A Royal Affair2012
A Royal Affair (2012)
A Royal Affair Photos
Movie Info
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Cast
as Johann Friedrich Struensee
as Queen Caroline Mathilde
as King Christian VII
as Juliane Marie
as Guldberg
as Guldberg
as Frederik VI
as Court Lady
as J. H. E. Bernstoff
as Enevold Brandt
as Schack Carl Rantzau
as Augusta - Princess of Wales
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Critic Reviews for A Royal Affair
All Critics (106) | Top Critics (33) | Fresh (95) | 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.
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.
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.
Perhaps there's only so much to be done with a costume drama about illicit affairs and would-be coups.
What a piece of work is this historical drama.
A Royal Affair covers plenty of stately ground, all in good time.
Audience Reviews for A Royal Affair
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...
Super Reviewer
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.
Super Reviewer
A Royal Affair Quotes
| Johann Friedrich Struensee: | I think some people are so sealed inside their fate that they hide deep within their mind. |
| Johann Friedrich Struensee: | I am one of you. |
| Johann Friedrich Struensee: | I can do exactly as I wish. |
| Queen Caroline Mathilda: | You recognized me. |
| Johann Friedrich Struensee: | I would recognize you blind folded. |