THE LAST KING: SNOW FILLED ADVENTURE

Foreign films can be hit or miss, more often than not depending on how they translate to the viewing sensibilities of the group watching the film. For example there have been movies that were well made by the French and Italians that were great films but didn’t quite transfer to the viewing styles of American audiences. It didn’t lessen their qualities it just didn’t translate into box office gold.

Then there are others that translate well but still don’t achieve that pinnacle of success, box office dynamite. The good news is that these films often make their way stateside on disc format. That allows those who enjoy films from other countries the opportunity to see some great movie making going on other than what’s made here. THE LAST KING is a solid offering that tells a story, does it well and holds your interest from start to finish.

Based on a true story it tells the tale of early Norway, 1206 to be exact, when the king was overthrown. His son, Håkon Håkonsson, is an infant and those who still support their king send away the young child to be raised with the intent of him taking back the crown one day. Two members of the Birkebeiner, an elite skiing soldiers still loyal to the king, take the child away while the Church attempts to find him, kill him and take control of the country.

Eventually word leaks out that the child has survived and it becomes the goal of these two men to protect the child at all costs. As various foes are sent to retrieve that child they face off against each threat, making their way to a safe haven. If they fail they not only lose their lives but the future of Norway as well.

The film is filled with enough action sequences to hold the interest of the most jaded viewer. These work well since the odds of that “losing something in translation” problem doesn’t apply to them. Expert skiing is on view that displays a fantastic set of skills for all of the stuntmen used to make this picture. The cinematography that captures these exciting sequences as well as the gorgeous views of snow covered Norway only add to the pleasure this film brings.

While the names of those involved will not be recognizable to US audiences all involved do a great job offering emotions that pour forth from body movement and visual cues that aren’t fully brought to life by the dialogue which is subtitled. These characters are true heroes of the highest regard and the actors bring them to life.

Certainly not everyone will enjoy the film, especially those who tend to hate anything with sub titles. But for those willing to take a chance you’ll find a movie that provides enough court intrigue combined with plenty of action sequences that will keep you watching from start to finish.

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