Royal Deceit
(1994)
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Royal Deceit
(1994)
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| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Gabriel Byrne | ... |
Fenge
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| Helen Mirren | ... |
Geruth
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| Christian Bale | ... | ||
| Brian Cox | ... |
Aethelwine
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| Steven Waddington | ... |
Ribold
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| Kate Beckinsale | ... |
Ethel
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| Tony Haygarth | ... |
Ragnar
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| Freddie Jones | ... |
Bjorn
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| Tom Wilkinson | ... |
Hardvendel
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Saskia Wickham | ... |
Gunvor
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Brian Glover | ... |
Caedman
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| Mark Williams | ... |
Aslak
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| Andy Serkis | ... |
Torsten
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Philip Rham | ... |
Aelfred
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| Ewen Bremner | ... |
Frovin
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This re-telling of Hamlet goes back to the original Danish source material. The opening scenario remains the same: Hamlet's father murdered by his brother who then weds the widowed mother. Hamlet must discover his strength and leadership that will allow him to regain his rightful throne. Don't expect an ending which matches the Bard's though, this is more like a true Viking epic. Written by Victor R. Volkman <sysop@HAL9K.com>
I first watched this film a late Friday night. Spanish version of BBC2 used to show some good films on their original version between 1 and 3 am (still wonder why).
The fact is I watched this film. It is meant to be the real Hamlet, based in Denmark (Jutland). I have the feeling it is a great portrait of its era, the clothes, the huts, the little hamlet in which they live are what you would expect.
Being mainly a British film, the actors are great. Gabriel Byrne then became one of my favourite actors, something he confirmed in 'The Usual Suspects' Of course if you know Hamlet you'll know the story, but if you have to read Hamlet for a school project, this will not fully help you. The plot is slightly different and so is the end.
Watch it. It may surprise you as it did me.