- All
- New
- Pre-Owned
5stars
7ratings4stars
0rating3stars
0rating2stars
0rating1star
0rating
7 Reviews
Great Film, Highly Recommended
"The Last King" (with English subtitles, originally titled "Birkebeinerne" in Norwegian) is a wonderful film based on historical events, with fictional elements woven into it. Great actors, costumes, sets, location, filming, direction, etc. It's set in the early 13th century during which there are rival political factions, each wanting a different person on Norway's throne. One group, the Baglers, has the backing of Denmark and the Church. Two men from other group, the Birkebeinerne, protects the infant son of the deceased king (many treks filmed with these men on skis, carrying the baby!) and eventually he becomes King of Norway. You can Google the film to learn more about the actual events that inspired it.
The film does contain some historical inaccuracies, as man history-based films do. Several times the dialogue gives the impression that the Birkebeinerne rebels are fighting the pope and the Roman Catholic Church, which they don't want in Norway. In the 13th century, Norway WAS Catholic. The Reformation was still 300 years away. What was actually unwanted was the church interfering in politics, yet the film at times conveys an anti-Catholic sentiment. In one scene we see Haakon, the baby and future king eating a potato, a vegetable that wasn't grown in Norway until the 18th century. We are also given the impression that many of those opposed to the church's power are Pagans. Norway was Christian in this period and had been for some time. Cultural memories of the old religion still existed, (as expressed in carvings in stave churches for example) but people weren't invoking Odin and hoping to go to Valhalla.
Still, the visual beauty of the film, fine acting, and more, make it a film worth seeing and owning. By the 13th century the Viking Age had ended almost 300 years earlier, but "The Last King" is in some ways like watching "Vikings" on skis. (Skis by the way have been around for thousands of years!)Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes • Condition: pre-owned • Sold by: decluttr_store
Surprisingly Good!
Based on an actual historical event set in medieval Scandinavia, The Last King boasts magnificent scenery, good character development & acting, & a compelling story. Battle & pursuit scenes on skis were brilliant. The movie highlights the challenges of surviving in winter conditions. Don't expect it to be on the same level as the great Swedish movie, Arm, but The Last King is a good, solid flick, with some unique elements to it. Enjoy!Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes • Condition: pre-owned • Sold by: leonelgn12
Amazing screnery and skilled actors
I had to buy this DVD and have watched it four times within two weeks. I enjoyed the scenery and the actors skill at escaping danger in such a winter wonderland. Historically accuracy I am not such of, but I really enjoyed the theme and action this film provided. I do not mind watching subtitles, but would by it again if it verbally was in English.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes • Condition: pre-owned • Sold by: bookmans_exchange
Looks good,case is pretty busted up. So ...
Looks good,case is pretty busted up. So as long as it plays it'll be good.i will have to purchase anew case
Verified purchase: Yes • Condition: pre-owned • Sold by: dreambooks_co
Excellent DVD!!
Very Thought Provoking!
Verified purchase: Yes • Condition: new • Sold by: worldsbestdeals
Very pleased.
I liked it and it is definitely a keeper. Awesome scenery.
Verified purchase: Yes • Condition: pre-owned • Sold by: rappahannockgoo...