A Royal Affair

Nikolaj Arcel (2012)

132min

15 Certificate

Review

Our Score

by Dave Aldridge

Romance and politics are entwined in this conventional but classy tale of court scandal in 18th-century Denmark. The British-born Caroline Mathilde (Swedish actress Alicia Vikander) is married off to the mad King Christian of Denmark (an award-winning performance by Mikkel Boe Folsgaard), but falls for her appointed physician, the free-thinking German doctor Johann Struensee (Casino Royale baddie Mads Mikkelsen). As well as the Queen's love, Struensee also wins the King's trust and uses his influence to bring about radical and enlightened social reforms in Denmark. The tale resonates courtesy of fine scripting, excellent acting, and solid if somewhat leisurely direction. Fans of quality costume drama should love it.

Summary

The queen of Denmark has an affair with an enlightened German doctor. Together they plot to influence the insane king Christian VII to make drastic changes to the nation - but their radical agenda makes them powerful enemies among the ruling political council. Historical drama, starring Mads Mikkelsen and Alicia Vikander. In Danish, English, German and French.

Cast & Crew

Johann Friedrich Struensee Mads Mikkelsen

Christian VII Mikkel Folsgaard

Caroline Mathilde Alicia Vikander

Ove Hoegh-Guldberg David Dencik

Juliane Marie Trine Dyrholm

Schack Carl Rantzau Thomas W Gabrielsson

Frederik VI William Johnk Juels Nielsen

Enevold Brandt Cyron Bjorn Melville

Louise von Plessen Laura Bro

JHE Bernstoff Bent Mejding

Director Nikolaj Arcel

Other Information

Language: Danish, English, German, French +subtitlesColourTheatrical distributor: MetrodomeGuidance: Swearing, a sex scene, brief nudity. Available on: DVD and Blu-rayReleased on: 15 Jun 2012

Drama

Full Episode Guide

All hail the Danish revolution of sizzling drama and meaty roles for women

Barry Norman examines the success of programmes including The Killing, Borgen, The Bridge and new release A Royal Affair