In 1940, Nazi Germany offers Norway to allow their troops to protect the country from a ”British invasion”; the royal family prepares to leave Oslo… There are always new stories to tell about World War II and this one focuses on the showdown between Nazi Germany and Norway prior to the occupation, where a German diplomat tried to prevent bloodshed and the King was pressured by both his government and the Crown Prince. At the same time we follow the first skirmishes between Norwegian and German troops. Very well staged, tense and convincing, with solid performances, especially by Jesper Christensen.
2016-Norway-Ireland. 133 min. Color. Widescreen. Produced by Finn Gjerdrum, Stein B. Kvae. Directed by Erik Poppe. Screenplay: Harald Rosenløw-Eeg, Jan Trygve Røyneland. Cast: Jesper Christensen (Haakon VII), Anders Baasmo Christiansen (Olav), Karl Markovics (Curt Bräuer), Tuva Novotny, Arthur Hakalahti, Svein Tindberg.
Trivia: Original title: Kongens nei.
Last word: “Among the many sources I drew on for the film, I was lucky enough to meet on several occasions with Princess Astrid, Haakon’s granddaughter and the sister of Harald V, the current King of Norway. We can see them in the film as children. Reliving the past was a very emotive experience for her. She helped me round out the details of personality and behaviour, which was extremely useful, especially for the scenes where we see Haakon and his son, the Crown Prince Olav, played by Anders Baasmo Christiansen, discuss their roles and what they believe to be the calling of the King, and where it becomes clear that they have very different ideas.” (Poppe, Cineuropa)
