The King's Choice

The King's Choice is a Norwegian historical drama film released in 2016. The film is directed by Erik Poppe and is based on the events that took place during the German invasion of Norway in April 1940.

The movie is set in the spring of 1940, when German forces invade Norway. At the time, Norway is a neutral country, but Germany still wants to control it because of its strategic location. The film starts off with a scene of King Haakon VII, played by Jesper Christensen, enjoying some quiet time at his country estate. He is a Danish prince who was chosen to be king of Norway in 1905. His advisors inform him that Germany is planning to invade Norway, and the king is faced with a difficult decision.

The king is very concerned about the safety of his people and is aware that a conflict with Germany will result in many Norwegian civilian deaths. He has two options: he can accept the German ultimatum and surrender, or he can fight back. The king's advisors are divided on what to do, with some suggesting that he should surrender to avoid a full-scale war, while others believe that Norway should resist.

Meanwhile, Crown Prince Olav, played by Anders Baasmo, is in London, trying to convince the British to help Norway resist the invasion. However, his efforts are unsuccessful, and Olav is forced to flee to Norway to join his father in the thick of the conflict.

As the situation worsens, with German soldiers closing in on the capital, the king has to make a decision. His heart tells him to resist, but his head tells him to surrender to prevent further bloodshed. Will King Haakon VII make the right decision, or will Norway fall under German control?

The movie is a gripping tale of a country facing an existential crisis. It is a story of courage, bravery, and sacrifice. The film brilliantly captures the tension and uncertainty of the times, as Norway struggles to find a way to protect its people and sovereignty. The performances by Jesper Christensen, Anders Baasmo, and Karl Markovics are excellent, and they help bring to life the characters they play.

The cinematography and production design are outstanding, and they help create a sense of authenticity and realism. The film perfectly captures the beauty of the Norwegian countryside and the terror of war.

One of the strengths of The King's Choice is that it takes a nuanced view of the events it portrays. The film does not portray the Germans as one-dimensional villains but instead shows the complexities of the situation. It is a reminder that even in times of war, not everything is black and white.

Overall, The King's Choice is an excellent movie that tells an important story. It is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices that people make in times of war and the courage needed to make difficult decisions. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in history, war films, or human drama.