THE KING’S DECISION/ THE KING’S CHOICE

Norway, 2016, 133 minutes, colour.
Jesper Christensen, Anders Baasmo Christiansen, Karl Markovics.
Directed Erik Poppe

This is a film which is specially designed for Norwegian audience, a Scandinavian audience, offering memories of the of the King of Norway in World War II.

The film has been directed by one Norway’s most distinguished directors, Erik Poppe (Troubled Waters).

The film gives historical background of the establishing of Norway as a separate kingdom in the 20th century, the choice of the Danish prince who came with his family to establish the royal house which was accepted and has continued to the present.,

With the outbreak of the war, German submarines began to sail in Norwegian waters. The German ambassador to Oslo expected the King to make some kind of agreement with Germany to enable its occupation just as his brother, the King of Denmark, had done for that country.

The action takes place over only a couple of days, the pressure from the Germans, the threats from the Germans and the submarines, the king facing the decision and his advisors, some for allowing the Germans in (with the later rule of Quisling) and a number against so that during the night, the king and the cabinet left Oslo for a secret country location to make the decision. There is a vivid sequence where the train is attacked by air and passengers flee into the woods.

The dilemma for the king was whether to allow the Nazis in and have a possible peaceful occupation during the war or to defy the Germans with consequent attacks, destruction and death of civilians. The king made the decision to defy the Germans.

Jesper Christiansen is very effective as the King. His son was initially in favour of Nazi occupation but then supported his father – and eventually succeeded him.

The King’s decision in 1940 was a courageous one but has held up over the decades as an example of patriotic commitment in defiance of the Nazi will to conquer Europe.

1. A film for Norwegians? Scandinavians? Germans? The universal interest?

2. A different perspective from most films about World War II? The focus on Norway, the King, the German invasion, the parliament, his decisions, the consequences? In comparison with other monarchs in Europe at the time, including his brother King of Denmark, the capitulation in the different war experience?

3. Audience knowledge of Norway at the time, the king, the role in world War two? The role of Quisling and the Nazis?

4. The supplying of information at the beginning of the film, Norway separated from Sweden, the monarchy, electing the Danish prince, his name, popularity? His son? His wife – and the son’s later comment that she was more interested in her horses in England? The bond between father and son? The Crown Prince? The king and his age at the outbreak of war?

5. The film taking place over three days, dates and times and precision given?

6. The personality of the king, his age, his love of his family, playing with the grandchildren? His getting the news about the German ships?

7. The Colonel, the searchlight for the ships, their coming in, his taking the decision, the bombing of the ships, the torpedo? His later decoration?

8. The politicians, Norway’s democracy, the King as ceremonial, the parliament and the Cabinet and their decisions? The King not interfering? The Crown Prince and his eagerness to negotiate?

9. The German envoy, at home, his wife and child, his not being fully informed? The flight of the king, not knowing where he was? The flight of the cabinet? Trying to make contact? The other officers and their attitudes, direct orders from Hitler? His finally getting the document, for negotiation? The rejections? The arrangement to meet the king, wanting to speak with him only? The King, his harsh words about the diplomat, about Hitler, about the German presence? The rejection of the document?

10. The picture of the cabinet, the various members, working amongst themselves, the time, during the night, the decision to leave Oslo, the king and his family on the train, the parliamentarians? The attack on the train, having to get off, hiding under the bridge? Continuing the journey, arriving at the destination?

11. The discussions between the king and the Crown Prince?

12. The scenes of battle, weapons, the attacks, wounded and dead?

13. The airstrike, everybody rushing into the woods, the king, with the grandchild?

14. The King, his character, his loyalty to the people, elected by them? His discussions with the cabinet – and their offering the resignation, not being accepted? To continue with the war effort?

15. The king, his reasons, knowing the consequences for declaring war on Germany, as different from the other European countries, his national sense, national pride?

16. The film offering admiration for the king, his stance, standing up to Hitler and tyranny?

17. The background of Quisling, with the Nazis, favourite of Hitler, his role – and the later condemnation and the use of his name in the derogatory way?

18. The final information about the Norwegian monarchy, the long life of the king, the long life of his successor, and his grandson continuing as King of Norway?