Royal Deceit

Rating:
Summary: This "'Hamlet'-with-a-happy-ending" is a must-see!
Review: "Royal Deceit" (being based on the same myth as the Shakespeare play "Hamlet") is a wonderful movie despite it's seemingly "unknown" status. I was VERY happy when I found out that it was going to be released in the U.S. (it was previously released in Europe under the title "Prince of Jutland") and rushed to get it when it finally was. It displays wonderful performances by Gabriel Byrne and Christian Bale, with a small role by one of my favorites, Kate Beckinsale. With the exception of some [usual] Danish nudity, this movie is an all-around excellent film and I would definitely recommend it- like I always say, it takes "Hamlet" (one of my favorite Shakespeare plays) and gives it a happy ending, making it just as suspenseful without the depressing ending!

Rating:
Summary: Royal Defeat
Review: I agree with the reviewer who thought of this as a comedy. It really is kinda humorous. Certainly not what you would expect from "Hamlet". If you have low expectations and enjoy watching the usually talented cast- go ahead. The sauna scene is no big deal. Don't get your hopes up. The women are well padded; dimpling and all. The best scene is when Gabriel Byrne grins from ear to ear and looks real mental. He rarely grins in other films! Darnit.

Rating:
Summary: Royal Defeat
Review: I agree with the reviewer who thought of this as a comedy. It really is kinda humorous. Certainly not what you would expect from "Hamlet". If you have low expectations and enjoy watching the usually talented cast- go ahead. The sauna scene is no big deal. Don't get your hopes up. The women are well padded; dimpling and all. The best scene is when Gabriel Byrne grins from ear to ear and looks real mental. He rarely grins in other films! Darnit.

Rating:
Summary: Hamlet - NOT
Review: I was expecting a fine film, given the excellent cast and the sponsorship of so many European film groups. As it turned out, I finally found that the only way I could endure watching this film to its conclusion was by treating it as a comedy -- laughing at the unbelievably stilted dialog, the tacky costumes and sets, the population of Jutland and the English "armies" that consisted of no more than 30-40 people each, and just about every other aspect of this abysmal film. I am sure that there are more convincing productions by amateur theater groups, and there may even be better high school productions.

Rating:
Summary: How could a movie with this fine cast be so horrendous?!?
Review: I was expecting a fine film, given the excellent cast and the sponsorship of so many European film groups. As it turned out, I finally found that the only way I could endure watching this film to its conclusion was by treating it as a comedy -- laughing at the unbelievably stilted dialog, the tacky costumes and sets, the population of Jutland and the English "armies" that consisted of no more than 30-40 people each, and just about every other aspect of this abysmal film. I am sure that there are more convincing productions by amateur theater groups, and there may even be better high school productions.

Rating:
Summary: Helen Mirren
Review: She's a great actress. And she has a real-woman beauty rare by Hollywood standards.

But the most important thing, unmentioned by other reviewers, is that she takes a sauna. Worth the price of admission. If you're in to that sort of thing, that is.

Rating:
Summary: Helen Mirren
Review: She's a great actress. And she has a real-woman beauty rare by Hollywood standards.

But the most important thing, unmentioned by other reviewers, is that she takes a sauna. Worth the price of admission. If you're in to that sort of thing, that is.

Rating:
Summary: Definitely NOT Hollywood - I liked it.
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Hamlet - NOT
Review: This isn't Shakespeare's Hamlet, but a film based on the tale that became Hamlet. Many things are good - a young Hamlet (18-ish Christian Bale), young, vibrant, powerful warrior king (30-ish Byrne), extensive scenes in England showing Hamlet becoming a hero (all off-stage in the play). And it ends happily - yeah!
On the downside, it's set in rough-and-ready 6th century Denmark, which isn't that pretty to look at. The staging seems static and lifeless and it takes forever to get going. Once Hamlet wakes up, things start moving along to a satisfying end.
The premise - great actors doing an early Hamlet with age-appropriate casting - sounds great, but somehow it just doesn't deliver.
I'll rent this video, rather than buy it.

Rating:
Summary: Great actors & historical content
Review: 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.