The King's Choice

This film showed the anguish of a King determined to let the people decide as a democratic country. The rawness of emotions were well acted as the Nazis invaded. I've never been disappointed by a Norwegian film and this one is no exception. Their resilience is on display in their movie making abilities. Well done!

Amazing movie about Norway's fate in WW2. The fighting scenes are beautifully shot and the dialogue throughout the movie feels authentic and real.

This is a great retelling of what Norway dealt with in the Second World War! Watching it in Norwegian makes it better!

A Powerful retelling of one of the most bravest moments in WW2 with outstanding performances

Slow burn drama depicting the role of King Haakon VII during the early stages of the German invasion of Norway in World War II. Impressively acted and revealing story of events usually described from the German point of view. Gripping and poignant.

Great foreign movie on the German takeover of Norway. Germany wanted their ore and the NORSK facilities heavy water enrichment for nuclear production. (another movie on US & UK & Norwegians blowing up that plant - thank heavens). Reading the subtitles really makes you intimate with the production.

A solid telling of a little known part of WW2

This film is real cinema. If you enjoyed the English film The King's Speech for the struggles of conscience it recreated, this Norwegian film exceeds that by a factor of ten. The English subtitles are very awkwardly done but if you can get by that you can follow it very well. The physicality of the actors is very moving at times. This isn't a movie with a lot of war action so don't let that trailer with the artillery sinking a ship mislead you. There is just enough in three or four key places to make sure viewers know how dire the situation was at the time. I'm glad I didn't ignore this one.

The King's Choice delivers on its nuanced portrayal of negotiations in the midst of combat, capturing the tension and dislocation of diplomatic efforts who are desperate to prevent a war already set in motion. While it cannot quite be labelled an epic war thriller, its gripping dialogue and direction leaves the audience questioning what they would do in King Haakon VII's position.

The Norwegian campaign is told through this gripping piece of storytelling in a gritty and genuine depiction of personal sacrifice and the frustration felt by those who don't have the power to resist, but have the strength of will to carry on for their people. The king and crown prince are portrayed so well in their internal struggle to keep what little they have while keeping to the foundations of their country. The soldiers of Norway are given a genuine and honest depiction as well, shown to be willing to fight against the inevitable, and having the conviction to fight that their government clearly did not. The Germans as well are given an honest depiction, with the envoy shown to be a convicted man of peace and diplomacy, willing to sacrifice so that others didn't have to while having to battle with his own military and in some cases the will of Hitler himself for the simple objective of saving lives. The effects, while minimal, are nearly perfect for what little pyrotechnics are required, as well as the historical accuracy that is gained by filming on location like in the scene with the Oscarsburg Fortress. All-in-all, a fantastic gem has come out of Norway, and the historically astute viewer will certainly love this film.