The King's Choice (2016) User Reviews

a gripping study of moral responsibility in leadership

[CineMuseFilms · 7/10 · 24 August 2017]

War history films look beyond battle to examine how things came to be. A fine example is the Norwegian bio-pic The King's Choice (2016). It tells the little-known story of the first three terrifying days when the Nazi war machine rolled into Norway and demanded that its ageing monarch surrender to the inevitable. Instead of the usual emphasis on military action, this film offers an extended essay on the moral responsibilities of leadership that is as relevant today as ever.

In April 1940, a fleet of German ships slips through Norwegian defences and issues an ultimatum: surrender or perish. Denmark had only recently capitulated to Germany but Norway's King Haakon VII (Jesper Christiansen) had no intention of following its example. Norway's traditional neutrality and antiquated military capacity made it seem defenceless, but it still managed to sink one warship which infuriated Hitler. A German envoy urged the King to accept a peaceful surrender and save Norwegian lives, but he refused to make it easy for the Nazis to take Norway. The Norwegian parliament was in disarray, nominally led by a Nazi-sympathiser with the surname Quisling, a word that universally has come to mean traitor. The nation was terrified and only the royal family was left as a symbol of hope and inspiration. Hitler was desperate to capture the family alive as a trophy for Nazi supremacy. The revered King and his heir apparent son fled to the countryside with Nazis in pursuit. Along the way, the envoy, his few remaining parliamentarians, and even his son, repeatedly urge the king to surrender. While Norway's collapse was inevitable, the royal family escaped to London where they led the Norwegian resistance for the remainder of the war.

There are several reasons why this film deserves praise. The most obvious is that it illuminates a piece of history that most people, except Norwegians, know very little about. It is a measured, sombre study of leadership with a competent cast, excellent cinematography, and detailed period sets and costumes. It provides a finely wrought portrait of a nation facing catastrophe using minimal dramatic embellishment yet with tension that rises over its long running time (two and a quarter hours). Jesper Christiansen plays King Haakon with regal authenticity as he goes from being a grandfather figure playing with children to a giant of integrity in the face of an extraordinary moral dilemma. The king's choice was his and his alone, and the film captures the enormous strain of knowing that Norway had no prospect of resisting the Nazi juggernaut yet believing that a nation's dignity should never be surrendered.

Despite its epic qualities there are some minor quibbles. Foreign language translations inevitably struggle with nuance and keeping up with dialogue is made more difficult when white sub-titles appear against white backgrounds, The film's pace would have benefited from more editing, less CGI and fewer scenes of the royal family in flight. But otherwise this is a gripping character-driven film that provides a fascinating glimpse into Norway's war history.

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Leaves you wanting more.

[peefyn · 8/10 · 27 September 2016]

My main feeling after seeing this movie, which covers the first few days of the second world war in Norway, is that I would like to see the movie continue all the way through the war.

While the performances are all great, and the locations used, the costumes, the recreations of Oslo and the soundtrack all contributed into making this an excellent movie - the highlight was how this story was told and the movie cut together. If you don't like inter titles, you won't like this movie. Every scene is introduced with location, date and time. And it works. I didn't always pay much attention to it, but the moments it chooses all feel like real moments in the story, the important highlights of actions performed by the people involved.

I do appreciate that they also spread their focus a bit wider than just the royal family. The German diplomat was an interesting character, trying his best to get a handle on a terrible situation, and doing a good (though futile) job. The young men on the front line are portrayed in a way that really shows the horrors of war on an ultimately inexperienced crowd. But the main story here is that of the royal family, who is made to seem more human than any other depiction I have seen of them, including most documentaries. They are not people born into a stoic calm, but rather people born into a job that at its worst can be really difficult and pressing.

The critique of this movie is mostly about what it is not: a new perspective. Again, you follow the heroes of the war, the people we shouldn't forget (and haven't forgotten). While I completely agree with the people wanting something new, this has little to do with this movie.

All for Norway

[claudio_carvalho · 8/10 · 8 January 2017]

"Kongens nei', a.k.a. "The King's choice", is a dramatic film that depicts how the Norwegian King Haakon VII (Jesper Christensen) decided the participation of Norway in the World War II immediately after the unexpected German invasion on 09 April 1940. This important historic event is unknown for most of the people around the world what makes this film unique. The screenplay follows the royal family from the eve of the German invasion until the moment they flee to outside the Norwegian border and seems to be very accurate. The great direction and performances associated to an excellent screenplay gives the sensation of a documentary. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): Not Available

An Engrossing Account Of A World War II Event That Many Aren't Aware Of

[CinemaClown · 2 February 2017]

An emotionally engrossing factual account that's brought to life with assured confidence & terrific restraint, The King's Choice (also known as Kongens nei) is an end product of extensive research, competent craftsmanship & skillful narration that brings yet another fascinating World War II event to cinematic life that many aren't aware of.

The story of The King's Choice takes place in Norway during the Second World War and follows the Norwegian King who's forced to make a difficult choice after his nation is invaded by Nazi Germany despite his country's neutral position in the war and has to decide whether to continue fighting the Germans or surrender, a decision that will shape Norway's future.

Directed by Eric Poppe, the film opens with a montage that provides a brief overview of Norway's elected monarch and his role in governing the nation, following which it jumps to 1940 and moves ahead from there. Poppe's direction is brilliant for the most part, as he is able to keep the interest alive and delivers some thrilling moments of chaos & destruction that war brings with itself.

There are only a couple or more battle sequences but all of it is thoroughly riveting & expertly shot. The drama is compelling, the tension is palpable, and its characters are interesting to some extent but there are still a few moments when it indulges in trivial matters which take the focus away from what's relevant. Its 133 minutes narrative is steadily paced but it begins to lose steam after a while.

My favourite aspect, however, is the background score, for it is able to elevate & enrich the impact of many segments with its ingeniously composed & emotionally evocative tracks that are always in sync with the unfolding events. Camera-work is equally well-balanced, and the cast delivers strong performances throughout by playing their given roles with aptness & leave nothing to complain about.

On an overall scale, The King's Choice has its shares of positives & negatives but it manages to be a gripping experience for the most part. It doesn't hold back anything when it comes to capturing the visceral nature of war and is fabulously supported by a rousing score in those moments but it also lacks the same level of intensity in the dramatic portions at times and fails to hit as hard as it was capable of. Still, definitely worth a shot.

All for Norway.

[Reno-Rangan · 7/10 · 14 April 2017]

It is from the director of 'A Thousand Times Good Night'. This movie is like the Norwegian version of the Academy Awards winner 'The King's Speech'. Likewise, it was based on the real, that happened around the same timeline of the history, id est, the World War II. Except matching title, it was totally a different narrative. When the Germany was expecting a response to their demand, the Norway cabinet made most of the decisions and turned it down to remain independent country. But from all, a decision that made by the king is what this film was based on and how it changed the Norway's fate was depicted.

This film was sent to the 2017 Oscars, unfortunately it did not advance to the main event. They might have expected recognition similar to the British film. But I think both the films were good in their own way with the kind of story they told us that took place in the backdrop of the most terrible time of the recent human history. So having a similar title name justifies. It is a biopic, but the story was covered from different angles to reveal us what happened on the other side, including one of the young soldiers who fought in that war.

The story begins with the April 1940, while the Nazi army sailing towards Norway and after losing most of the cities to them, the people fled to safer places. That did not spare the Norwegian cabinet members, as well as the king Haakon VII and his family. In those hard times, he kept the nation united by respecting to how the government decided to deal with the situation.

But on one occasion, through a German diplomat with a one-time offer directly from Adolf Hitler leave the king to make the crucial decision for his nation and its people. That's the part of the film to define its title. So everything leads to that moment, how he reacts and what follows decides the Norway's fate to stand on what side of the ongoing war.

❝If I am the last card in the deck, so be it.❞

It's a well made film. Neither too violent nor avoided the war depictions to turn it more drama type. Everything had its share, including those war atmosphere for such budget was impressive. More like it was a running and chasing theme. But in the initial parts, there were too many timelines mentioned about what happened on when. Details like that are really good, though I felt it was too much to take on, especially for a foreign film.

Once the tale enters the mid section, looked all were in order and also got very interesting than before. In a cold country like Norway, in those situations you are like in a multifold trouble. I mean from the common man's perspective. An army is chasing you and harsh winter, surviving that is very challenging.

All the actors were great, but the king steals the show. If this was an American film that had taken place in America, then he would have won the Oscars. The fresh undertaking films on the World War II themes would never go fade away. So this is one of the best in that kind in the recent time. Except the opening, I did not have any trouble following it. Even the 130 minutes looked shortened. But I won't think everybody would feel the same way as I did. Like any WWII films, it is a must see, particularly to learn from the Norway's perspective of the war.

But this was depicted from the early stage of the war. And since it was majorly focused from the king's perspective, being a first king elected by his people, how he had faced it, following his crucial decision leads the way to the film's conclusion. If you are as war film fan, particularly the WWII, the actual best part begins henceforth which I'm hoping for a sequel to focus on. If you are not anticipating like the top WWII films you have seen, it can be picked for a watch. But anyway, I would recommend it.

7/10

Solid about defining choices and moment for Norwegian history

[OJT · 9/10 · 23 September 2016]

Erik Poppe's history depiction "The King's Choice" (original title "Kongens nei") is about the Norwegian royal King and governments reaction to being invaded by Hitler-Germany on the 9th of April 1940.

Erik Poppe has made the brilliant "Trouled water", "Hawaii Oslo", "Schpaaa" and "A thousand times good night", but has outdone himself here, maybe only equaled by "Troubled water". The script is based upon the history telling book by Roy Jacobsen, and is written by Norwegian novelist and re-known script writer Harald Rosenløw-Eeg.

The film depicts what happened in the of the most defining days of the Norwegian democracy, where the Danish born king, after 35 years after being chosen as the King of Norway after his arrival in 1905, when Norway decided to become a kingdom. We also follow the Norwegian government, and how the military reacted to the shock of being invaded by the Third Reich power.

I must say that this film simply could not be depicted more correctly. Except for the King and the Crown prince actually was driven in a newer DeSoto, which only war nerds and aficionados would know, this is painstakingly accurate.

The film is no action movie, but a historic drama, and as such it fulfills my expectations as the best Norwefian war movie to date. Though the film has some action filled sequences, the main thing is the choices that has to be made which defines this drama. And not only the King's choice, but also the when fie was to be called against the war ships and the German troops in their chase of the king. The troubled government which not at all were able to show the same determination as the king, and so on. Many difficult choices.

The film isn't at all afraid of dwelling at these choices, and this makes my day. The film making is really heartfelt, and the instruction of the actors are superb. Danish actor Jesper Christensen is simply jaw-dropping in his role as King Haakon the 7th, and Anders Baasmo Christensen isn't far behind in his role as Crown Prince Olav. However, Austian actor Karl Markovics is simply stunning as Kurt Bräuer. And I could go on. Many great roles! Poppe is a criminally great instructor and director.

And it would have been a catastrophe of epic proportions if this film had taken short cuts. Thank God they didn't. The film is not only accurate and defining history telling, it's also a mile stone in Norwegian cinema and film history.

Everything for Norway

[olastensson13 · 7/10 · 1 July 2017]

It's about the most dramatic days in Norway 20th century history. 8-11 April 1940, the time of the German attack. Norwegian military is unprepared. The king, the government and the parliament leave Oslo.

The Germans want to negotiate after occupying main Norwegian cities. They turn directly to the king, trying to make it his decision to avoid more bloodshed. That's his decision. And there is an answer.

Jesper Christensen is tremendous as king Haakon, making the moral dilemma more complicated than it's described in the script. Much is really filmed theatre here, but you tend to forget it, when Christensen is on the screen. Which he is very much.

Excellent "Niche" WWII film.

[smith73 · 8/10 · 17 November 2020]

I really liked it. I say it's a "niche" movie because I'm American. Were used to seeing films about the US and UK battles of WWII. This is a mostly quiet film, with modest action sequences. Most of it revolves around the intense pressure on King Haakon and his family. You can feel his anguish. The loving but strained relationship with the Crown Prince is depicted well. I recommend this film to anyone with interest in the first year of WWII.

Slow, thoughtful historic war drama

[CrazyArty · 6/10 · 30 September 2021]

The true story of the German invasion of Norway in 1940 at the start of World War 2. A Norwegian language film with subtitles.

The film is told from the Norwegian perspective specifically the personal experience of the King, and the leadership decision forced upon him.

Not very graphic or violent, more dialogue based. An interesting historic story, really about democracy, delivered in a fairly slow way.

A great personal drama

[steinerikpaulsen · 10/10 · 7 November 2016]

Kongens Nei is a great personal drama revolving around King Håkon VII, set to a historic backdrop of the opening days of the German invasion of Denmark and Norway. We also follow the German representative in Norway at the outbreak of the war - Curt Braüer - and his futile attempts of getting a negotiated peace. Both men have to adapt fast to a military reality neither was very well prepared for.

The movie does have some good war scenes - most notably Colonel Eriksen firering the heavy guns at Oscarsborg coastal fortress at the German heavy cruiser Blücher - but it is not an action movie. Most other war scenes are about fleeing by train and car and confused small scale battle in cold, snow and wood. Pretty accurate of what the war was like in Norway, where all parts had to cope with the weather and nature as much as with enemy soldiers.

Interesting more than a good movie

[johnpierrepatrick · 7/10 · 20 August 2020]

I won't hide it, The King's choice is not a very good movie cinematically speaking. However its subject and the way it is treated is damned interesting!

Why? There are 2 main reasons. First, it relates an historical and meaningful event that is not very well known and it does that without changing facts and creating artificially tension and emotion. Secondly, and that is its main asset in my opinion, it does not show people that know how to react to the extra-ordinary in a zillieth of a second. Some movies show main historical figures doubting, but that is generally a once in a lifetime. Otherwise, they always know exactly how to react. Not in this movie, it put you in their boots and make you think - at the same time they are thinking about what can be done. That reflexion about moral responsibilty, about how to face adverse events is really well led as it is not a ready-to-eat for the spectator. Each can make his own thoughts and agree or disagree with the decisions made during these days.

A few other thoughts. I don't know how much is true about Haakon and Olav, which are shown more than 100% devoted to their people and ready to give their life. However the fact is it was a king that made the choice to place its people sovereignty over all, a choice than Norway's elected government was not ready to make - and that is true for almost any elected government I think. It is noticeable to show in this movie 2 strong women, that are not only well thought but which advices are quite sought. That changes from the generally discreet and supportive woman that is shown in historical movies - if some were like that, it is generally a choice to focus on its (male) lead figure.

Great direction, screen writing and acting

[Morten_5 · 8/10 · 4 November 2017]

With fine screen writing and heartfelt direction, Norwegian war drama "The King's Choice" (2016) is truly engaging and very well made.

The fifth feature film by director Erik Poppe and the fourth on which he co-operates with screenwriter Harald Rosenløw-Eeg (here assisted by screenwriter Jan Trygve Røyneland), "The King's Choice" boasts a grand performance by Danish actor Jesper Christensen and a beautiful score by Swedish Johan Söderqvist (one of the most important film composers in Scandinavia today).

Historically accurate

[JayPatton88 · 6/10 · 29 May 2020]

Good portrayal of a historically accurate time during WWII. Good plot, directing, acting for movie time setting and events that were happening at the time the film was supposed to have taken place.

Silly Exercise in Virtue Signalling

[Eradan · 3/10 · 6 October 2020]

I thought I was going to like this movie and admire it's protagonist, King Haakon VII, but I rapidly became exasperated with both. The problem is that Haakon was basically a weak, impotent old man who was totally out of his depth dealing with the crisis of the German invasion of 1940. He apparently spent the previous 35 years of his life content to go through the motions of being a constitutional monarch with no actual power. When everything in his life was up-ended by the German onslaught, he didn't have the slightest idea what to do. That the movie seems to think his doddering was heroic is bizarre.

Most of the other Norwegian characters are similarly ineffectual as is the main German character, the envoy Curt Bräuer. Like the king, Brauer cannot grasp that Hitler's blitzkrieg against Norway means the middle-class rituals that have defined his life are now meaningless. The movie seems to see him as a tragic figure but I found it hard to take him that seriously. The other German characters (including his wife) treat Bauer with increasing contempt as the film goes on and regardless of your politics, it's hard to blame them.

I had trouble deciding how to rate this movie. In the end, I gave it a three on the basis of one point each for the scenes depicting the Battle of Drøbak Sound and the Battle of Midtskogen. Of course as we all know, on IMDb, you can't rate anything lower than one so for all intents and purposes one equals zero and three equals two. Since both of the above mentioned scenes can be watched for free on YouTube, I recommend doing that and not wasting your time and money on this silly exercise in virtue signalling.

Getting back to the heroization of the hapless king, the fact that so many people (including at least half the posters on this page) see Haakon VII as an inspiring figure implies that they themselves are weaker than he is. THINK about that...

special

[Kirpianuscus · 24 May 2018]

After so many war films, heroic, impressive, moving, "Kogens nei" is the refreshing refuge. for perspective. for acting, for atmosphere, for the story who you know in a different frame. for a large public, Norway in the WW II is only a detail from blitzkrieg. that film demonstrates other version. not the great one. but one so useful for understand the war, attitudes, answers, insignificant, at the first sigh, details than the story becomes, scene by scene, more and more complex. a film about Norway. simple. precise. admirable. about a form of sacrifice who seems too small. but who change everything. a brilliant film not about the war. but about its people. impecable performances, impressive work. and the feeling to discover a special film. escaping from classic recipes. but being more useful than beautiful. so, real special.

Edifying but a bit dry

[grantss · 7/10 · 23 December 2018]

April 1940. Norway has been invaded by Germany and King Haakon VII, the royal family and government have fled into the interior of the country. The German envoy to Norway, Curt Brauer, tries to negotiate a peace. Ultimately, the decision on Norway's future will rest with the King.

Based on history, with some degree of dramatization, quite interesting and edifying. I would consider myself a history buff, especially a military history and WW2 buff, but wasn't that familiar with the political machinations that occurred after Germany invaded Norway. Makes you realise the choices rulers have to make when something like this happens, and the repercussions thereof.

While interesting, not always engaging. The first 75% or so is quite slow and dry, being told in blow-by-blow, bullet-point-like fashion. The final few scenes are quite powerful though and ram home how crucial the King's choice was, and the ethics behind it.

A film that will probably resonate more with Norwegians but worth watching by history buffs too.

Gripping WW II drama --The aged king of Norway faces the Germans down without a flinch.

[alexdeleonfilm · 10/10 · 23 February 2017]

KONGENS NEI image1.jpeg Jesper Christensen, magnificent as Hakon VII in "The King's Choice" The Norwegian WWII epic called "The Kings Choice". (Kongens Nei) was viewed at the lavish Zoo Palace in Berlin during the 2017 Berlin film festival. This is a tremendous docu-drama of the category "They don't them like this Anymore" -- over two gripping hours long but focusing on just the four day period from April 8 to April 11, 1940 -- when the Germans invaded neutral Norway to seize the iron ore reserves and the long strategic coastline under the pretense that they were protecting Norway from a British invasion. The old actor who plays King Hakon VI as a devoted family man as well as a noble king was exceptional and arresting. (Jesper Christensesn, 68) . Suspense filled, almost an historical thriller. So well made that even if this is a relatively unknown corner of WW history it may go over at some international BOs just for the spectacle and scope.

A great picture in every respect. King Hakon VII already up in years, has to decide whether to agree to a Puppet Government under Norwegian traitor Quisling or refuse to accede to the German demands and bring the Norwegians into armed conflict with the overpowering invaders. After fleeing to the north one step ahead of the advancing Germans he agrees to meet the German envoy for a final attempt at a negotiated settlement to achieve a peaceful solution but feels it his royal duty to decline and enter into a brief hopeless war of resistance. The events of these critical days are followed almost hour by hour with inter-titles on screen to produce a documentary feel. This is a somewhat fictionalized account for dramatic effect, based, however completely on real, people and real events. "King's Choice" is a 2016 biographical war drama directed by Erik Poppe. A co-production between Norway and Ireland, and was selected as the Norwegian entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars 2017.

A bit too academic

[fredrikgunerius · 6/10 · 15 August 2023]

During WWII, the Norwegian king found himself in a political dilemma of whether to continue resisting the German invasion or yield to their demands and surrender in order to ensure peace. It was a highly diplomatic situation and arguably the last time the king of Norway had any real political power. This film from Norwegian veteran director Erik Poppe (Hawaii, Oslo, De usynlige, A Thousand Times Good Night) gives an account of this situation, focusing on the conflict between the pragmatic king and the more emotionally driven Crown Prince Olav (later to become the very popular King Olav V). In fact, there's so much focus on and screen-time given to the two monarchs that the film at times is bordering on chamber drama. Early on we're also presented with a panoramic view of 1940's Oslo, and there's a segment with a skirmish between German forces and Norwegian militia, but Poppe isn't able to give these glimpses of life in war-time Norway more than a digressional value. The result is that "Kongens nei" not by any means is a war film, it's a film about diplomacy and political decisions, and although the stakes are high, the film never is able to transcend the face value of these proceedings. Among several above-average performances, the best belongs to Karl Markovics as the German diplomat Curt Bräuer.

Tense and exciting

[euroGary · 9/10 · 5 July 2017]

"The King's Choice" supposedly centres on King Haakon VII of Norway during the first few days of the April 1940 Nazi invasion of his country, but it is actually about much more than just the monarch: we see the initial engagement between Norwegian and Nazi forces, the discussions of the weak and divided government, the escape from Oslo of the royal family, the conflict between the Nazi diplomatic and military arms, and we follow a teenage soldier as he experiences his first, horrifying taste of combat. Then - almost as an afterthought - we get to that choice: should the king order the end of resistance to the Nazi advance and also accept the new puppet government of Vidkun Quisling? The consequences if he refuses are potentially horrendous. (Super-spoiler: The film's original Norwegian title, "Kongens nei", is in English "The King's No"!)

This is a tremendously exciting film, with a real sense of pace and tension. There are enough battle scenes to keep fans of bullets and explosions happy, although for me the discussions between the characters are the best bits, even if some of them - such as exchanges between the king and his crown prince - are surely inventions of the writers. In the lead role, Danish actor (Haakon himself was from Denmark) Jesper Christensen gives an affecting performance as an elderly man who, after a lifetime of ceremonial leadership, also has to exercise the moral kind. Karl Markovics exudes an air of desperation as the German diplomatic envoy trying to avoid bloodshed, but for me the best actor of the film is Arthur Hakalahti as the young soldier who goes from smirking, tongue-tied teenager ("Hello... king") to battle-scarred veteran in just a few hours.

This was the best film, IMHO, of the 2017 Edinburgh International Film Festival and it is one I will definitely watch again.

Purely Historical

[tylertubisjr · 7/10 · 27 August 2023]

It is so hard to decide for something that may affect everyone lives as we can see on this movie, one decision can really affect the lives of innocent people, the movie depicted conditions of people during world war 2.

The movie itself is slow paced one, there is some fillers in it, some dialogues are fillers, wish the movie was a shorter one, but still the actors really put their efforts in portraying real persons, now we can see a glimpse on what's happening during ww2 in their own perspective, rather than only seeing the american perspective, the movie is great for a casual movie viewers out there.

a history lesson for all

[cdcrb · 10/10 · 27 September 2017]

if you are like me, Norwegian history is not at the top of your list. however,if you are a history buff and like very good movies, this film is for you. Norway started out ww2 neutral and after a series of events, was invaded by Germany. the king, Haakon, ceremonial for the most part, does not buckle under and Norway becomes fully involved in the war. it's a great movie and shouldn't be missed by serious movie buffs.

A decently constructed period drama

[jasonam · 7/10 · 24 August 2018]

The story behind the fizzling of Norway's government in the days following Hitler's invasion may not be the most inspiring, but the humanity in Erik Poppe's direction allows The King's Choice to keep fresh and ring true. A number of remarkable performances (Jesper Christensen is particularly well cast) elevate this otherwise procedural film, allowing it to leave a distinct impression.

"Look to Norway" (FDR's speech)

[elcoat · 10/10 · 26 August 2020]

I am a retired American librarian over here in Norway for my younger Norwegian-American children. I am also a World War 2 historian and boardgame designer who had never heard of President Roosevelt's "Look to Norway" speech before I moved over.

In it, FDR showcased Norway as a classic example of an innocent, neutral country attacked and occupied by the Nazis ... and fighting back. Free Norway sailors and ships - especially merchant marine as well as naval - airmen, and commandos and other soldiers were fighting tooth and nail to get their country back.

Just one example: the British-built Norwegian destroyer Stord was the one that got in closest to the cornered German battle cruiser Scharnhorst off the North Cape/Nord Kapp in Dec43 to get the most torpedo hits on it and sink it. After VE-Day Stord was then fitting out for the Pacific, when our atom bombs finally ended the horror there.

Norway's neutrality had been compromised by the Altmark Affair, where British Captain Vian took destroyer Cossack into a fjord to free from the German tanker Altmark British merchant seamen captured by German raiders in the North and South Atlantic. Knowing Germany's navy - even u-boats - could be bottled up with an Allied-controlled Norway, Hitler risked his entire navy in a desperate Northern invasion gamble, high-lighted by the first airborne invasion of a country, against which both Norway and Britain were completely unprepared.

The film shows a confused Norwegian Parliament and aging and distraught King Håkon coming to grips with the reality of Norway's situation, strongly and decisively urged by younger Prince Olav. It also shows the German ambassador pushed by Hitler to get the Norwegians to surrender as Denmark - being hopelessly flat - had soon done.

The unexpectedly sharp resistance of the young trainees and their reserve officers on Oscarsborg Festning/Fortress island - now a beautiful national family park with the Krupp guns still there and an excellent museum - is unforgettably realistic and vivid ... one of the greatest film segments I have seen.

Their prevention of the quick taking of capital Oslo and the capture of not just the royal family and Parliament but Norway's considerable gold reserve - I've met the grand niece of the fellow who got that out, called a "bank robber" by the traitor Quisling - gave Norway time to rally.

The depiction of a young Norwegian soldier's experience - another true story - helps the viewer understand the distraught confusion being felt by all Norwegians, who were in for 5 years of hard Nazi occupation.

But it is Prince Olav's wife, Princess Margaret - the mother of today's King Harald - who is especially interesting. She was very intelligent and immediately realized the importance of 3 year old Crown Prince Harald getting to safety to ensure the government's legitimacy and free survival.

She and the children were spirited out of Norway and then with the help of her Swedish royal relatives up to Petsamo Finland to board the American transport American Legion and get to safety in America.

The Roosevelts actually let them stay in the White House for a time - imagine little Harald running up and down its halls :-) - and FDR so impressed by Margaret that he gave that speech.

And this (2020) fall, there is to be a TV series about all this, titled Atlantic Crossing.

In any case, Norway coming to its decision to fight - for war - and coming of international age, is compellingly portrayed in this.

And it is pertinent to note that now-internationally-focused Norway has been elected to be on the UN Security Council for a term starting next year.

GREAT film and an interesting comparison to the Danish 9 April 1940 experience, depicted in a movie with that date for its title.

The hype is more than the sum of the it's performance

[jodyberg1 · 3/10 · 28 September 2016]

Judging by the hype and praise this movie had received I was really looking forward to this release. The trailer was amazing and as a fan of war movies this seemed like something which would stand out from a pale series of attempts the last two years in the WW2 movie genre. However it was nothing short of a disappointment! The movie starts off with some excitement in the air. You are anxiously awaiting the invasion which is why you can handle the King playing around with his kids and pretending he knows nothing of anything whatsoever. Then the movie shift focus to dialogues about how ill prepared Norway really is for a possible invasion. This is when the movie tries to reel you into the 1940's era. This never happens. The German fleet (I count one ship) enters the fjords of Norway and a small fortress with approximately 7 Norwegian soldiers facing some action are all the invasion battle you will see. These scenes feature horribly made CGI (probably created on a boozy evening on a low resolution screen in the mid 90's). After the disappointing ''battle'' the Germans have control over Norway and this is where the movie becomes a clichéd joke. Somehow the director thought it was OK to make every German shout like Hitler (in almost every scene). There is even a scene where a German threatens a little boy with a gun while ferociously sneering like an SS office (see Schindler's list). The fact that the boy has life threatening injuries makes no difference to the Germans (historical accuracy under scrutiny). I'm not saying it did not happen but in the early stages of the war an army sergeant of the Wehrmacht is not likely to act like an SS officer. Jumping to the King is on the run, still acting like a confused old man not really sure of what to do. The plain boring scenes of the King in different small towns in Norway combined with the already non plausible acting of Germans and Norwegians alike, makes it look like a small town poorly constructed costume drama, combined with the occasional drop of terribly made CGI bombs from overhead ''blurry'' planes (maybe you can tell it is a German plan due to the shape?). Just to make it even more cliché they copied a scene from ''Saving Private Ryan'' where a grenade goes off and you get the continuously beep ear noise. If you were to go out and don't want to miss out on the ''action'' don't worry, the movie has the same music playing in ALL ''action'' scenes throughout. If you hear it once you know what I am talking about. The director probably got his inspiration from the movie Battleship where the same music appear when the creatures ascend from the ocean. The King's inevitable escape from Norway (something I had anxiously awaited to see) is not shown. Instead the movie cut to credits. Why would they leave out this part? After all he is surrounded on all flanks and the escape could have been an interesting watch. After the movie you will probably wonder where the King's ''NO'' actually came from.

Gem of a movie.

[mf2 · 8/10 · 7 October 2019]

Fantastic photography, well acted and directed. Period piece about the early days of World War 2. The King of Norway's courage and moral compass is truly tested by Nazi Germany. A gem of a film. Well worth watching.