Released in theaters in 1994, Royal Deceit tells the story of a son’s revenge for his father’s murder. The film takes place during medieval times in a small keep along the sea in what is now Denmark and stars Christian Bale as the young prince, Gabriel Byrne as the murderous uncle, Helen Mirren as the prince’s mother, and Kate Beckinsale as the prince’s love interest.
Costumes reflect the time period and the village peasants wear plain clothes; the king and queen dress modestly and the king’s only adornment is a simple cape and crown. Weaponry is rudimentary and consists of knives, spears, axes, and the use of fire. There are only small horses or ponies—no war horses. Women bathe nude in a communal bath.
The young prince Almed (Christian Bale) and his younger brother are out boar hunting when they discover that their uncle Fenge (Gabriel Byrne) has plotted to kill Almed’s father, King Hardvanael. At the order of Fenge, men loyal to him drag the king to a hill where they proceed to hang him. Almed spots the activity and rushes in, but he is too late to save his father. Fenge’s men kill Almed’s brother; in order to protect himself, Almed pretends to become mad. When the group returns to the keep, Almed’s mother (Helen Mirren) believes the uncle’s lies that the king was attacked by some of the king’s own men.
Since Almed is considered mad, Fenge becomes king and Almed’s mother becomes the new king’s wife. Rather than create strife with the villagers, and be skeptical that Almed is truly insane, Fenge decides to send Almed away to his friend, Aethelwine (Brian Cox), a prosperous duke living in England. The uncle instructs the duke in a carved message to kill Almed.
On the boat journey, Almed changes the message to say that the men accompanying him should be killed instead. The duke graciously receives Almed and allows him to go horseback riding with his daughter Ethel (Kate Beckinsale). While out riding, Almed discovers the duke’s men have been attacked by a rival group. He uses cunning and surprise to defeat the duke’s enemies and even battles and kills the opposing leader. Almed’s success wins him the duke’s daughter; they marry and together leave for his home. Once back in Jutland, Almed again uses cunning to achieve revenge against Fenge and his uncle’s conspirators.
Fans of Christian Bale may find it entertaining to see him as a young actor in this film, as well as a younger Helen Mirren. While the set design is fairly rudimentary, the acting is appropriate, and the film delivers a clear story of retribution. Strong Optional. Aud: C, P.