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A Royal Affair is a lavish and sumptuous costume drama with a juicy story to back it up.
All Critics (108) | Top Critics (33) | Fresh (97) | Rotten (11) | DVD (1)
For all its incident, A Royal Affair is slow and picturesquely framed - more of a languorously animated coffee-table book than a gripping drama. Feb 1, 2013 | Rating: 2.5/4 | Full Review…
For all its incident, A Royal Affair is slow and picturesquely framed - more of a languorously animated coffee-table book than a gripping drama.
Liam Lacey
The film ends not on a happy note, naturally, but on a moment of hope. Love may not conquer all, but it has a power all its own. Jan 18, 2013 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review…
The film ends not on a happy note, naturally, but on a moment of hope. Love may not conquer all, but it has a power all its own.
Connie Ogle
Although the brazen lovers, bellicose ministers and backstabbing handmaidens are familiar elements, the film is so handsomely mounted that we happily endure the ride until the turning of the screws in the tragic last act. Jan 17, 2013 | Rating: 3.5/4 | Full Review…
Although the brazen lovers, bellicose ministers and backstabbing handmaidens are familiar elements, the film is so handsomely mounted that we happily endure the ride until the turning of the screws in the tragic last act.
Joe Williams
Perhaps there's only so much to be done with a costume drama about illicit affairs and would-be coups. Jan 2, 2013
Perhaps there's only so much to be done with a costume drama about illicit affairs and would-be coups.
Michael Nordine
What a piece of work is this historical drama. Dec 7, 2012 | Rating: 3.5/4
What a piece of work is this historical drama.
Lisa Kennedy
A Royal Affair covers plenty of stately ground, all in good time. Nov 29, 2012 | Rating: 3.5/4 | Full Review…
A Royal Affair covers plenty of stately ground, all in good time.
Claudia Puig
Featuring a commanding performance from the ever-impressive Mads Mikkelsen, there is much here to admire -- and even more to decadently enjoy. Jan 9, 2019 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review…
Featuring a commanding performance from the ever-impressive Mads Mikkelsen, there is much here to admire -- and even more to decadently enjoy.
Daniel Green
It is a polished, exciting piece of work. Dec 19, 2018 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review…
It is a polished, exciting piece of work.
Kelly Jane Torrance
As a period piece based on a true story, it's not surprising A Royal Affair is long. But it's also fascinating and will keep audience's attention the full two-plus hours. This story was made for the screen. Oct 22, 2018 | Full Review…
As a period piece based on a true story, it's not surprising A Royal Affair is long. But it's also fascinating and will keep audience's attention the full two-plus hours. This story was made for the screen.
Sarah Gopaul
Although, at times, this is rather coolly aloof in tone, the cast is knock-out, and it is so excellently and expertly done, I'm pretty sure it will float your boat. Aug 31, 2018 | Full Review…
Although, at times, this is rather coolly aloof in tone, the cast is knock-out, and it is so excellently and expertly done, I'm pretty sure it will float your boat.
Deborah Ross
Avoids being a mere bodice-ripper, transcending clichés to create an immensly enjoyable and intelligent period romp. Aug 23, 2018 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review…
Avoids being a mere bodice-ripper, transcending clichés to create an immensly enjoyable and intelligent period romp.
Joseph Walsh
It may be a steamy and sumptuous bodice-ripper, but "A Royal Affair" aspires to much more and succeeds in becoming a thoughtful and universal period piece. Aug 7, 2018 | Full Review…
It may be a steamy and sumptuous bodice-ripper, but "A Royal Affair" aspires to much more and succeeds in becoming a thoughtful and universal period piece.
Brandy McDonnell
Boasting huge sets, elaborate period costuming, and intricate historical accuracy, this Danish production tells a love story between a repressed queen and a revolutionary advisor. After moving from Great Britain and marrying a childish, possibly schizophrenic king, a young woman tries to understand her repression and stave off the advancements of her husband. The manic king is soon met by a local doctor, who acts as his advisor and manipulates him by planting socialist rhetoric in his head. The wealthy landowners on the council seek to overthrow the doctor, which becomes easier once he and the queen begin an affair. There are some truly astounding social issues addressed in this film, and it's a grand indictment against not giving people their basic rights. It's a film about a country's history that eventually saw the equalization of people, through the horrible deaths and desolation of two people who only wanted to find happiness. The last twenty minutes are the most intense, emotionally heartbreaking scenes of the entire film, as their love story starts to unspool. There's blood, violence, and true agony (hitting you right in the heart) making it one of the more tragic and true love stories I've ever seen.
Super Reviewer
A very compelling drama based on the true story of King Christian VII, and his influential personal physician. Excellent acting, and a good story which is largely historically accurate, as far as I have read. Mads Mikkelsen is fantastic, as usual...
Danish King Christian VII's personal physician has an affair with the queen. A lush, with beautiful costumes and exquisite set design, and sprawling epic, this film is extraordinary. The three primary characters, portrayed by Mads Mikkelsen, Alicia Vikander, and Mikkel Boe Folsgaard, are compelling and interesting. Struensee's commitment to post-Enlightenment ideals and steely eyed romanticism make for a compelling leading man, and he perfectly complemented by Caroline's steadfastness. Christian VII is much like George III, and both make interesting characters. I learned a ton about Denmark and Danish history, and the conflict between religion and progress, faith and science makes for a timeless story. Overall, I enjoyed this film immensely, and all baseball fans will be distracted by how similar Mikkelsen looks compared to Freddy Garcia.
Beautiful and enthralling.
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