Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by tinear (A) on February 21, 2013 at 08:48:41

Caroline and the King's puppet master, the German Enlightenment-man, Stuensee, in the 18th century.
Young Danish King Christian VII needs a bride and who better to forge a lasting union between two powerful nations than a lovely, very young (15), and well-born (sister of George III) English noble?
Unknown to the English, Christian suffers from mental illness and has little or no interest in his fetching and curious young wife, preferring whoring and all-night debauches to her more staid company. This is a little hard to understand because she is portrayed by Alicia Vikander whose beauty finds a perfect match in her acting skill--- but who'd want to watch a plain woman in a romance?
Mikkel Folsgaard, as the idiot King, perfectly portrays him as a man trapped by forces over which he has little control, but who is not a fool--- this is an extremely subtle and difficult task, but he makes the King a true man and not some "Rain Man" like caricature.
Finally, this three-part piece features Mads Mikkelsen, a leading man with an unmatched acting range--- here, he portrays an intellectual, but one with both great personal and professional ambition.
At the time, Denmark, as he complains, is alone among powerful nations in still having primitive serfdom and any rights for its citizens: he begins to influence the King to take serious steps, much to the anger and bitter opposition of the King's council.
Meanwhile, the Queen and Struensee, who originally was brought into the palace as the King's doctor, become closer and closer as the King alienates her more and more.
Unlike most period films, this one has, in addition to its romantic theme, a serious historical and political one.
A superb ensemble, terrific costumes and palaces, and three excellent performances---- and best of all, your wife will adore you for finding this gem...