I am not a fan of the psychological thriller type genre of movies, but my inexplicable fondness for the cinema of Denmark has led me to overcome this prejudice (at least for a while) and lets me say that I really enjoyed Kongekabale. There are a few things that made this film so compelling for me; first is that, as with almost all Danish films, I have no idea who any of the actors are and so can believe them in their roles without having any knowledge of them as real people to remind me that none of it is real; and secondly, that the basis of the story is so plausible. We are all aware that the information we receive is controlled and spun and translated to serve the purposes of those who wish us to know (or wish us not to know), and this film was a neat, succinct portrayal of this. I spent an hour and a half being outraged about politics and the media, and got to feel some sense of smug satisfaction at the end (but not too much). What more could you ask?
18 Reviews
A real Danish player in the political thriller category
claes-bertilson2 August 2005
As with most Danish films of the last ten years the visual images are brilliant, the intrigue is impressive and the actors are very good.
But best of all is that the imagery of Kongkabale fits in well with the shady nature of politics suggested by the filmmakers. As a political thriller its right up there with The Contender, City Hall or All the Presidents Men (although you can't really argue against the shadiness in the final one). But Kongakabale reaches the real heights because it doesn't overplay corruption or evil and shows that no matter which side you might play for you will face ethical dilemmas.
The one criticism that one might have about this film is that one or two of the characters are perhaps overtly cynical but then even these few exceptions are definitely needed to take the story home.
But best of all is that the imagery of Kongkabale fits in well with the shady nature of politics suggested by the filmmakers. As a political thriller its right up there with The Contender, City Hall or All the Presidents Men (although you can't really argue against the shadiness in the final one). But Kongakabale reaches the real heights because it doesn't overplay corruption or evil and shows that no matter which side you might play for you will face ethical dilemmas.
The one criticism that one might have about this film is that one or two of the characters are perhaps overtly cynical but then even these few exceptions are definitely needed to take the story home.
Unusually well-produced and important Danish film... but not without flaws
TBJCSKCNRRQTreviews9 October 2005
I didn't expect a lot from this film... I just knew it was a Danish thriller about some political situation, and that it had gotten mostly positive reviews. Being somewhat unimpressed by Danish cinema, I didn't really give it much of a chance to grab me... yet it managed to do so. For at least the last two-thirds of this film, I was hanging by every single line spoken and every detail on screen. It's unusually well-made, not only for a Danish film. I'm impressed that this is Nikolaj Arcel's first movie as a director; he does a marvelous job. The film contains a very accurate and realistic portrayal of politics in a democratic country. As such, it's actually quite unnerving... the thought that something like what is shown in this film can actually take place. The very last line of the film holds more truth than the combined efforts of plenty of less intelligent writers. The plot is interesting. The pace is very good, you're never really bored. The visuals and cinematography are perfect, not too simple, but not flashy, either. The acting is top-notch in all cases. The dialog is well-written and equally well-delivered. The finale is one of the best pieces of storytelling on film I've seen for a while. Now, despite all these positive things I've written so far, this film does have some rather big flaws. First off, it's plot-driven, yet the story and concept would have done much better with a character-driven film. All characters are used as plot devices; they exist to drive the plot further, to tell the story, rather than to evoke emotions and be active parts of it. The character development is slim... actually, it's rather close to completely non-existent. We don't know or care about these people... and why should we? They are all paper-thin and clichéd. Everyone is completely driven by one thing, and one thing alone. The villain is the worst. Not one redeeming quality to him whatsoever. Not even the least bit credible. Something that hurts the high quality of this film is that we are practically introduced to the bad guys... there's no suspense on that front. So part of the film is just watching the main character discover what we already know. What's left for suspense is the viewers following the evidence being collected. Not saying that it isn't entertaining to watch... but it could most certainly have been better. As it is, the film is a well-done and accurate portrayal of modern-day politics with a very good plot, and in which the execution leaves some to be desired. I recommend it to fans of thrillers, particularly political ones. It lacks in nuance and slightly in suspense, but it is well-done and it has an important message. 8/10
Very entertaining!
revolutioner29 April 2005
I really enjoyed this gem when I caught it at a festival. The film is very well crafted. Tight direction, brilliant lighting, and shot after shot was just sparkling and a pleasure to watch. The story holds your interest throughout and although you're not forced to hold your breath in suspense, you ARE looking forward to where it is going. The performances are all believable but an actor named Anders W. Berthelsen carries this film on his back! If this guy can speak English, he's the next great American character actor. Meanwhile, I'll settle for subtitles.
8/10
8/10
Kings Game plays well, but could have been better
FilmFlaneur16 December 2005
Without a single car chase, gunfight or romantic encounter between the principals throughout its 100-minute length, King's Game smacks of low-key, tense authenticity - not surprisingly, as the original novel was written shortly after the writer quit his job as spin-doctor for the Conservative party in Denmark. I don't know the Danish political scene, but British viewers will feel right at home in the murky world on show here full of secrecy, spin and jostling for power, as parties desperate for re-election are racked by internal doubts and power struggles, the obliging media pawns in the process.
Full of committee room angst, paper trails and anxious phone calls, Arcel's first film has few dull moments while all the performances, slightly glum in the fashion familiar to those who watch a lot of Nordic drama, hold the attention. Ironically the film's strengths are also its main weaknesses as, whilst reasonably gripping and claiming to be based around true events, the unfolding story is never earthshaking enough to keep one on the edge of the chair. Although set ostensibly during the middle of the election campaign, much of the wider political world is marginalised by the script, what is presumably nationwide news kept down to a few top level principals and key players. There is none of the intimidating fatal razzmatazz of say, The Parallax View (1974), in which the greater game played by the party machine and vested interests is made clear. The result is that we see events somewhat in isolation; and while Dreier's machinations are to be condemned and defeated, they are quickly enough unravelled while the identity of the chief villain is known early on.
At the end of the day it's a conspiracy that's small beer compared to political plots of the past. Try as they might too, Moll and Trop (who "sound like a bad rock band," as one says of their unlikely, downbeat association) are no Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, the investigating superstars of All The Presidents Men (1976). An unlikely duo from the start, there is little spark between them, other than growing appreciation and respect, this while the exact relationship of Moll to the parliamentary press lobby, apart from being an outsider, is uncertain. Their eventual teaming up is low-key and understated, the viewer missing more scenes of exposition between them to underline their essential decentness. But the two men work well together; Trop is clearly the more dynamic of the two just as Moll offers, by return, his essential contacts and cynical experience of the system. At the close of the film, whilst the opening of Trop's car door symbolically admits his new journalistic comrade into his more respectable 'world' suggesting the permanence of unlikely trust built between the two men, one doubts that their relationship will really lead on to greater things, or indeed will survive the next breaking story.
For more effective and overtly dramatic scenes one has to look elsewhere in the film - notably the moment where, still in a tail spin from his initial professional crisis, Torp returns home to his wife, to find his father there waiting for him. Urged to swallow his pride and to swim with the flow (i.e. stop proving such a thorn in the side to the establishment), Torp angrily refuses his father's suggestions, eventually telling him to clear out. As part of the brief but heated exchange which ensues, his father verbally cuts his son's wife short, and Torp thereupon accuses him of treating his wife the way he does his own. It is a telling exchange, signifying Torp's obstinate pride and self worth, as well as revealing a gap, suddenly exposed, between two generations. King's Game can thus be seen just as much about Torp's need to be morally independent from the accepted system in which he arrives as well as from his father (who seems to have done very well on the basis of his earlier career), as it is about wider political chicanery.
Because of this 'other' centre of concern, and lack of broad campaign perspective giving background to events, Arcel's film sometime feels drawn on a smaller scale than it ought. One has no idea of the original novel's strengths, but remembers that a writer like C.P. Snow say, who delineated the corridors of power in his books some years back, would have made more of the relationships and compromises between decision makers. Shot in widescreen but with little visual flourish or attempt to open things out cinematically, King's Game would arguably work just as well as a TV movie presentation, albeit a superior one. There's a sense of claustrophobia about the result that can be effective, but one hopes in vain for anything notable in the many interior set-ups, which remain unremarkable. Even the most shocking moment in the film - a suicide in a wood, which for many British viewers bares uncomfortable faint echoes of that of Dr David Kelly - is depicted with restraint, the film going out of its way again to avoid sensationalism.
Tense, absorbing and with a relatively uncluttered storyline for a conspiracy thriller, King's Game is well worth a viewing, then - although it's by no means the best of its type. And, as the film concludes, and in a postscript we learn that a 'rehabilitated' politician has been given a plum EEC job, there may be a wry smile on the face of the rising audience, but many will want to see better things yet emerging from contemporary Danish cinema.
Full of committee room angst, paper trails and anxious phone calls, Arcel's first film has few dull moments while all the performances, slightly glum in the fashion familiar to those who watch a lot of Nordic drama, hold the attention. Ironically the film's strengths are also its main weaknesses as, whilst reasonably gripping and claiming to be based around true events, the unfolding story is never earthshaking enough to keep one on the edge of the chair. Although set ostensibly during the middle of the election campaign, much of the wider political world is marginalised by the script, what is presumably nationwide news kept down to a few top level principals and key players. There is none of the intimidating fatal razzmatazz of say, The Parallax View (1974), in which the greater game played by the party machine and vested interests is made clear. The result is that we see events somewhat in isolation; and while Dreier's machinations are to be condemned and defeated, they are quickly enough unravelled while the identity of the chief villain is known early on.
At the end of the day it's a conspiracy that's small beer compared to political plots of the past. Try as they might too, Moll and Trop (who "sound like a bad rock band," as one says of their unlikely, downbeat association) are no Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, the investigating superstars of All The Presidents Men (1976). An unlikely duo from the start, there is little spark between them, other than growing appreciation and respect, this while the exact relationship of Moll to the parliamentary press lobby, apart from being an outsider, is uncertain. Their eventual teaming up is low-key and understated, the viewer missing more scenes of exposition between them to underline their essential decentness. But the two men work well together; Trop is clearly the more dynamic of the two just as Moll offers, by return, his essential contacts and cynical experience of the system. At the close of the film, whilst the opening of Trop's car door symbolically admits his new journalistic comrade into his more respectable 'world' suggesting the permanence of unlikely trust built between the two men, one doubts that their relationship will really lead on to greater things, or indeed will survive the next breaking story.
For more effective and overtly dramatic scenes one has to look elsewhere in the film - notably the moment where, still in a tail spin from his initial professional crisis, Torp returns home to his wife, to find his father there waiting for him. Urged to swallow his pride and to swim with the flow (i.e. stop proving such a thorn in the side to the establishment), Torp angrily refuses his father's suggestions, eventually telling him to clear out. As part of the brief but heated exchange which ensues, his father verbally cuts his son's wife short, and Torp thereupon accuses him of treating his wife the way he does his own. It is a telling exchange, signifying Torp's obstinate pride and self worth, as well as revealing a gap, suddenly exposed, between two generations. King's Game can thus be seen just as much about Torp's need to be morally independent from the accepted system in which he arrives as well as from his father (who seems to have done very well on the basis of his earlier career), as it is about wider political chicanery.
Because of this 'other' centre of concern, and lack of broad campaign perspective giving background to events, Arcel's film sometime feels drawn on a smaller scale than it ought. One has no idea of the original novel's strengths, but remembers that a writer like C.P. Snow say, who delineated the corridors of power in his books some years back, would have made more of the relationships and compromises between decision makers. Shot in widescreen but with little visual flourish or attempt to open things out cinematically, King's Game would arguably work just as well as a TV movie presentation, albeit a superior one. There's a sense of claustrophobia about the result that can be effective, but one hopes in vain for anything notable in the many interior set-ups, which remain unremarkable. Even the most shocking moment in the film - a suicide in a wood, which for many British viewers bares uncomfortable faint echoes of that of Dr David Kelly - is depicted with restraint, the film going out of its way again to avoid sensationalism.
Tense, absorbing and with a relatively uncluttered storyline for a conspiracy thriller, King's Game is well worth a viewing, then - although it's by no means the best of its type. And, as the film concludes, and in a postscript we learn that a 'rehabilitated' politician has been given a plum EEC job, there may be a wry smile on the face of the rising audience, but many will want to see better things yet emerging from contemporary Danish cinema.
Excellent political thriller. Very, very well done.
anna-21729 March 2005
This is an excellent film. Visually stunning and extremely well developed. It explores not only politic corruption, but also the ethos behind journalism and how they can sometimes be manipulated. Its characters are superbly well developed; they emotional arches are well defined and we immediately identify with the main character, who gives an excellent performance. The paralalism between Danish politicians and UK politician are unavoidable, and it definitely gets us all thinking what if this happened in the UK, who'd be who? For once, a Danish film that is not necessarily an endless weeping tragedy. It's a pleasure to watch, easy to follow and complex enough. Realistic and very interesting. It keeps you hooked from beginning to end, and I'm not Danish.
Strong direction and performances, but slightly arid run
BeneCumb27 October 2013
In a generally steady and advanced country, it is difficult to create an intensive political film and remain realistic as most thriller fans are eager to follow sophisticated conspiracies, events of several levels, and the opponents not afraid of using "ultimate" measures. But the makers of Kongekabale have succeeded in this, beginning with the trigger event... On the other hand, we get the real picture early (perhaps too early) and then it remains us to observe how the things develop and what measures are taken by both sides. Luckily, the tensions are maintained, all main persons have their ups and downs, paving the way for expected, but realistic end (and the scene when a lie is publicly revealed is solved in an interesting, different manner). The cast is strong as well - many of the actors are often used in crime series and thrillers playing both the good and the bad - and the inclusion of Nicolas Bro as Henrik Moll provided several giggling moments into the often depressive atmosphere and background.
And of course, all this shows that Denmark is a democratic country with rather low crime, in many other countries rivals or nosy people get killed or get lost...
And of course, all this shows that Denmark is a democratic country with rather low crime, in many other countries rivals or nosy people get killed or get lost...
A Typical Thriller, But ... Danish ?
DanielClausen11 October 2004
This is one of the movies that you see hundreds of from the big movie-mekka, Hollywood... But in the last couple of years, danish movies have improved radically, and producers abroad has gotten an eye open towards danish actors, producers, directors and so on and so forward... But most of our big hits have been comedies and action-movies, and almost always with an actor by the name of Kim Bodnia in the leading role... But now it's time to introduce the first danish thriller since Nattevagten (Nightwatch, as the American replicant of it is called), Kongekabale...
The movie is based on a book by the same name, and the book is loosely based on a true story - with rewritten names and so on and so forward... The book got great reviews, and so did the movie... And it's just...
I went to the cinema to watch the movie, as I read the book a couple of months ago and wanted to see if the movie could live up to the suspense of the book... And it does...
With Søren Pilmark as the mean politician, who seems to be involved in all the mysterious happenings, and Anders W. Berthelsen as the nosey reporter, who smells something is wrong, we've got two of Denmarks best actors to ensure us of a good evening spend in front of the screen... Søren Pilmark, who is well-known for his comic-talent, shows a dark side of himself and delivers a GREAT performance... Anders W. Berthelsen, who got his real breakthrough this spring with a leading role in the danish drama-series Krøniken, shows a more progressive side of himself, and it suits him just as fine as the shy guy he is known for...
With all this said, I can't say nothing else that:
Go see the movie - it can easily live up to similar Hollywood-movies...
The movie is based on a book by the same name, and the book is loosely based on a true story - with rewritten names and so on and so forward... The book got great reviews, and so did the movie... And it's just...
I went to the cinema to watch the movie, as I read the book a couple of months ago and wanted to see if the movie could live up to the suspense of the book... And it does...
With Søren Pilmark as the mean politician, who seems to be involved in all the mysterious happenings, and Anders W. Berthelsen as the nosey reporter, who smells something is wrong, we've got two of Denmarks best actors to ensure us of a good evening spend in front of the screen... Søren Pilmark, who is well-known for his comic-talent, shows a dark side of himself and delivers a GREAT performance... Anders W. Berthelsen, who got his real breakthrough this spring with a leading role in the danish drama-series Krøniken, shows a more progressive side of himself, and it suits him just as fine as the shy guy he is known for...
With all this said, I can't say nothing else that:
Go see the movie - it can easily live up to similar Hollywood-movies...
A diachronic political thriller from Denmark.
DimitrisPassas-TapTheLine27 December 2020
Danish producers have delivered some of the most sublime European political thrillers in both television and cinema as they insist on portraying the callous world of modern politics in a naturalistic, lifelike manner. King's Game is a 2004 production that preceded the immensely popular TV series Borgen and the legendary Forbrydelsen, a murder mystery that had a strong political dimension as it was set a few weeks before the mayoral elections in the city of Copenhagen. This is the directorial debut of Nikolaj Arcel who also co-authored the script along with Rasmus Heisterberg and Niels Krause-Kjær. The film features an all-star, Danish cast with Anders W. Berthelsen, Søren Pilmark, Nicolas Bro, Ulf Pilgaard, Lars Mikkelsen, and Lars Brygmann. All performances are top-notch and the cinematography is dark, transferring the audience to the cruel inner workings of the Danish political scene where chaos prevails after the tragic car accident of the leader of the Center Party. The character development is sterling, reminiscent of the best productions of the genre originating from the Nordic countries.
Ulrik Torp (A. Berthelsen) is a journalist, working in Dagbladet, one of Denmark's most well-known and esteemed newspapers. After the accident of the Center Party's leader, Aksel Bruun, Ulrik becomes the newspaper's correspondent to Christiansborg, the Danish Parliament and feels as he is given the opportunity of a lifetime. From the beginning, Ulrik is thrown into deep water as a brutal struggle is taking place inside the Center Party between the two prospective successors of Aksel Bruun in the party's leadership. Erik Dreier (S. Pilmark) and Lone Kjeldsen (N. Arcel) are both determined to be the country's new Prime Minister and the struggle between them is so severe that things will quickly escalate and get out of hand, especially after an alleged scandal breaks out, involving Lone's husband who is accused of embezzlement.
Ulrik will soon understand that he is nothing more than a pawn in a ruthless game and that he is being used by obscure, power-hungry political figures. His father (U. Pilgaard), an ex-politician who is connected to the major players of the game, will try to help him but to no avail. Ulrik will make an invaluable ally as he will join forces with another Christiansborg's reporter, Henrik Moll (N. Bro). Together they will embark on a race against time in order to prove the misconduct of some of Denmark's most prominent politicians. There is a glimmer of hope in the finale as justice prevails and a kind of balance is restored in Denmark's power dynamics.
Arcel is a director who seems to understand the interweaving of the various structures within the nation's political scene and also ponders on the ethical questions that arise when the battle for power disregards basic human moral codes. The result is a memorable, diachronic piece of film-making that remains relevant today and reminds us of the sacrifices that have to be made in order for the truth to be known. Politics is most often a dirty business so we should always be vigilant and hold the people who govern us, and who are ultimately responsible for our fates as political beings, in check. If you enjoy the European interpretation of the political thriller genre, you will definitely enjoy King's Game and fans of Nordic drama will add another great film to their collection.
Ulrik Torp (A. Berthelsen) is a journalist, working in Dagbladet, one of Denmark's most well-known and esteemed newspapers. After the accident of the Center Party's leader, Aksel Bruun, Ulrik becomes the newspaper's correspondent to Christiansborg, the Danish Parliament and feels as he is given the opportunity of a lifetime. From the beginning, Ulrik is thrown into deep water as a brutal struggle is taking place inside the Center Party between the two prospective successors of Aksel Bruun in the party's leadership. Erik Dreier (S. Pilmark) and Lone Kjeldsen (N. Arcel) are both determined to be the country's new Prime Minister and the struggle between them is so severe that things will quickly escalate and get out of hand, especially after an alleged scandal breaks out, involving Lone's husband who is accused of embezzlement.
Ulrik will soon understand that he is nothing more than a pawn in a ruthless game and that he is being used by obscure, power-hungry political figures. His father (U. Pilgaard), an ex-politician who is connected to the major players of the game, will try to help him but to no avail. Ulrik will make an invaluable ally as he will join forces with another Christiansborg's reporter, Henrik Moll (N. Bro). Together they will embark on a race against time in order to prove the misconduct of some of Denmark's most prominent politicians. There is a glimmer of hope in the finale as justice prevails and a kind of balance is restored in Denmark's power dynamics.
Arcel is a director who seems to understand the interweaving of the various structures within the nation's political scene and also ponders on the ethical questions that arise when the battle for power disregards basic human moral codes. The result is a memorable, diachronic piece of film-making that remains relevant today and reminds us of the sacrifices that have to be made in order for the truth to be known. Politics is most often a dirty business so we should always be vigilant and hold the people who govern us, and who are ultimately responsible for our fates as political beings, in check. If you enjoy the European interpretation of the political thriller genre, you will definitely enjoy King's Game and fans of Nordic drama will add another great film to their collection.
The best danish movie of this decade
mortenwebstar29 April 2005
I always knew, that this movie was one to watch, and one which would be of interest of me, so when I got the chance to see it, I didn't let the opportunity miss. But never did I know, of how great I would find this movie. Mainly, you see movies, which you find good, bad or indifferent, but rarely you see movies that are truly captivating as "Kongekabale" was for me. I guess it depends on what kind of movie you like. I like movies, where I can't predict it all, with complicated plots, that you sit and try and figure out, while watching. And all this I got with "Kongekabale".
It's about a reporter getting a leak about the husband to the woman who might get in power after the next election. But that's just a layer, the top of the iceberg. It suddenly evolves to a huge amount of layers of lies, cheats and people that literary would kill for power. And the spiderweb just evolves and evolves.
The movie is based (although in exaggerated form) on real events, and even though the plot is exaggerated, it surely sends a message about current politics all over the world, and how people behave with power.
The actors play well, and the directing and script is top notch. The movie is perfectly balanced, and also some remarks makes you laugh on occasion, without it sounding odd or out of place. And the ending itself is so amazing, that I couldn't believe it.
A masterpiece. Watch it!
It's about a reporter getting a leak about the husband to the woman who might get in power after the next election. But that's just a layer, the top of the iceberg. It suddenly evolves to a huge amount of layers of lies, cheats and people that literary would kill for power. And the spiderweb just evolves and evolves.
The movie is based (although in exaggerated form) on real events, and even though the plot is exaggerated, it surely sends a message about current politics all over the world, and how people behave with power.
The actors play well, and the directing and script is top notch. The movie is perfectly balanced, and also some remarks makes you laugh on occasion, without it sounding odd or out of place. And the ending itself is so amazing, that I couldn't believe it.
A masterpiece. Watch it!
Not to be missed
pwteatros17 March 2006
Not to be missed. I had read great reviews about this movie but I was surprised at how fantastic it was. Based on a simple plot, simple political mess, simple characters, this is a thrilling movie, with a thrilling story that rings true to today's Britain, Europe, the US and many countries in LA. I thought some of the performances were better than others, but all in all, a fantastic cast. Loved every minute of it. Don't miss this movie. I am sure they will make it into a Hollywood film with some hunky guy playing the leas (which misses the point) and Anthony Hopkins playing the wannabe prime minister. Don't miss this film before the Hollwywood machine ruins it
Too Machiavellian
Jesper Engsted14 October 2004
Kongekabale has received rave reviews in all of the Danish newspapers and apparently, this is the prime achievement of the Danish film industry in the last couple of years. However, in my opinion, the film has several flaws, which makes it mediocre at best.
The biggest flaw is, like it said in another review on this page, that we don't really care about the characters. This is because of the fact, that the characters are not fully explored, but are rather used as plot devices. Furthermore, they are all stereotypes. The two journalist are virtually copies of Woodward and Bernstein ("All the President's men"), with one of them being a naive idealistic rookie journalist, and the other an experienced journalist who is fully aware of how rotten the system is. The spin doctor is also a stereotype with his slick appearance and behavior.
The worst character, however, is "the bad guy" played by Søren Pilmark. I have never seen a character who is so purely evil as he is. Not once in the film do we see any sign of a redeeming feature. He wants to become the prime minister at any price. We never believe in him as a realistic character, because he is so one-sided.
The script writer, the director and the actors have stated that this is a realistic view into the world of Danish politics. I find it difficult to believe that the Danish parliament is a place of greed and corruption of such gigantic Machiavellian proportions as this film claims. Even Oliver Stone who is considered by many to be a paranoid conspiracy theorist has a lot more nuances in his films, which makes the characters more believable. Unfortunately, this "golden age" of Danish cinema is characterized by black and white characters and stereotypes rather than originality and realism.
The biggest flaw is, like it said in another review on this page, that we don't really care about the characters. This is because of the fact, that the characters are not fully explored, but are rather used as plot devices. Furthermore, they are all stereotypes. The two journalist are virtually copies of Woodward and Bernstein ("All the President's men"), with one of them being a naive idealistic rookie journalist, and the other an experienced journalist who is fully aware of how rotten the system is. The spin doctor is also a stereotype with his slick appearance and behavior.
The worst character, however, is "the bad guy" played by Søren Pilmark. I have never seen a character who is so purely evil as he is. Not once in the film do we see any sign of a redeeming feature. He wants to become the prime minister at any price. We never believe in him as a realistic character, because he is so one-sided.
The script writer, the director and the actors have stated that this is a realistic view into the world of Danish politics. I find it difficult to believe that the Danish parliament is a place of greed and corruption of such gigantic Machiavellian proportions as this film claims. Even Oliver Stone who is considered by many to be a paranoid conspiracy theorist has a lot more nuances in his films, which makes the characters more believable. Unfortunately, this "golden age" of Danish cinema is characterized by black and white characters and stereotypes rather than originality and realism.
A brilliant film
DAVID-BRADLEY7 October 2005
This film is simply riveting from beginning to end. Right from the opening scene I found myself enthralled and could simply not take my eyes off the screen.
I remember many years ago seeing " All the president's men " which was about two journalists successful attempts to uncover the truth about the Watergate scandal.
This film is very much in the same genre and at least as good. It is clearly the best film I've seen this decade and I've seen some very good ones.
The main star , Anders W Bertelsen is one of my absolute favourite actors. He was supported some some of Denmarks best actors.
The script was excellent and the way the tension and uncertainty as to what was going to happen and what what going to be uncovered , was masterfully handled.
I remember many years ago seeing " All the president's men " which was about two journalists successful attempts to uncover the truth about the Watergate scandal.
This film is very much in the same genre and at least as good. It is clearly the best film I've seen this decade and I've seen some very good ones.
The main star , Anders W Bertelsen is one of my absolute favourite actors. He was supported some some of Denmarks best actors.
The script was excellent and the way the tension and uncertainty as to what was going to happen and what what going to be uncovered , was masterfully handled.
Clever political thriller
andy-8873 September 2006
A very clever and insightful thriller, this decade's All The President's Men, though without Robert Redford. Brings new angles on the government conspiracy theme. No doubt will be remade as a big Hollywood Studio thriller but unlikely to improve on this thought provoking original. The writer was himself a former top government Spin Doctor. Since the film was released real life events have made the curious leap of imitating fiction in the USA and UK with high profile political scandals, suicides and leaked information. Part of a string of strong political thrillers in recent years including Syriana with George Clooney. Maybe he will be in the remake.
Enjoyable Danish Thriller
YohjiArmstrong8 May 2011
Warning: Spoilers
KING'S GAME is a political thriller about a journalist who becomes involved in a plot by a politician to destroy his rival. A number of plot twists ensure that the film is compelling, although it isn't particularly difficult to work out who the goodies (women, anti-Establishment types) and baddies (men, Spin Doctors, the Establishment) are.
Special mention must be made of the lighting which is superb, capturing Denmark in a variety of metallic blues, greys and greens, that really capture the mood of the conspiracy. The troubling relationship between politicians, journalists and spin doctors is well illustrated even if the film offers no solutions. Adult, sparse, with a commendably spartan attitude to dialogue and a cynical attitude to politics, this is a very enjoyable Euro-thriller.
Special mention must be made of the lighting which is superb, capturing Denmark in a variety of metallic blues, greys and greens, that really capture the mood of the conspiracy. The troubling relationship between politicians, journalists and spin doctors is well illustrated even if the film offers no solutions. Adult, sparse, with a commendably spartan attitude to dialogue and a cynical attitude to politics, this is a very enjoyable Euro-thriller.
Great Nordish noir
martinpersson9723 July 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Scandinavia has receieved a much earned reconition for its sort of reinvation of the noir genre in a modern setting, with a dark adn somber tone and the typical detective story.
This one is definitely a great example of such, from Denmark by an incredible director.
The actors, all of them very established and incredible, do an amazing job, accompined by a great script, with lots of suspense and great dialogue.
The cinematography, cutting and editing is amazing - and it is of course very important in this kind of genre of noir and political thrillers.
Overall, a great film that I would very much recommend!
This one is definitely a great example of such, from Denmark by an incredible director.
The actors, all of them very established and incredible, do an amazing job, accompined by a great script, with lots of suspense and great dialogue.
The cinematography, cutting and editing is amazing - and it is of course very important in this kind of genre of noir and political thrillers.
Overall, a great film that I would very much recommend!
An OK, good movie - but not a masterpiece
aob-320 February 2006
Warning: Spoilers
"Kongekabale" is a good movie - solid handiwork, excellent actors, a catching and moving script, nicely produced, certainly a movie to enjoy. But don't expect a masterpiece.
Why not? Because crucial characters and plot elements simply do not convince.
The main character, the young journalist, is simply too naïve to have gone through his studies (including his trainee service) without realizing that people may have less honest motives for giving a journalist a hint. On top of that, he is the son of a former Secretary of Justice. At home, has he heard nothing of the less positive sides of politics? Another important character, the female politician, apparently has the power and energy to pursue the party presidency (expecting the seat as prime minister) at a time when her husband has been seriously mentally ill for months. Of course, politicians experience this kind of situation like everybody else - but for her to pursue the presidency in this situation - I do not believe it. Whether male or female, a politician would require a solid amount of back-up in that situation - and for that kind of job.
I quite liked the movie, but still, I was disappointed as many have sung its praise in Denmark, and it did not live up to this praise.
But still, enjoy it, it's as good movie and it's better than quite a lot of other mainstream movies.
Why not? Because crucial characters and plot elements simply do not convince.
The main character, the young journalist, is simply too naïve to have gone through his studies (including his trainee service) without realizing that people may have less honest motives for giving a journalist a hint. On top of that, he is the son of a former Secretary of Justice. At home, has he heard nothing of the less positive sides of politics? Another important character, the female politician, apparently has the power and energy to pursue the party presidency (expecting the seat as prime minister) at a time when her husband has been seriously mentally ill for months. Of course, politicians experience this kind of situation like everybody else - but for her to pursue the presidency in this situation - I do not believe it. Whether male or female, a politician would require a solid amount of back-up in that situation - and for that kind of job.
I quite liked the movie, but still, I was disappointed as many have sung its praise in Denmark, and it did not live up to this praise.
But still, enjoy it, it's as good movie and it's better than quite a lot of other mainstream movies.
A meaningful insight on political spinning
anne-cuneo16 August 2004
I found this film very useful for someone like me, who is not in politics, but is interested. It shows how spin distorts reality, but it also tells one that it is always possible to see through the smokescreen. It confirms the saying that goes: you can lie to everybody some of the time, to somebody all the time, but you cannot lie to everybody all the time. This goes not only for the realm of Danemark, but for every other country too. US Republican spin doctors are trying to get away with it (lie to everybody all the time). At some point it is going to stop working. What Kongekabale says is, that this not being a fairy tale, it will not be easy to see though and behind the lies.
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