Director: Nikolaj Arcel
Cast: Mads Mikkelsen, Alicia Vikander, Mikkel Folsgaard, David Dencik, Soren Malling, Trine Dyrholm, Bjorn Melville, William John Nielsen.
Rating: (R16)
3 stars (out of 5)
Based on a 1999 novel by Olov Enquist, A Royal Affair is rich in historical detail but it's obvious from the outset liberties may have been taken with the privileging of certain historical figures over others.
Perennial Danish overachiever Mads Mikkelsen is superbly cast as Struensee, a free-thinking enlightenment disciple who unexpectedly finds himself appointed as the king's (Mikkel Folsgaard) travelling physician. The king is a cad, obviously bonkers. His preference for prostitutes and parties renders him a handful for everyone except Struensee.
The person most traumatised by the king's erratic behaviour is his wife (Alicia Vikander). Almost immediately after the hastily-arranged marriage is consummated, the queen locks herself away from her husband.
Figuring Struensee is cut from the same cloth, she initially dislikes him, only to discover they share a similar ideology.
Romance ensues and with their willing conspirator, the king, ushering in social reforms at a bewildering pace, the film kicks into gear.
Anyone still awake will be rewarded with a riveting showdown between the conservative members of the Danish court and the upstarts playing fast and loose with Danish custom.
It's lavishly shot and, for the most part, helmed by a talented cast, but tends to drag interminably.
Best thing: Mikkel Folsgaard's nutty king.
Worst thing: The duration, 30 minutes too long.
See it with: A triple shot of caffeine.
By Mark Orton.
