A Royal Affair
User Score
7.8 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 23 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23

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  1. cowfeet
    Nov 13, 2012
    9
    Near perfection. A historical romance/drama (maybe even a twisted coming of age tale) that never seems laughable or dull. Each of the main characters are complex and given their fair portrayals. Every motivation seems remarkably human and understandable, even if cringe-worthy. It did feel a little long, but that was its only flaw. Beautifully shot, acted, edited, scored, everything.
  2. nutterjr
    Mar 9, 2013
    8
    A European film which does not lack the luster of the Hollywood films, but however still intelligent and substantial. This film takes a fascinating chapter in Danish history, little-known to general public, and presents it engagingly. The direction, acting and production are all top notch and worthy of the Oscar nod from the American Academy.
  3. TVJerry
    Jan 1, 2013
    6
    This is based on the true story of a love triangle (King Christian VII, his queen and his doctor) and the changes they brought to Denmark in the age of Enlightenment. The plot unfolds predictably with able performances and gorgeous period richness (esp. the costumes). It's told in classic historical style with mild passion, intrigue and drama, but nothing about it is special. If you like this sort of thing, you'll find it solid historical drama.… Expand
  4. Paganostaghetti
    Nov 9, 2012
    8
    The age of enlightenment is a milestone in history that has resulted in the world we live in now. Before, religion and state had overbearing control over what was seen by their citizens, and any inkling of free thought could result in a quick trip to the guillotine. Then a new era was ushered in, where books became more valuable than almost anything else. Information could be freely sought and learning to question authorities was encouraged. Yet, in some countries, this was (and still is) a discouraged notion. It took many nations years before the age of enlightenment could become mainstay, albeit to much hesitation. A Royal Affair is a portrait of this time, showing Denmark… Expand
  5. dante_finn
    Nov 18, 2012
    7
    The historical drama itself is traditionally bordering on square The movie is great it's just that thy could have chosen a better cast for the movie.
  6. foxgrove
    Dec 11, 2012
    10
    A Royal Affair is quite simply the best historical costume drama that I have seen for years. This is what one hopes for every time from this type of film and all to often what one gets is the debacle of something like 'The Affair of the necklace'. An unknown (to myself) period of history comes to life in the three areas that matter in a film like this. The acing of the three leads is fantastic with special praise going to Mikkel Boe Folsgaard as the king on the edge of sanity. His performance in a supporting role is the best of this year. The design and costumes are truly beautiful, and last but by no means least the writing where most films of this ilk fall down badly. Not here, however. The story is propelled onwards and upwards by intelligent dialogue delivered with expert precision by the entire cast. At the moment it seems to me that the Danes have cornered the market in quality entertainment, not only in film, but also on tv where their output is also of an extremely high standard of late (Borgen; The Killing; The Bridge to name a few). See A Royal Affair at all costs as it is a gem of a film that has almost slipped by un noticed due to its minuscule release. If you like well acted and beautifully written period dramas about royalty you won't be disappointed.… Expand

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
73 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. The Globe and Mail (Toronto)
    Reviewed by: Liam Lacey
    Jan 31, 2013
    63
    For all its incident, A Royal Affair is slow and picturesquely framed – more of a languorously animated coffee-table book than a gripping drama.
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  2. Movie Nation
    Reviewed by: Roger Moore
    Jan 30, 2013
    75
    A Royal Affair...is a lovely history lesson, but a film without the spark of invention that makes this modern parable feel modern.
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  3. St. Louis Post-Dispatch
    Reviewed by: Joe Williams
    Jan 17, 2013
    88
    Although the brazen lovers, bellicose ministers and backstabbing handmaidens are familiar elements, the film is so handsomely mounted that we happily endure the ride until the turning of the screws in the tragic last act.
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