Changing my review after watching the last episode. Show fell apart.
344 Reviews
Last episode ruined it
jbbabycrafts29 March 2020
Let's make plot twists taboo again.
BloodOfTheEnemy28 March 2020
I was really enjoying the series until about episode 5. The story, characters, and visual backdrop really draw you in, and I think most of the young actors gave fine performances in spite of what some other reviews are saying. The problem, though, is that the writers decided to throw in a bunch of plot twists in the 3rd act. The attempted twists do not work and send their story straight to hell, adding it to the growing list of failed plot subversions which now include the likes of Last Jedi and Game of Thrones, S8. Screen writers need to get off the plot twist bandwagon that they all seem to have jumped on since Game of Thrones made it a thing. Somebody needs to remind them that most of the time, plot twists do not work and are a dangerous thing to attempt, because if done poorly they merely undermine the good elements that a story has built up.
Completely average
noorea-8514716 April 2020
While this show is directed at a young audience and one wouldn't expect anything deep or serious, there is really no excuse for the boring and predictable plot. The villain is a cardboard cutout spouting generic villain lines and has a nonsensical stupid plot. The main character is a boring cliche, some of the side characters are good but not enough to add anything unique.
The locations used are great and the show is somewhat visually pretty, but it all feels wasted.
Also, I never thought I'd complain about fantastical elements as fantasy is my favorite genre, but the magic felt like a tedious add on to the story which would have worked much better without, as I'm given to understand that was the case in the book so straying from the source material was a mistake here.
Huge letdown
weed_110022 March 2020
Dont pay attention to people complaining about it not living up to the book, movie and series adaptations never live up to the books.
However, this series was a huge letdown and waste of time. I wasn't a fan of the main character, he just didn't fit properly... sometimes actors and actresses just dont look the part. This series had a lot of potential but they massively screwed it up, a lot of build up for nothing.... the villain barely used his powers and we never get to see just how much chaos he can cause, the whole build up to the battle is resolved in maybe 2 mins and of course they had to shove a scene in there just because.... it literally served no purpose but to please the lgbt community, there's a right way of writing it into a series or movie instead of just throwing it in there.
Massive letdown.... the trailer was better than the series
However, this series was a huge letdown and waste of time. I wasn't a fan of the main character, he just didn't fit properly... sometimes actors and actresses just dont look the part. This series had a lot of potential but they massively screwed it up, a lot of build up for nothing.... the villain barely used his powers and we never get to see just how much chaos he can cause, the whole build up to the battle is resolved in maybe 2 mins and of course they had to shove a scene in there just because.... it literally served no purpose but to please the lgbt community, there's a right way of writing it into a series or movie instead of just throwing it in there.
Massive letdown.... the trailer was better than the series
Nice series, terrible ending
jelmer-8678824 March 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Did have lots of fun watching the show. Have no trouble seeing the series as a different piece of art then the book. I do understand that people who wanted to see the original story are disappointed. But that was announced a long time ago, already.
As I said: really enjoyed watching this show. But the ending was more than terrible. Turns out: the one thing the whole show was about - the letter - is not important at all. Tiuri arriving in time: not important. The one thing that was important was Lavinia arriving. But the twist that she was magic was both predictable ánd made no sense at all. And the other kids really trying to be in time, but Lavinia wasn't with them. And then instantly was...? So why was everything they did so important? Why is the series called The Letter For The King?
Bad ending to something that's started so well... Which makes me say: the book wás better. Not because I think we should compare, but because the plot made sense. There was good dramaturgy there...
But maybe they tried to copy that from Game Of Thrones?
As I said: really enjoyed watching this show. But the ending was more than terrible. Turns out: the one thing the whole show was about - the letter - is not important at all. Tiuri arriving in time: not important. The one thing that was important was Lavinia arriving. But the twist that she was magic was both predictable ánd made no sense at all. And the other kids really trying to be in time, but Lavinia wasn't with them. And then instantly was...? So why was everything they did so important? Why is the series called The Letter For The King?
Bad ending to something that's started so well... Which makes me say: the book wás better. Not because I think we should compare, but because the plot made sense. There was good dramaturgy there...
But maybe they tried to copy that from Game Of Thrones?
Fast pace of the show, terrible ending
mayankay23 March 2020
Story is good but they end it in only 6 episodes, all things depended on the horse , they showed the horse(Ardanwen) so intelligent in comparison with other characters, the main character is too weak (tiuri) sometimes i realise there a no need for him. They didn't even explore the main negative character atleast some story about. Talking about support characters were nice , like the bonding between Iona and red knight.
Sorry but no to this one.
balithomas4 April 2020
Ok we get it, it's different from the book
jenc-3467224 March 2020
I was a little confused by all the negative reviews until I realized this was a book. Going into it without having read them, I really enjoyed this show. It's geared for younger audiences and as a teacher I found myself thinking certain scenes or characters would be great to teach the theme of "doing the right thing." Surrounded by people following the status quo, I really enjoyed the bravery of some of these characters. I thought it was entertaining and thought the characters were well developed, with great acting from such a young group.
A Great Fantasy Adventure For the Pandemic
curtisdgomez6 April 2020
The story is a simple adventure, but it's just what is needed in these stressful times. Great New Zealand location filming, decent story and a good cast. If you want to just not think too hard and get lost in a fantasy adventure, then I think you'll enjoy Letter to the King. It's fun and it will let you escape the pandemic news for a few hours. Perfecto.
Don't use a good novel for bad television
f-korthals2 April 2020
This has nothing to do with the novel from Tonke Dragt. It looks like a rip off from Hunger Games + Game of Thrones with a cast full of amateur actors. If you read the book and loved it, don't waste your time on this film.
Wholesome and Watchable, but not without its flaws.
mmevanille-5309722 March 2020
Fantasy is a really hard genre to get right, such as it is with Science fiction. Yes, having source material makes it easier, but bring that source to life on the screen in a way that is relatable is challenging.
The Letter for the King is one of those fantasy tales. One thing I like about it is how it sometimes subverts expectations, but other times it is completely predictable and cliche. It straddles the line between solid well directed performances, and wooden half-finished scenes that rush from plot point to plot point.
But it is entertaining, especially for those who love fantasy, and that is the whole point of media. Granted, I did not read the book, so I had no expectation of how it would translate to the screen, but never-the-less I was entertained and the characters were likable. It had some elements of comedy, drama, fantasy, mystery all rolled into one.
The target audience is a little on the younger side. It is not a dark gritty tale, but more in the lines of Princess Bride, or at least it tries to be, while maintaining modern film-making techniques.
I doubt this will win any awards, but for lovers of the genre who don't mind a bit of adventure, it is a solid series. 7.5/10
The Letter for the King is one of those fantasy tales. One thing I like about it is how it sometimes subverts expectations, but other times it is completely predictable and cliche. It straddles the line between solid well directed performances, and wooden half-finished scenes that rush from plot point to plot point.
But it is entertaining, especially for those who love fantasy, and that is the whole point of media. Granted, I did not read the book, so I had no expectation of how it would translate to the screen, but never-the-less I was entertained and the characters were likable. It had some elements of comedy, drama, fantasy, mystery all rolled into one.
The target audience is a little on the younger side. It is not a dark gritty tale, but more in the lines of Princess Bride, or at least it tries to be, while maintaining modern film-making techniques.
I doubt this will win any awards, but for lovers of the genre who don't mind a bit of adventure, it is a solid series. 7.5/10
People should learn to judge and review books and the TV series based on them as separate works
n-escio20 March 2020
I mean, it was to be suspected that a lot of Dutch readers of this wonderful book by Tonke Dragt would feel obliged to be negative about the TV series. Fans sometimes forget that movies or TV series that are based on books should be reviewed separately, on their own. You can see that people that haven't read the book are overall very enthusiastic, at this point of time they all have given 10 stars. I read the book when I was a child as well and I loved it. The series is very very different but I I am really loving it so far! It is definitely worth a try!!
Starts strong but the end is trash, whether you read the books or not
malseeds22 March 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I haven't read the books and let me start by saying a huge amount of the strong reviews are coming from those who haven't finished the series yet.
The ending is AWFUL. So rushed, absolutely nothing is explained, and they try so many dramatic tricks at the end that you're left predicting everything simply by thinking "well it would be absurd if this happens too, so it will."
Let's look at the "prophecy" which can be summed up in one sentence: At the blood moon great evil will battle good and lose. That's it. That's all they ever say about the prophecy. No more details are given but everyone is acting like it's this epic poem that's shaken the world for centuries. Even the lengthened version doesn't even make a whole paragraph. There is no development of character backstories much less THE PLOT-DEFINING PROPHECY.
Tiuri doesn't have powers? Okay but why since he's the confirmed descendant of the shamans who do have powers. Lavina does have powers? Great, but why does she have powers when her father doesn't and her mother is never explained?
The start is strong and promises much but ends up with so many plot holes and absolutely no development. All this leads to the good versus evil "battle" where all I could think was "Is this it? Is this the great climax? Wow. This is crap. Where was the story?"
The ending is AWFUL. So rushed, absolutely nothing is explained, and they try so many dramatic tricks at the end that you're left predicting everything simply by thinking "well it would be absurd if this happens too, so it will."
Let's look at the "prophecy" which can be summed up in one sentence: At the blood moon great evil will battle good and lose. That's it. That's all they ever say about the prophecy. No more details are given but everyone is acting like it's this epic poem that's shaken the world for centuries. Even the lengthened version doesn't even make a whole paragraph. There is no development of character backstories much less THE PLOT-DEFINING PROPHECY.
Tiuri doesn't have powers? Okay but why since he's the confirmed descendant of the shamans who do have powers. Lavina does have powers? Great, but why does she have powers when her father doesn't and her mother is never explained?
The start is strong and promises much but ends up with so many plot holes and absolutely no development. All this leads to the good versus evil "battle" where all I could think was "Is this it? Is this the great climax? Wow. This is crap. Where was the story?"
A disgrace
wazusmagnus10 May 2020
Letter to the King has been chosen to be the all-time most popular Dutch children book in the Netherlands. This is quite a remarkable feat, because youth literature in the Netherlands is of high quality.
The book is a coming-of-age story. A young man is asked to fulfill a dangerous quest on the night he is supposed to meditate on the duties of knighthood and should not speak for that knight, praying in a chapel and has to pray.
Then comes the knock on the door and the key-sentence: 'in the name of God, help me.' And Tiuri has to decide at app. page 2 what he has to do, give up his dream of becoming a knight by breaking his vows, or stay put.
What this series has to do with the book is a riddle.
The idea of suggesting that this series has anything to do with the book is a pure disgrace.
But hey, we're only in it for the money now aren't we.
The book is a coming-of-age story. A young man is asked to fulfill a dangerous quest on the night he is supposed to meditate on the duties of knighthood and should not speak for that knight, praying in a chapel and has to pray.
Then comes the knock on the door and the key-sentence: 'in the name of God, help me.' And Tiuri has to decide at app. page 2 what he has to do, give up his dream of becoming a knight by breaking his vows, or stay put.
What this series has to do with the book is a riddle.
The idea of suggesting that this series has anything to do with the book is a pure disgrace.
But hey, we're only in it for the money now aren't we.
Nice
roelsmeel21 March 2020
This series starts pretty good. The acting is descent, beautiful cinema at some moments and a story that i want to know more of. I read the book like 25 years ago and liked that a lot but don't know if it's all spot on. I'm not somebody who cares about that a lot. If it's good its good whatever the book is like. It's a little bit childish but that doesn't bother me. The guy from the bridge is in too, what a surprise! I'm just 3 episodes in fyi. So everybody who is in doubt to put this show on, just do it. I don't think you regret it.
Good watch if you like fantasy stuff
pettyperez22 March 2020
I didn't read the books, but I enjoyed the series. Sure, typically Netflix, there are some cringe moments and lack of logic. It is not a show where you are supposed to overthink every action and word. But if you are looking for a
nice, semi- exciting story for a sunday, this is it.
This is a story about a heroic horse!
geezher21 March 2020
Surprisingly
arnonatte21 March 2020
I love it when I jump into something without expectations,and it's good.
An awesome adventure for all ages.
Saw this in one go with my daughter (12 years) and we could't stop.
Go see it,and don't let you stop by those snobs who say it's different than the book.
Yes it is different,but in a good way.
Could be better. The last episode ruins everything
toddcha29 March 2020
It is somewhat Narnia & lord of the ring.
In fact it does not really matter. So is the main character who can't be more stupid.
That's fine.
Even series like LUNA NERA knows how to save itself in the very last episode. THE LETTER FOR THE KING just does the opposite. It has no logic, no purpose in the ending as if the director wanted to end the nightmare of doing this series. I don't mind watching series with bad ending but ending a series with no logic really tests my bottom line. I gave 6 or 7 to episode 1-5. And save 4 to the last.
Even series like LUNA NERA knows how to save itself in the very last episode. THE LETTER FOR THE KING just does the opposite. It has no logic, no purpose in the ending as if the director wanted to end the nightmare of doing this series. I don't mind watching series with bad ending but ending a series with no logic really tests my bottom line. I gave 6 or 7 to episode 1-5. And save 4 to the last.
Sad
tddezeeuw27 March 2020
It dosn't happen often that Netflix, or any company for that matter, makes a movie or series based of a dutch book. The book I loved dearly, but nothing about this 'thing; is related to the book. The Letter for the King is an abomination that shoudn't ever saw the light of day.
Don't listen to the bad reviews
ashdex-0628425 March 2020
I think this show was so interesting and caught my eye the entire time. Everyone comments on the horse and yes it helps a lot but the show isn't about it. There are plot twits and I think the main one is done hastily but I want a second season. I watched the 1st in a whole day. There are characters for everyone to relate too and one of my fav Netflix shows so far.
Die Hard Book Fans
Dealpra21 March 2020
Bla Bla Bla., Always and always people complaining, criticize the major change from the adaptation source and make the show become so bad.
and yes, im agree we should separate the Tv Shows and the Book
Here is the point. if you come here to watch and enjoy a fairytale fantasy tv show to watch with family like Narnia, Harry Potter, Eragon, His Dark Materials, and even The Lord of the Rings, then this show is for you. (even thouh you never read the book)
If you a Die hard book fans and cant accept the accuracy of the adaptation, then go continue re read your beloved book. (yes, because the book more better)
After all this kind of adaptation is so much better than what they do with "Shannara Chronicles" and i cant believe that show get higher rating than this show
Completely butchers the original story
roaldknol20 March 2020
This show completely butchers the original story to try and be some kind of Game of Thrones like show. The book shows real character development, with a young hero who is full of self doubt and quick witted. The series show a shallow boy who rolls through an adventure based on pure luck. The show writers completely made up back stories and a completely different plot to be able to introduce magic into the show. It feels forced when you know the original story, where there's not so much a mention of magical powers. This might have been an OK show, if it wasn't just merely using the name of a fantastic book to try and get an audience.
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