Royal Deceit

Saxo Grammaticus Onscreen!
If that name doesn't mean anything to you...don't feel bad. Most are far more familiar with Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' than with his source material, notably the 'Gesta Danorum' (Book of the Danes) by Saxo Grammaticus. 'Royal Deceit' (released in Europe as 'Prince of Jutland') is based on the Gesta, in particular the tale of Amleth, a prince who discovers his uncle murdered his father for his crown and feigns madness to take revenge. Sound familiar? This version is far less complicated and more straightforward than Shakespeare's, but that doesn't make it inferior; rather, it's a refreshingly simple look at the Norse legend behind the famous play.

That said, this film is definitely not for those who insist on sophisticated SFX, fast-paced action, and huge-scale battles. Combat is spare and usually represented by a couple of warriors on either side whacking each other with primitive swords, but realistically this is more in keeping with the sixth century than most of the...

This "'Hamlet'-with-a-happy-ending" is a must-see!
"Royal Deceit" (being based on the same myth as the Shakespeare play "Hamlet") is a wonderful movie despite it's seemingly "unknown" status. I was VERY happy when I found out that it was going to be released in the U.S. (it was previously released in Europe under the title "Prince of Jutland") and rushed to get it when it finally was. It displays wonderful performances by Gabriel Byrne and Christian Bale, with a small role by one of my favorites, Kate Beckinsale. With the exception of some [usual] Danish nudity, this movie is an all-around excellent film and I would definitely recommend it- like I always say, it takes "Hamlet" (one of my favorite Shakespeare plays) and gives it a happy ending, making it just as suspenseful without the depressing ending!

Definitely NOT Hollywood - I liked it.
This is NOT Shakespeare's Hamlet prince of Denmark, but an attempt to get closer to the tale on which Hamlet was based (as written by Saxo Grammaticus). It suffers (if that's the word) from being quiet, thoughtful, introspective and shot on a human scale, in a pallette of muted colours. For those who want knights in armour and Schwarzenegger lookalikes takin' out da bad guyz wit da sword uv justiss, don't bother. The costumes are pretty accurate for the period, and despite the comments of one reviewer, armies at that time often actually were only a few score men. It's the SIXTH century, not the sixteenth!

For those who would enjoy a serious attempt to present a slice of historical life, it will be a welcome change from the usual formulaic dross that normally fills your screens.

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