Royal Deceit
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Movie Reviews of Royal Deceit
Movie Review: Saxo Grammaticus Onscreen!
Summary: 4 Stars
If that name doesn't mean anything to you...don't feel bad. Most are far more familiar with Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' than with his source material, notably the 'Gesta Danorum' (Book of the Danes) by Saxo Grammaticus. 'Royal Deceit' (released in Europe as 'Prince of Jutland') is based on the Gesta, in particular the tale of Amleth, a prince who discovers his uncle murdered his father for his crown and feigns madness to take revenge. Sound familiar? This version is far less complicated and more straightforward than Shakespeare's, but that doesn't make it inferior; rather, it's a refreshingly simple look at the Norse legend behind the famous play.
That said, this film is definitely not for those who insist on sophisticated SFX, fast-paced action, and huge-scale battles. Combat is spare and usually represented by a couple of warriors on either side whacking each other with primitive swords, but realistically this is more in keeping with the sixth century than most of the epic-style stuff found in big-budget pictures. The costumes are extremely simple shifts and tunics, mostly, and are quite accurate for the period if not the most attractive things to look at. (Ethel's gown is a little form-fitting for the period, but then...it's Kate Beckinsale.) It was filmed on location in Denmark, and the scenery is really lovely.
The film is also remarkable for the quality of the performances, which are first-rate all around. Astonishing talents Helen Mirren, Gabriel Byrne, and a young Christian Bale have most of the screen time, but look for truly enjoyable bit parts from the likes of Brian Cox, Kate Beckinsale, Tom Wilkinson, and - my favourite - Andy Serkis, better known as the man behind "The Lord of the Rings'" Gollum.
The action can be slow-paced for those accustomed to quick, cut-and-run pictures, but the story unfolds nicely. The narration in particular keeps well in the spirit of the Gesta, and there are some truly enjoyable scenes, particularly the scenes between Amleth and his mum Geruth and any time Brian Cox's King Aethelwine of Britain is onscreen. (Nobody chews scenery better than Brian Cox.) One warning, though, is in order: since this was primarily a Danish-funded film, it has rather a lot of nudity in it by American standards, including some full-frontal shots. I didn't find any of it offensive or out of place, but some may.
Perhaps I am biased as a Mediaeval Studies major, but I found 'Royal Deceit' enjoyable, for its own merit and as a nice alternative to all the Conan-style 'Mediaeval' pictures to be found elsewhere.
Movie Review: Not Exactly Shakespeare, But Very Entertaining
Summary: 4 Stars
Royal Deceit is two things I love. First, it's based on the story on which William Shakespeare based Hamlet, and I love all things related to the Bard. It's especially interesting seeing an alternative work from the same source material. Second, it's one of the lesser-known works of Gabriel Byrne, who's done so much good work other than The Usual Suspects (see Into the West, Smilla's Sense of Snow. And yes, I'll confess to harboring a certain affection for his portrayal of Father Andrew Kiernan in Stigmata).
Netflix describes this film as Hamlet "with a more Viking feel," and that description is fairly accurate. It makes Hamlet/Amled less English and more Danish than Shakespeare's telling, a change for the better. It also makes him less conflicted and more cunning. Christian Bale plays him fearlessly, barking like a dog, crowing like a rooster and all. Oh, and by the way, apologies to Robert Pattinson, but Teenage Christian Bale is still the prettiest underaged thing to walk this planet.
Movie Review: Great actors & historical content
Summary: 4 Stars
This movie was originally released as 'The Prince of Jutland'.
I really enjoyed this movie. Gabriel Bryne plays the evil uncle perfectly.
If you look carefully you will see a grown up 'Peter' from 'The Lion the Witch & the Wardrobe'as Amled's older brother.
Also an early piece for Kate Beckinsdale.
The way Amled gets rid of some of the nasties using pigs is a bit gross, but I can imagine it happening.
I think the reviewer that criticized the numbers in the army maybe expects it to be like the battles in the 'Two Towers'.
I would recommend it to anyone who loves a movie which has it all - blood, revenge, sex, fairly accurate sets and a clever hero.
For some reason Helen Mirren always does one scene where she gets her kit off.
I really don't think Christian Bale gets enough praise for his work.
Movie Review: Definitely NOT Hollywood - I liked it.
Summary: 4 Stars
This is NOT Shakespeare's Hamlet prince of Denmark, but an attempt to get closer to the tale on which Hamlet was based (as written by Saxo Grammaticus). It suffers (if that's the word) from being quiet, thoughtful, introspective and shot on a human scale, in a pallette of muted colours. For those who want knights in armour and Schwarzenegger lookalikes takin' out da bad guyz wit da sword uv justiss, don't bother. The costumes are pretty accurate for the period, and despite the comments of one reviewer, armies at that time often actually were only a few score men. It's the SIXTH century, not the sixteenth!For those who would enjoy a serious attempt to present a slice of historical life, it will be a welcome change from the usual formulaic dross that normally fills your screens.
Movie Review: Based on the Book by Saxo Grammaticus, the source for Hamlet
Summary: 3 Stars
1993 movie, R-rated (for nudity and violence) movie: a.k.a "Prince of Jutland" (European Co-production - France, UK, Denmark, Germany)
DVD Features: The DVD includes the movie, and sneak peeks (trailers).
Credits: Starring Christian Bale (Jute Amled (which, at times, sounds a lot like Hamlet when spoken); "American Psycho," "Empire of the Sun," "Shaft," "Batman Begins"; age 19), Gabriel Byrne (brother Fenge/King Fenge ; "Cool World," Ghost Ship," "Assault on Precinct 13"), Helen Mirren (Queen Geruth; "Caligula," "Excalibur," "Prime Suspect"), Brian Cox (Aethelwine; "Adaptation," "Bourne Identity," "Troy"), Steven Waddingon (Ribold; "Sleepy Hollow"), and a quite young looking Kate Beckinsale (Duke's daughter/Queen Ethel; "Cold Comfort Farm," "The Aviator," "Pearl Harbor"; age 20). Narrated by Oliver Fox ("Finding Neverland). Directed by Gabriel Axel ("Leïla"). Based on the Chronicle of Saxo Grammaticus (born 1150 Denmark, died 1220; "The Normans" (1976), "The Red Mantle" (1967)).
Plot:
The story of sixth-century royal intrigue in Denmark (tiny kingdom of Jutland), that includes a visit over to England. The movie is based on an a book (chronicle) by Saxo Grammaticus (1150-1220 Denmark). This book is an earlier Danish version of Shakespeare's "Hamlet" (in other words, a source story for "Hamlet"). In this version, the King and his eldest son are killed in a hunting party by two subjects (killed in turn by the King's brother). The Queen is quite unhappy, and the Prince Amled, is made quite mad upon hearing the news (though we learn early on that it is a disguise assumed by the prince).
Review:
The movie has a nice opening sequence looking at the land of "Jutland," combined by good music. No mystery here, the opening shows the King's brother giving himself injuries and directing the placement of two dead subjects. The buildings look right for the time, though I'm not an expert. The clothing is drab, the sound is a little hard to hear, and no attempt is made to talk in anything other than modern English (except for the names). Interesting, it appears that the women of the time prance around nude through the village to a bathhouse to use it together.
There always seems to be some idiot at conspiracy gatherings who state that they don't want to join the conspiracy, and end up dead. Too bad they had to include that cliché in this movie. Also too bad is that most of the actors seemed quite passionless in their acting in the beginning, though it does pick up eventually. When they say R for nudity, they really mean it, at least in the beginning (of course I'll later note that the beginning was boring, oddly enough). A short movie in over all length, but it certainly seemed a lot longer. Interesting to see the original story (if it is the original story), which has many similarities and differences between it and Hamlet (though it would be hard to list them without giving too much away). While the beginning is rather boring, the movie does start to become interesting before it ends. (3.40)