This movie, which is based upon a dramatic true story, takes place in Norway about 150 years after the end of the Viking era. Norway has become Christian by this time although, apparently, not too Christian. That is to say, they haven't become too Christian to go around committing murder, or even regicide.To those not familiar with medieval Norwegian history the politics in this movie may be a bit murky. It would definitely help to read up on it beforehand. Nevertheless, the gist of the story is simple enough. The orphaned infant son of the newly-murdered King is in danger of being murdered by his late father's political rivals. An army of armored knights are out to kill the tiny heir to the throne. Two guys are entrusted with the task of saving the baby King from his pursuers. The situation looks pretty hopeless for the two heroes and their tiny charge. However, they do have one thing going for them. It is the dead of winter and, while the two heroes do not have access to horses, they do have skis. As anybody who has ever watched the Winter Olympics knows, nobody in the world can catch Norwegians on cross-country skis. Nevertheless, the director does a great job of maintaining the suspense as they fight and ski their way through one hair-breath escape after another.Most of this movie is like one long game of British Rugby Football, only played in the snow, on skis, and using a live baby as the ball. The object for one team is to score a goal. For the other team, the object of the game is simply to kill the ball. As for the rules, well, there are no rules. Come to think of it, that sounds like a great idea for a new Winter Olympic sport, one that ought to be a real crowd-pleaser. They could call it, "Norwegian Rugby". The acting is excellent and the production values are world-class. Although the movie is in Norwegian with English subtitles, the dialogue is not difficult to follow. Besides, one really does not require subtitles to understand, "AAAAAARGH!"

Foreign films can be hit or miss, more often than not depending on how they translate to the viewing sensibilities of the group watching the film. For example there have been movies that were well made by the French and Italians that were great films but didn't quite transfer to the viewing styles of American audiences. It didn't lessen their qualities it just didn't translate into box office gold.Then there are others that translate well but still don't achieve that pinnacle of success, box office dynamite. The good news is that these films often make their way stateside on disc format. That allows those who enjoy films from other countries the opportunity to see some great movie making going on other than what's made here. THE LAST KING is a solid offering that tells a story, does it well and holds your interest from start to finish.Based on a true story it tells the tale of early Norway, 1206 to be exact, when the king was overthrown. His son, Håkon Håkonsson, is an infant and those who still support their king send away the young child to be raised with the intent of him taking back the crown one day. Two members of the Birkebeiner, an elite skiing soldiers still loyal to the king, take the child away while the Church attempts to find him, kill him and take control of the country.Eventually word leaks out that the child has survived and it becomes the goal of these two men to protect the child at all costs. As various foes are sent to retrieve that child they face off against each threat, making their way to a safe haven. If they fail they not only lose their lives but the future of Norway as well.The film is filled with enough action sequences to hold the interest of the most jaded viewer. These work well since the odds of that "losing something in translation" problem doesn't apply to them. Expert skiing is on view that displays a fantastic set of skills for all of the stuntmen used to make this picture. The cinematography that captures these exciting sequences as well as the gorgeous views of snow covered Norway only add to the pleasure this film brings.While the names of those involved will not be recognizable to US audiences all involved do a great job offering emotions that pour forth from body movement and visual cues that aren't fully brought to life by the dialogue which is subtitled. These characters are true heroes of the highest regard and the actors bring them to life.Certainly not everyone will enjoy the film, especially those who tend to hate anything with sub titles. But for those willing to take a chance you'll find a movie that provides enough court intrigue combined with plenty of action sequences that will keep you watching from start to finish.

(Flash Review)The year is 1206 A. D. in the snowy lands of Norway and there is a hunt for a dead king's infant son. Whether the baby lives or dies determines who will gain the throne of Norway. One group must find the baby and keep it safe while the other group is attempting to hunt him down to spill his blood. There is good character development and gives clear reasons and decisions for the main characters actions. Much of the film is a chase on skis and bobsled which is rather novel and exciting. High quality production value, believable acting and nice cinematography makes for pleasant viewing. Aside from the skiing scenes, the core of the story is fairly typical as well as how the plot points play out yet it was enjoyable nonetheless. Quality entry from Norway.

I watched this film last night, well actually I gave it 40 minutes and then switched it off. I don't like doing that to films but it was just so tedious and unengaging.I know it's a Norwegian film and hence thought it might be a little harder to grasp but the endless talk of Birkenbeiers and Baglans and Hakons, especially when relayed in subtitles, is just too much to get your head around.That would have been fine if the action had pulled it through but it just had so little involvement. One of the heroes has his wife and child killed and as a viewer you didn't feel anything. No berserker rage from the hero, no sweeping music, no feeling that someone was 'going to pay'.The guy then ski's like a banshee to warn his friends and they immediately start some kangaroo court where they are considering beheading him even though he's warning them of impending doom.The bad guys turn up, all 12-16 of them, and some lame LARP-ing style fight ensues. By this point, I was bored by the action, turned off by the stupidity of the good guys (if they were) and uninterested in what was going on.