She Deviant || A Royal Affair: Blu-Ray Review

26 March 2013 Last Updated on 26 March 2013 Written by Monica Cantu 0 Comments

Directed by Nikolaj Arcel and set in the 18th century, this film follows the life of British Princess Caroline Mathilda (Alicia Vikander) who is betrothed to a deranged King Christian VII of Denmark (Mikkel Boe Følsgaard). Queen Caroline left Britain with hopes of happiness, only to be met with lies, deceit, betrayal, and disapproval from the King. She soon realizes the King cannot be controlled and she is destined for a life of misery, until she meets the new royal Dr. Johann Struensee (Mads Mikkelsen), which ignites a secret affair between the two. Struensee’s idealistic beliefs quickly are pushed onto the King bringing the court and country in an uproar and causing unfortunate and grave consequences. This film was nominated for an Academy Award and Golden Globe for Best Foreign Film.

I love period pieces and foreign films. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I sat down to watch this movie. I will be honest, not much of a history geek, so their were references that I wasn’t sure were actual or factual (but I did research afterwards of course). I was quickly enthralled with this story. The film was narrated by the Queen and you felt every anguish and excitement she encountered. She was married to a King who was crazy. I mean, CRAZY. I had many mixed emotions with his character. You realize that he is not well, but it still doesn’t make his outbursts any more tolerable. Then came the doctor, who almost seemed to be as careless as the King but eventually turns around once his attraction to the Queen begins. The characters were played wonderfully by these actors. I actually didn’t mind the subtitles and almost forgot they are there. Great film, sad story, but a must see for the foreign film enthusiasts!