Review of A Royal Affair (2012) by Todd G — 11 Dec 2012

A deep historical film that circles the complicated relationships around the Danish King Christian VII.

A variety of costumes and locations adds to the tale and the actors are laudible, but in the end this film seems more about historical events and court intrigue than it is about a passionate affair or a mad king. The best moments are when the king's new adviser assists him in pushing a libertine agenda, but most of the movie is a struggle between the conservative counsel and the man-behind-the-throne.

I have seen enough about affairs among nobles to have found the titular relationship a bit mundane. Nor was the promise in the trailers of a mad king really recognized in the movie. While well executed, I just feel I have seen this type of film before and found only a few gems of novelty to interest me through the slightly long running time.