Dark Kingdom- The Dragon King is based on The Ring of the Nibelungs. In german folklore the Ring of the Nibelungs is the story of a magic ring, once guarded by a fierce dragon unleashed to destroy the world. Many critics say that this story was the basis for J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic saga, “The Lord of the Rings”.

I didnt rent the DVD when I watched this film. I actually watched the movie on the Sci-Fi channel, which was divided into a two part series. I must admit that I expected much more after watching the first half of the film. The first half did not drag much and the story thickened as it progressed. This all changed in the second half of the film. The story began to drop off into never neverland and the action also fell off considerably. I also didn’t care much for the twists and turns the plot took to end the film. It was pretty weak.

I also expected alot more “dragon”. It is called the Dragon King right? Unforunately, the dragon appears for about five minutes out of the entire film. That made me really disappointed. If your a hardcore fantasy movie fan like I am, you’ll probrably be able to watch this movie at least once and enjoy it. Otherwise, I’d probrably pass this one up on the aisle. I normally collect most fantasy DVD’s to add to my ever growing collection but I’ll probrably pass on this one. Its at best a good popcorn rental.

In a dark age long passed, young Siegfried witnesses the horrible murder of his father, King Siegmund of the Netherlands. Vowing to take back one day what is rightfully his, Siegfried is granted refuge at an allied royal court. Under the watchful eye of his spell-casting mother, Hjordis, Siegfried rigorously trains for his big day of revenge, becoming a powerful warrior. Acquiring a magical sword forged from a fallen star, he sets out to rid the land from the brutal reign of the dragon Fafnir and to gain control over the gold Fafnir stole from the mythical Nibelungs. Victorious, Siegfried baths in the dragon’s blood, making him invincible. His merriment is quickly tarnished, however, when the Nibelungs appear, wanting their gold back. Frustrated that they will not even negotiate their fair share, Siegfried, leaves the a portion, but takes for himself The Ring- the beautiful core piece of the Nibelung treasure. He unwisely chooses to ignore the Nibelung curse: he who possesses the Ring will never be able to hold onto true love.