Don't expect this film to follow the books too closely which was a little disappointing. Overall it had the feeling of being rushed and glossed over most of what went on in the later books in order to reach the film's conclusion, which for Uhtred fans was a little confusing and upsetting. However, with hindsight it has grown on me and it does conclude the series in under 2 hours, culminating in a massive battle where most if the protagonists get involved.
Alexander Dreymon is superb in the lead role as ever chewing his way through his Danish/German (Northumbrian?) accent.
Watch out for some old favourites from the TV series in the closing scene.
Perhaps not for Bernard Cornwall purists but then again neither were the Sean Bean Sharpe TV films of the 90s.
"Destiny is all".