A Royal Affair Review

2nd Jun 2012

Nikolaj Arcel’s virtuous depiction of this intrepid chapter in Danish history left my heart full, my fists clenched, my mind excited and my stomach rumbling.

Shot with an intimacy that allowed the audience to feel a strong sense of presence, I left the viewing truly feeling like I’d embarked on a small adventure rather than just watched a film.

Folsgaard’s unnerving but brilliant portrayal of a curiously childish, positively eccentric King acutely sets the tone of a time in Denmark when a yearning for compassion and free will bubbled nervously under the fearful clutches of conservatism. What unfolds is a coup not of brute military force or an uprising of the people, but a deception far greater. Pawns are played, love ensues and we watch the unraveling of the ultimate betrayal, the intricate manipulation of friendship, loyalty and unconditional trust.

It is in these acts that Arcel shows us so poignantly, that when there is such a deception, no matter what the magnitude or purity of intension, there will be, in the end serious consequences.

An amazing cast, ravishing cinematography and a stunning score made for an absolutely inspiring and thoroughly enjoyable experience. I dare say at over 2 hours I found it a tad too long however this would be the only, and may I add extremely small criticism I would make.

So go, jump in and indulge in the extravagance of the most exhilarating Royal Affair you’ll see in this neck of the woods for a while.