 April 2005]

I think this film, and of course mainly the book by Astrid Lindgren, is one of the bravest children's movie I have ever seen. I remember as a child, seeing this film on video, and feeling totally absorbed with it, as I had never, until then, seen a movie that dealt with such issues for a child my age.

Thoughts moving around life and death are issues that all kids are confronted with, and are issues which evokes questions in the minds of children. Many grown-ups are unable to handle questions from kids regarding death, in these cases I think this film is an exquisite piece of art.

But of course the film is not all about death, it is also a movie about bravery, go about and dare to do what frightens you in life, and of course the life altering condition of love, the love between two brothers.

It's interesting to hear how Lindgren imaginative work started for this book. She told a Swedish newspaper many years ago that it started out with her walking through a cemetery, which was something she liked to do, and seeing the grave of two brothers. Then a time after, that she attended a press conference for the casting of a film based on one of her books, after the press conference the leading actor (a seven-year old) walked down the stage and sat down in his older brothers knee and the older brother kissed him on the forehead, which was something she found very moving; by then she knew her next story was going to be about two brothers. The final imaginative episode was when she went with the train in northern Sweden, she told it as being a cold winter day, "a day when it was as beautiful as if it wasn't of this earth" by then she knew that the story was to involve the question of death, and a life after this.

Adult themes for children

[IndustriousAngel · 8/10 · 2 February 2013]

This was a favourite of mine when I was a kid and it's still a haunting and beautiful story. This adaption of Lindgren's story (which I owned too) has to be considered a success (if not wholly a triumph). In our sanitised world, a children's film that contains death, loss, pain, illness, treachery and sacrifice seems strangely out of place. It takes a heart of stone not to tear up not even 5 minutes into the film, and again at the end. In my opinion, children are very well capable of bearing the weight of death, in story as well as in real life. Maybe they have to be accompanied, but keeping such themes from them makes for a poorer education. The film itself still holds up remarkably well. The sets, the horses and the outdoor scenes are beautiful. The costumes are rather laughable and the monster looks as if escaped from Spectro-Man, but at the point where we first see it you're so deep inside the story it really doesn't matter much. The camera-work is simple, but effective. The acting is so-so, but mostly adequate. The music isn't good except for a few moments where it's really gripping.

I heard that there's a new adaption of this book in development, and while I'm curious as to what better production values and a professional soundtrack can do for the story, I wish they'll stay with the dark and haunting mood and maybe even incorporate more of the book.

One of the most important films in swedish history about death, loss, love and oppression.

[batik_jenny · 5 April 2003]

Maybe it's hard for people outside of Sweden to fully understand what this movie has meant to Swedes through the years. You would especially think so after reading the other comment which compares "Bröderna Lejonhjärta" to Ingmar Bergman - HELLO?!? We do have other directors than Bergman and to compare him to "Bröderna Lejonhjärta" is like comparing "American Pie" to Spike Lee or something. Please don't think you know EVERYTHING about swedish moviehistory just because you've heard of Bergman, there is so much more to it and this movie has virtually nothing in common with Bergman's work.

I am also sorry if people are too destroyed by American blockbusters and can't handle the fact that this movie is for an audience of youngsters and that it's about death. I must also say that grown-ups as well as kids can enjoy this movie. It's very good to see with your children to then discuss it afterwards.

Astrid Lindgren was without comparison Swedish literature's queen and when she died last year it seemed like we couldn't stop mourning. "Bröderna Lejonhjärta" ("The Lionheart Brothers") was maybe one of her most important books, because it handles such heavy subjects in such a great way. When Olle Hellbom's movie came in 1977 it caused a mediastorm Sweden had never seen before. First of all it had a completely new way of speaking to kids about death; a movie that took children seriously and didn't treat them like they could handle only joy and happiness.

Second of all, back in those days the only agelimits on cinemas were 15, 11 and under. They made "Bröderna Lejonhjärta" available only to people over 11 and this caused such a storm that they actually changed the swedish law so that a new agelimit came at 7! All this over one movie.

You can't understand how many kids have found comfort in this story. To children that are about to die you read this novel or show this movie and I don't know how often you read the inscription "We'll see eachother in Nangijala" on gravestones in Swedish cemeteries.

This movie was groundbreaking and it's often wrongfully accused of being too dark and strange. Children can handle a lot more than you think when it comes to strong emotions like love and loss. The only thing that scared me as a kid was the sometimes graphic violence in the end. See this if you have a chance!

Excellent Movie!

[rm-leite · 9/10 · 7 July 2005]

When I was a child, I saw movies fit for a child. However, there are some movies that appeal to all ages. And even if brother Lionheart is a movie designed for kids, it have a huge influence on all ages. And definitely on me! Since I saw this movie for the first time 18 years ago, I have never forgot it it. Its story is still as clear with me as any movie I have seen this week. It is A drama, its story shows a heartbreaking history, between two brothers, and one who is very sick.

This story is the best this world have ever offered! Astrid Lindgren have time after time been hinted for Nobels Prize in Litterature, and the Director of this movie gives the story from her books among the best transfers from book to video ever! Americans makes among the world best movies! But compared to this movie, Its actors, and its director - all the Americans have to see themselves beaten! Compared to Astrid Lindgrens and Olle Hellboms "Brother Lionheart" They are all amateurs! See this with your children! But bring Lots of napkins!

The best movie for children ever made.

[david_forsberg86 · 10/10 · 27 June 2005]

When I first saw this movie at age of 6, I thought it was the most exiting movie I had ever seen. It teaches children about death in a good way, without getting silly.

The storyline is that Karl (Skorpan or Crispy) Lejon is sick and knowing that he soon gonna die. His brother Jonathan tells him about the land Nangijala, a land of tales and campfires (sagornas och lägerledarnas land). Jonathan dies soon after that when trying to save Skorpan from a fire. And soon after that Skorpan dies too. When they first meet up in Nangijala it seems like heaven, Skorpan can ride horses and swim. But soon he finds out that the evil black knight Tengil has enslaved the the village next to them. Skopan and Jonathan then joins the resistance force.

As I began this comment, this is a great movie. It is one of the most famous in Sweden, and EVERY swede I know love this movie. I just say too all of you; See this movie.

This is not a film, it's a heart-gripping reality saga.

[dracopticon · 10/10 · 5 May 2003]

*This review may contain spoilers*

This one hour and 42 minutes long story-telling saga is a place you're hauntingly swept into when watching.

From the rather ordinary modern daily life of two young boys living in the 1970's, to an abruptly grinding halt when they one after the other dies and is transported into another land, called Nangijala. There the world is a much more clear place of good and evil, but also much more cruel and more beautiful than the one they've just left. Here, the evil stonehearted knight Tengil rules with absolute iron-fisted power.

But there is also an existing hidden movement among the peaceful farmers, almost like in a strange saga-version of WW2 France, there is a "La Resistance" that works to hinder the dark and violent forces of Tengil. Among the heart-achingly beautiful valleys of Cherry Blossom Valley and the Briar-Bush Valley, there grows an ever stronger, but silent cry of freedom from the oppressors. But it is so beautiful here, that one cannot even start to suspect that anything else can be evil, not in such a warm cosy world such as this?

Not until you meet the dark-helmed, dark-mantled warriors of Tengil and learn their cruel ways of vile heartlessness. Then you understand how incredibly fragile the farmers world are, how defenseless the warm and friendly people of the two Valleys are. Ripe for the taking by the mailed hand of Tengil,his cruel warriors and as if that isn't enough, also their immensely powerful ally, Katla the Dragon.

This story is like an early but very successful paralelled story to the Lord of the Rings, only in a much smaller scale. But that doesn't matter, as the heart-pounding feelings of righteousness are just as strong here. You want the weak ones to carry the torch in just the same manner as in LoTR, and burn down evil against all odds in the same way. The only real difference lies in the start of this story, as the two brothers live in our world. And that makes the 'reality' of it all so much more true. You can understand the hopelessness here, the hatred, the cold cruelty, the love for beauty of the heart - because it all comes from people of our own world. No CGI-created computerized creatures here, even if the dragon is really badly made. None.

And this is only understandable when you see it. So do not miss this for the world. You win the views of two worlds here. With tears.

The Good Guys Finally Die...TWICE!

[bigdinosaur · 2/10 · 19 June 2004]

First: From a North American perspective, this is not a kids' movie. For three reasons: 1. The mood is far too depressing, 2. There is one apparently nude scene of the boys by the lake (although nothing is showing...this type of scene is more acceptable by Swedish standards), and 3. There is killing (by arrows, spears, burning...no gore however).

Have you ever wanted to see a movie where the heroes die? Well, this is it. The Lionheart boys die...twice.

It seems every time these boys die they go to a different world. The first time to Nangiola; and then at the end of the movie to Nangalima. Now if this movie were from Hollywood, I'd smell "sequel."

The majority of the movie takes place in Nangiola, where Karl (Crispy) and Jonathan Lionheart help the good guys (the folks from cherry blossom valley & wild rose valley). They are fighting an evil warlord (Tingle) who...what else...wants to take over the whole place. Tingle just happens to have a dragon too...a sorry beast that looks more like a stuffed walrus on fire.

This movie is a sorry mess. The music score is just plain dreadful. The acting...well...my dog is better. Were those kids wearing wigs? And effects?...what effects. They even tried (unsuccessfully) the old "Wizard of Oz" trick using sepia tone at the beginning and then changing to colour when the boys enter Nangiola. But those black capes worn by Tingle's bad guys which had purple linings were hilarious. This one gets a 2 out of 10.

If you can find this movie, it's worth a laugh or two just for its weirdness. I actually found this one on a cheap DVD in Singapore...dubbed in English no less. (It might have been a bootleg! Naaa...nobody would bootleg such a bad movie!)

Haunting

[shayera · 26 April 2003]

This movie/miniseries (as it is often shown) is probably one of the most haunting experiences I had growing up. The story deals with death, loss and responsibilities, and does not patronize its intended (young) audience. Most of all though, the soundtrack really got to me. The main theme can bring tears to my eyes even now, 26 years after it was first shown, way back then As a little boy I focused more on the scawwy scawwy dragon (don't laugh, it was kinda scary in 1977/78 !), but seeing it as an adult made me appreciate the story even more, although it's still hauntingly sad in places.. Brilliant work.

A Swedish classic

[Atreyu_II · 10/10 · 27 February 2011]

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.

Great movie from my youth...

[graphic_innovations · 10/10 · 2 December 2005]

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).

Masterpiece of work?

[Gunnar_Runar_Ingibjargarson · 8/10 · 18 June 2008]

One of the greatest movie I've ever seen in my life about two brothers who'd die suddenly, other one in fire and the other of illness. After the death the brothers, meet in Nangijala, the country of magic and power, and it seems that they can have the most wonderful time of they're life without all worries and illness. But when the Black Knight Tengil, threat the people of Nangijala, the brothers help the freedom people to fight against the home rule.

Bröderna Lejonhjärta is one of the greatest movie I've seen in my life, and too one of the most touching movies you'll ever see. Check this one.

We all have hearts, albeit of different kinds.

[dracopticon · 10/10 · 16 October 2018]

No. This movie is not mainly about death. Please just think of it as a transition, like that of a buddhist kind of view of the after life - but with a twist!

And that - in combination with an absolutely hauntingly beautiful film music - is what makes this movie so great. That's in spite of the most laughable so called special effects a childrens cinema have ever produced. The Katla creature is beyond comedy, but what does it matter, when the weight of the story seeps into your feelings and you just cannot hold back the tears?

The actors, the photography, the overall story of standing up to love, solidarity and morality when it matters the most, the magical music score... MAN! It all just conveys such a life-long memory of thoughts and feelings.

And by that I mean for all kinds of people, of all ages and of all different nations. See this with open eyes, and see it with the children who has such clarity of heart. It is what Astrid Lindgren wanted to say: love eachother with a childlike love and you will always be warmed by it. Stand against militaristic, murderous darkness, and be there for everyone. Even the evil ones. Because they also have a heart, even if it is a different one from the loving ones.

This should not be shown to children or depressive persons

[rikard-jern · 2/10 · 8 January 2010]

I don't know what the author was thinking when she wrote this book.

The story is dark and grim, but the underline is even more horrifying. If your life sucks then kill your self and you'll wake up in a land of fairy tales. If you don't like it there, then just kill your self once more and wake up in an even better place. Because if you don't commit suicide.. then your'e nothing but crap.

The message is repeated and underlined throughout the whole film.

The acting is bad. Special effects is as bad. Costumes are bad. Directing is bad. And there's some kind of perverse sexual glimmer over the whole thing that makes you shiver.

But I give the movie a couple of stars for trying something very different.

Would love to see this again!

[Liza-19 · 1 March 2002]

I haven't seen this movie since I was eight years old. I'm now in my early twenties and can remember almost everything about it! This was such a beautiful film, and is both tragic and uplifting. The story is mystical and magical, and the love between the brothers is heartwarming. I highly recommend it.

Breathes heart and fire into a family action adventure!

[[e-mail] · 10/10 · 10 January 2015]

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.

Great!

[chirolisa · 10/10 · 28 January 2007]

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.

I never liked this as a child and not as an adult either.

[morphricky · 3/10 · 15 July 2012]

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.

It's a shame

[dreid-5 · 15 July 2004]

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).

The Most Depressing Children's Movie Ever Made

[ncoxny · 27 February 2003]

I first saw this film when I was a little kid. It stuck in my mind because it was so damned bizzar and depressing. I also remember that they had these really weird previews at the end in which people were at some kind of eatery and they were serving rodents on sticks.

After searching tirelessly, I finally tracked down a copy. The film was pretty much as I remember it, only, well, worse.

The film tells the tale of two brothers, who die and go to a medivil fairy tale world. The opening sequence, which I suppose was shot in Stockholm or Copenhagen, is shot in sepia tone. The younger brother, "Crispy", is afraid he's gonna die. His older brother, Jonathan, tells him not to fear. When he dies, he'll go to some place called Nagliomi (I think that's how you spell it).

Jonathan dies trying to rescue Crispy from a fire. Crispy dies shortly after. They meet up in Nagliomi. The scenes in the afterlife are shot in color, but their just as dreary. The brothers live in a medivel village called Cherry Valley. Aparently the neighboring vilage, Wild Rose Valley, has some kind of warlord that enslaves it's people. He rules over them with a big dragon called Catla.

The brothers end up going to war with the bad guy. The dragon makes the Toho monsters look like the dinosaurs in "Jurassic Park". I do know that in Norse (Viking) mythology, the greatest honor is to die and go to some place where your always at war. Compared to this, the films of Ingmar Bergman look like "The Care Bear Movie".