The film is slow and tries your patience, the Scandinavian slow motion in films is notorious, while Danish and Norwegian films usually are a bit more active, while Finnish films are the worst, although Russian films can be of the same trying sort. But here there is a vital story that is true and needs some meticulousness in its presentation, as it involves deep political problems and arguments and advanced diplomacy, that is not easily accomplished. Karl Markovicz as the German diplomat sparing no efforts and going at any length to save the peace for Norway, the land he has made his own with his child having been born there, makes the most impressing performance, and he has realized equally difficult and complicated parts on the screen before. Jesper Christensen is perfect as the King, and nothing is missing in a perfect rendering of the difficult part and predicament of this king, 68 at the time, who nevertheless lived on until 85. Anders Baasmo Christiansen is equally prominent as crown prince Olav, and perhaps the most interesting part of the film is the intimate realization and presentation of the close teamwork between father and son, the father keeping consistently cool in all his deep trouble, while the crown prince, so much younger with a fresh family, naturally is more impetuous, but although of very different tempers, they are still of the same rational mind. The film increases constantly in interest and gathering tension and drama as the historical events keep breaking in, but all the supporting characters are excellent and important also. Tuva Novotny makes a great impression as the crown princess Märtha, as does also Arthur Hakalahti as soldier Seeberg, who later joined in the Finnish fight against the Soviet invasion. In brief, this is an invaluable historical film, clearly presenting all the problematic delicacy and labyrinths of the issue; and the finale, when the King finally has to meet with the German diplomat, is an unforgettable highlight.

"Kongens nei', a.k.a. "The King's choice", is a dramatic film that depicts how the Norwegian King Haakon VII (Jesper Christensen) decided the participation of Norway in the World War II immediately after the unexpected German invasion on 09 April 1940. This important historic event is unknown for most of the people around the world what makes this film unique. The screenplay follows the royal family from the eve of the German invasion until the moment they flee to outside the Norwegian border and seems to be very accurate. The great direction and performances associated to an excellent screenplay gives the sensation of a documentary. My vote is eight.

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This is an interesting look at just how Norway coped in the immediate aftermath of the Nazi invasion - told through the perspective of their steely, honourable King Haakon VII. Faced with overwhelming opposition, much of the Norwegian infrastructure had little choice but to comply with the new government of Quisling and his new puppet-masters. Jesper Christensen well portrays the stoic King, who with his family and loyal retainers flee the encroaching invasion fighting a rear-guard action as best they can on both diplomatic and military fronts. The drama is taut and carefully constructed; the brutality of the Nazi invasion is implied more than it is demonstrated - and that works to the advantage of the story; it builds to the inevitable conclusion whilst respecting the difficulties - lethal at times - faced by him and his staff all as they deal - with varying degrees of horror and disbelief - at what is befalling their nation. Well with watching if you are keen on learning more about this little discussed sphere of the European theatre of WWII.