What Is The King's Choice About?
The premise of The King's Choice in 321 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the bleak, frost‑kissed spring of 1940, Norway finds itself perched on the edge of a storm that threatens to shatter its long‑standing neutrality. The air carries a palpable tension, as the distant rumble of foreign war machines reverberates through fjords and towns alike, casting a shadow over a nation accustomed to quiet dignity. The film’s visual palette mirrors this mood—cold, muted tones punctuated by the stark glow of candlelight in royal chambers, underscoring a world where history hangs in the balance.
At the heart of the unfolding crisis sits Haakon VII, the country’s steadfast monarch, a man whose sense of duty is intertwined with a deep love for his people. Beside him stands his wife, Märtha, whose quiet resolve offers a counterpoint to the king’s measured composure, and their son, Olav, a young heir caught between reverence for his father’s legacy and the inevitable pull of his own convictions. Their interactions are intimate yet charged, each conversation layered with the weight of impending decisions that could redefine Norway’s future.
The narrative pivots on a singular, monumental choice: whether to bow to the overwhelming force that now looms over the capital or to embody the spirit of resistance that has long defined the nation’s identity. The film cultivates a tense, almost reverent atmosphere as the royal family grapples with the implications of surrender versus defiance, their personal stakes mirroring the collective anxiety of an entire country. Shadows of doubt and flashes of courage weave together, creating an undercurrent of suspense that never fully resolves.
Through measured pacing and a focus on character rather than action, the story invites viewers to contemplate the costs of leadership under duress. It paints a portrait of a monarch and his close circle standing at a crossroads, their resolve tested by forces far beyond their control, leaving the audience to wonder how far a nation’s heart can endure when its very sovereignty hangs in the balance.
What Happens in The King's Choice?
The complete story of The King's Choice, from the first scene to the last, in 632 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 4 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
As the momentous days of April 1940 unfold, King Haakon VII and the Norwegian royal family are thrust into a chaotic chapter of their nation’s history. The crisis ignites when Crown Prince Olav delivers a grim report to his father, revealing that the transport ship which sank off Lillesand on April 8th was transporting German soldiers, thereby casting doubt on Norway’s stance of neutrality against German aggression. Simultaneously, at the German embassy in Oslo, envoy Curt Bräuer finds himself under pressure from military attaché Lieutenant-Colonel Hartwig Pohlman to convince the Norwegian government, led by Prime Minister Johan Nygaardsvold, to permit German troops to enter the country under the pretext of safeguarding Norway from an imagined British invasion.
As the situation intensifies, Colonel Birger Eriksen at Oscarsborg Fortress prepares his forces for combat, receiving alarming reports from surrounding fortresses about the approach of German vessels. On the morning of April 9th, Eriksen, with sharp vigilance, spots the German cruiser Blücher entering Drøbak Sound, leading him to decisively order an engagement despite the absence of explicit directives from Oslo. The fortress’s artillery and torpedo battery successfully sink the Blücher, sending shockwaves through the capital.
With the prospect of invasion looming larger, Prime Minister Nygaardsvold discreetly contacts King Haakon VII, warning him of the German threat and recommending an evacuation from Oslo. The royal family hastily boards a train to Hamar, where the Norwegian Parliament gathers to discuss potential negotiations with Germany. Amidst the unfolding turmoil, Bräuer meets with Oslo’s police chief Kristian Welhaven, acting as his key liaison with the Norwegian Cabinet to convey his willingness to negotiate. In parallel, military attaché Pohlman receives urgent orders from Berlin to dispatch paratroopers to Hamar with the aim of apprehending King Haakon VII and the Cabinet.
As Norway faces the precipice of occupation, Nasjonal Samling leader Vidkun Quisling audaciously declares himself Prime Minister over national radio, urging Norwegians to accept the imposed German forces. In a final attempt to persuade King Haakon VII, Bräuer is instructed directly by Adolf Hitler to convince the monarch to endorse Quisling’s government; yet, Bräuer remains skeptical that Haakon or the Cabinet would ever comply with such demands.
As the German army approaches Hamar, the Norwegian royal family and Cabinet quickly relocate to Elverum, where a critical decision is made: Olav’s wife and their three children will be sent to Sweden for their safety, while King Haakon VII and Crown Prince Olav choose to remain in Norway. As the clock strikes midnight on April 10th, German paratroopers conduct a surprise assault on a roadblock at Midtskogen, only to be met with fierce resistance from Norwegian volunteers defending their homeland.
Following this initial confrontation, the Cabinet gathers at Nybergsund to discuss General Bräuer’s request for a private audience with King Haakon. Despite Olav’s strong objections and deep fears for his father’s safety, the King ultimately decides to meet with Bräuer in Elverum. The German general urges Haakon to surrender without further conflict, citing the example of his elder brother, King Christian of Denmark. However, Haakon stands firm, refusing to accept Quisling’s leadership and suggesting he would abdicate if the Cabinet desired it.
Motivated by their sovereign’s steadfastness, Cabinet members relay their own refusal to capitulate to Bräuer. In retaliation, German aircraft unleash a flurry of bombs over Elverum and Nybergsund, compelling Haakon and his ministers to flee into the nearby woods for their safety.
Ultimately, the King, Crown Prince Olav, and the Cabinet secure their escape to Britain, where they remain in exile until the war’s end. As the dust settles in May 1945 following Germany’s defeat, King Haakon is joyfully reunited with his grandson, Prince Harald, in London before the royal family makes their long-awaited return to Norway, finally able to go back home after enduring years of turmoil and tribulations.
The King's Choice Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Crisis Begins” to “Return to Norway”. 13 events name a place, across 10 locations.
- 1
Crisis Begins
In April 1940, tensions escalate as Crown Prince Olav reports to King Haakon VII about a crucial incident. A transport ship that sank off Lillesand was carrying German soldiers, raising doubts about Norway's claim of neutrality amidst German aggression.
When:April 8, 1940 Where:Lillesand
- 2
German Pressure
At the German embassy in Oslo, envoy Curt Bräuer faces pressure from military attaché Lieutenant-Colonel Hartwig Pohlman. They work together to convince the Norwegian government, led by Prime Minister Johan Nygaardsvold, to allow German troops into Norway under the pretext of protecting against a British invasion.
Where:Oslo
- 3
Preparation for Battle
On the eve of conflict, Colonel Birger Eriksen at Oscarsborg Fortress prepares his forces for an imminent German attack. He receives urgent reports about the movement of German vessels in the vicinity, indicating a looming invasion.
Where:Oscarsborg Fortress
- 4
Blücher Engaged
On the morning of April 9th, Colonel Eriksen spots the German cruiser Blücher entering Drøbak Sound. Defying orders from Oslo, he decides to engage, leading to the sinking of the cruiser by the fortress's artillery, shocking the capital.
When:April 9, 1940 Where:Drøbak Sound
- 5
Royal Family Evacuates
Realizing the gravity of the situation, Prime Minister Nygaardsvold discreetly alerts King Haakon VII of the impending German threat. The royal family hastily boards a train to Hamar to strategize their response amidst the brewing chaos.
Where:Hamar
- 6
Negotiation Attempts
Bräuer meets with Oslo's police chief Kristian Welhaven to facilitate negotiations with the Norwegian Cabinet regarding the German presence. Simultaneously, urgency grows as Pohlman receives orders to send paratroopers to Hamar to capture King Haakon and the Cabinet.
Where:Oslo
- 7
Quisling's Declaration
In an audacious move, Vidkun Quisling declares himself Prime Minister over national radio, urging Norwegians to accept the German forces. This declaration adds to the tension and uncertainty surrounding Norway's stance.
- 8
Direct Orders from Hitler
Bräuer receives a direct order from Adolf Hitler to persuade King Haakon VII to endorse Quisling's government. Despite the pressure, Bräuer doubts that Haakon will ever comply with such demands, indicating the immense challenges ahead.
- 9
Relocation to Elverum
As the German army approaches Hamar, the Norwegian royal family and Cabinet make a crucial decision. They relocate to Elverum where they plan to send Olav's wife and children to Sweden for safety, while King Haakon and Crown Prince Olav remain in Norway.
Where:Elverum
- 10
Midtskogen Assault
At midnight on April 10th, German paratroopers launch a surprise attack at Midtskogen. They face fierce resistance from Norwegian volunteers who are unwilling to surrender their homeland, marking the beginning of fierce combat.
When:April 10, 1940 Where:Midtskogen
Show the other 5 events of The King's Choice Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Meeting with Bräuer
The Norwegian Cabinet convenes at Nybergsund to discuss General Bräuer's request for a meeting with King Haakon. Despite objections from Crown Prince Olav regarding his father's safety, King Haakon decides to confront Bräuer in Elverum.
Where:Nybergsund
- 12
Haakon Refuses Surrender
During their meeting, Bräuer urges King Haakon to surrender peacefully, citing the situation in Denmark. However, Haakon staunchly refuses to accept Quisling's leadership, indicating his willingness to abdicate if it ensures Norway's integrity.
Where:Elverum
- 13
Cabinet's Stand-off
Motivated by Haakon's resilience, the Cabinet collectively refuses to capitulate to Bräuer’s demands. This defiance prompts German aircraft to bomb Elverum and Nybergsund, forcing the King and his ministers to seek refuge in the woods.
Where:Elverum
- 14
Escape to Britain
Amidst the chaos of bombardment, King Haakon, Crown Prince Olav, and their Cabinet manage to escape to Britain. There, they will remain in exile throughout the war, preserving their sovereignty as Norway faces occupation.
Where:Britain
- 15
Return to Norway
Following the end of World War II in May 1945, King Haakon joyfully reunites with his grandson, Prince Harald, in London. Soon after, the royal family embarks on their long-awaited return to Norway, finally able to come home after years of turmoil.
When:May 1945 Where:London
Who Are the Main Characters in The King's Choice?
4 characters, among them King Haakon VII, Crown Prince Olav and Curt Bräuer: who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
- KH
King Haakon VII
Played by Jesper Christensen
King Haakon VII is depicted as a strong and principled leader who grapples with the enormous pressures of war. His bravery in refusing to endorse the German-imposed government demonstrates his commitment to Norwegian sovereignty and inspires those around him.
- 👑 Monarch
- 💪 Courageous
-
Crown Prince Olav
Played by Tuva Novotny
Crown Prince Olav is characterized by his protective instincts towards his family and his concern for Norway's future. His steadfast loyalty to his father and country is tested throughout their harrowing journey during the invasion.
- 👨👦 Family
- 🛡️ Loyalty
-
Curt Bräuer
Played by Karl Markovics
Curt Bräuer serves as the German envoy seeking to manipulate the Norwegian government into compliance. He embodies the pressures of wartime diplomacy, grappling with his own ethical boundaries amid the escalating crisis.
- 🎭 Manipulative
- 📜 Diplomat
- BE
Birger Eriksen
Played by Erik Hivju
Colonel Birger Eriksen epitomizes military valor as he prepares for conflict against the invading Germans. His quick decision-making and ultimate engagement at Oscarsborg Fortress symbolize Norway's fight for independence.
- ⚔️ Soldier
- 🔍 Vigilant
Where and When Is The King's Choice Set?
The King's Choice is set in Norway, Oslo, Hamar, Elverum and Nybergsund (April 1940). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
April 1940
This period marks the beginning of World War II for Norway as the country grapples with its neutrality amidst escalating tensions. April 1940 features Germany's aggressive advances across Europe, and the Norwegian royal family is faced with extraordinary decisions about their nation's future and safety.
Where
Norway, Oslo, Hamar, Elverum, Nybergsund
The movie takes place in various locations across Norway amidst the tumultuous days of April 1940. Oslo serves as the political epicenter, where crucial decisions are made as the German threat looms. Hamar and Elverum become key sites for the royal family and Cabinet's attempts to negotiate and strategize against German invasions.
- 🇧🇻 Norway
- 🏛️ Historical
What Are the Themes of The King's Choice?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Courage, Resistance and Leadership.
-
01
Courage
The film explores the theme of courage in the face of overwhelming odds, particularly demonstrated by King Haakon VII's steadfast refusal to accept German rule. His determination inspires both the royal family and Cabinet, showcasing the importance of resilience during a national crisis.
-
02
Resistance
Resistance against tyranny is a central theme, as characters navigate the moral ramifications of their choices during the invasion. The film poignantly highlights the struggle for national identity and sovereignty amidst the threat of occupation.
-
03
Leadership
Leadership, both moral and political, features prominently as King Haakon navigates daunting pressures from the German regime and his own government. His commitment to his principles and his people ultimately shapes the course of Norway’s response to the invasion.
What Kind of Film Is The King's Choice?
Tense in tone, with fast pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Tense
- Pacing
- Fast
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Happy
A tense and fast-paced historical drama that captures the chaotic urgency of a nation under invasion, focusing on the immense moral and emotional weight of a king's defining choice.
- tense
- urgent
- courageous
- somber
- determined
- anxious
- war
- leadership
- political crisis
- resistance
Content notes: war violence, bombing, military invasion, political upheaval.
Quiz
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