The King's Choice (2016)
Erik Poppe's gripping historical drama recounts the three defining days when Norway's King Haakon VII defied Nazi Germany's ultimatum in April 1940.
The King's Choice - Movie Information
- Original Title: Kongens nei
- Release Year: 2016
- Directed by: Erik Poppe
- Type: Movie
- Genres: War, Action, Drama
- Runtime: 2h 16m
- Original Language: Norwegian
- Spoken Languages: Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, German
- Release Date (Theatrical): September 29, 2016 (Norway - 9), August 4, 2017 (Spain)
- Alternative Titles: Ultimatum (FR)
- Production Companies: Newgrange Pictures, Film i Väst, Zentropa International Sweden, Paradox Produksjon, Nordisk Film Norway, Copenhagen Film Fund
- Production Countries: Denmark, Ireland, Norway, Sweden
The King's Choice - Plot
On 9 April 1940, German soldiers arrive in the city of Oslo. The King of Norway faces a choice that will change his country forever. The King's Choice is a story about the three most dramatic days in Norway's history, the royal family's escape and King Haakon's difficult choice after Nazi Germany's invasion of Norway.
The King's Choice - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the tension of Norway's darkest hours unfold:
Three Days in April
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The King's Choice - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Erik Poppe
Main Cast
- Jesper Christensen
- Anders Baasmo Christiansen
- Karl Markovics
- Tuva Novotny
- Arthur Hakalahti
- Svein Tindberg
- Andreas Lust
- Katharina Schüttler
- Ketil Høegh
- Gerald Pettersen
Writers
- Harald Rosenløw-Eeg
- Jan Trygve Røyneland
Producers
- Stein B. Kvae
- Finn Gjerdrum
The King's Choice - FAQs
Is The King's Choice based on a true story?
Yes, The King's Choice dramatizes real historical events. It centers on Norway's King Haakon VII and the three days following Nazi Germany's invasion on April 9, 1940. The king's refusal to accept German demands — and his insistence that the decision rest with the elected government — is historically documented and central to Norwegian national memory.
What was King Haakon's choice in the film?
King Haakon VII refused to abdicate or legitimize the Nazi-backed government under Vidkun Quisling. He rejected the ultimatum delivered by German envoy Curt Bräuer, choosing resistance over capitulation. His defiant stance compelled the Norwegian government to continue fighting and ultimately go into exile in London, sustaining resistance throughout the occupation.
Where can you stream The King's Choice?
The King's Choice is available on Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Prime Video with Ads. Free ad-supported viewing is offered on Tubi TV, Pluto TV, YouTube Free, The Roku Channel, and Plex. Kanopy and Hoopla provide free library-based access, while rental and purchase options exist on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and YouTube.
Who are the main actors in The King's Choice?
The film stars Jesper Christensen as King Haakon VII and Anders Baasmo Christiansen as Crown Prince Olav. Karl Markovics portrays German envoy Curt Bräuer, while Tuva Novotny plays Crown Princess Märtha. The supporting cast includes Svein Tindberg, Ketil Høegh, Gerald Pettersen, and Andreas Lust.
What is The King's Choice about?
The King's Choice chronicles the three most turbulent days in modern Norwegian history. When Wehrmacht forces invade on April 9, 1940, King Haakon VII must confront an impossible ultimatum. The film weaves together the royal family's flight from Oslo, tense diplomatic exchanges, and the king's ultimate moral stand against Nazi occupation.
Did The King's Choice win any awards?
The King's Choice earned Norway's submission for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film at the 89th Oscars. It swept the Amanda Awards — Norway's national film honors — taking Best Film, Best Director for Erik Poppe, and Best Actor for Jesper Christensen, cementing its place as one of Norway's most celebrated films of the decade.
How long is The King's Choice?
The King's Choice runs for 136 minutes, or 2 hours and 16 minutes. Directed by Erik Poppe, it premiered in Norway on September 29, 2016, and received broader international release through 2017, including a US release date of January 10, 2017.
What language is The King's Choice filmed in?
The film's original language is Norwegian, reflecting its Scandinavian setting and production. Dialogue also appears in Danish, Swedish, and German, capturing the multilingual reality of wartime diplomacy and occupation. The original Norwegian title, Kongens nei, translates directly as 'The King's No.'
More About The King's Choice
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