The Last King

Based on a 13th-century Scandinavian saga, Nils Gaup's adventure film recounts how King Haakon IV, who ruled Norway for nearly 40 years with unparalleled peace and prosperity, was saved as a toddler from assassination in 1206. Norway was then in the throes of civil war between the factions of the Baglers (supported by the Church) and the Birkebeiners. When Haakon's father, the Birkebeiner ruler Inge (Thorbjørn Harr), is treacherously slain, the child—who has been placed in a remote mountain village for safety's sake—is marked for execution by the Baglers. But two of Inge's loyal followers, Torstein (Kristofer Hivju, Game of Thrones) and Skjervald (Jakob Oftebro), try to race him (on their skis) to the court through snow-covered valleys and hillsides, all the while being pursued by enemies (this event is remembered today in an annual cross-country ski race). The historical background to the story, full of alliances, plots, and betrayals, is bewilderingly complex, but the tale features plenty of breathtaking action—not just chases across the wintry landscape, but also battles with axes, arrows, and swords. Nevertheless, while the fate of little Haakon will mean a great deal to Norwegian viewers, North American audiences are likely to be more confused than exhilarated by Gaup's doggedly reverential recounting of the rescue. A strong optional purchase. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include an interview with star Kristofer Hivju (10 min.), the music video “Bifröst” by Helene Bøksle (4 min.), and trailers. Bottom line: a decent extras package for this muddled but action-packed Norwegian historical thriller.] (F. Swietek)