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Royal Deceit [Region 2] | ![Royal Deceit [Region 2]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51AMU2HlsvL._SL500_.jpg) | Director: Gabriel Axel
Actors: Gabriel Byrne, Helen Mirren, Christian Bale, Brian Cox, Steven Waddington
Category: DVD
Buy New: $23.99
as of 3/16/2010 18:51 CDT details
New (1) Used (1) from $23.99
Seller: daaveedee
Rating:  19 reviews
Sales Rank: 213974
Format: PAL
Languages: English (Unknown), Danish (Original Language), English (Original Language)
Rating: R (Restricted)
Region: 2
Discs: 1
Running Time: 85 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 7.1 x 5.4 x 0.6
EAN: 5014293114851
ASIN: B000063VCK
Theatrical Release Date: February 23, 1994
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Product Description
United Kingdom released, PAL/Region 2 DVD: it WILL NOT play on standard US DVD player. You need multi-region PAL/NTSC DVD player to view it in USA/Canada: LANGUAGES: English ( Dolby Digital 2.0 ), SPECIAL FEATURES: Interactive Menu, Scene Access, SYNOPSIS: This European historical saga presents the true tale of intrigue, regicide, incest, and insanity on which Shakespeare based Hamlet. It begins in the ancient Danish kingdom Jutland in the sixth century. There ambitious Prince Fenge murders the his brother the king and his son. The dark prince then claims both the throne and queen Geruth. Her son Amled saw the killings, but feigns madness to spare his life. Amled then begins preparing his revenge. Fenge is not convinced of Amled's madness and arranges for a beautiful maid to seduce the truth out of him. That doesn't work so Fenge sends his nephew to visit the Scottish home of his friend Aethlewine who will receive orders to kill him. Amled learns of the plot, changes the orders, beats Aethlewine in a battle and winds up marrying his daughter. Then the resourceful prince sneaks back to Jutland and kills the king.
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Showing reviews 1-5 of 19
 This "'Hamlet'-with-a-happy-ending" is a must-see! December 15, 1998
36 out of 37 found this review helpful
"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!
Castles and Kings January 28, 2007
HIPPP2B2
Features a younger Christian Bale (made in 1993). Gabriel Byrne is great, as usual, as the brother of the king, who murders the king. Bale is the son of the king, and feigns madness when his father is murdered-mainly to stay alive and let his uncle claim the throne. Revenge comes later. Based on legend. Different, and entertaining.
 Saxo Grammaticus Onscreen! July 31, 2005
Megan Stoner (USA)
66 out of 66 found this review helpful
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 epic-style stuff found in big-budget pictures. The costumes are extremely simple shifts and tunics, mostly, and are quite accurate for the period if not the most attractive things to look at. (Ethel's gown is a little form-fitting for the period, but then...it's Kate Beckinsale.) It was filmed on location in Denmark, and the scenery is really lovely.
The film is also remarkable for the quality of the performances, which are first-rate all around. Astonishing talents Helen Mirren, Gabriel Byrne, and a young Christian Bale have most of the screen time, but look for truly enjoyable bit parts from the likes of Brian Cox, Kate Beckinsale, Tom Wilkinson, and - my favourite - Andy Serkis, better known as the man behind "The Lord of the Rings'" Gollum.
The action can be slow-paced for those accustomed to quick, cut-and-run pictures, but the story unfolds nicely. The narration in particular keeps well in the spirit of the Gesta, and there are some truly enjoyable scenes, particularly the scenes between Amleth and his mum Geruth and any time Brian Cox's King Aethelwine of Britain is onscreen. (Nobody chews scenery better than Brian Cox.) One warning, though, is in order: since this was primarily a Danish-funded film, it has rather a lot of nudity in it by American standards, including some full-frontal shots. I didn't find any of it offensive or out of place, but some may.
Perhaps I am biased as a Mediaeval Studies major, but I found 'Royal Deceit' enjoyable, for its own merit and as a nice alternative to all the Conan-style 'Mediaeval' pictures to be found elsewhere.
Definitely NOT Hollywood - I liked it. April 22, 2003
S. Pollington (Basildon, Essex United Kingdom)
28 out of 30 found this review helpful
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.
Great actors & historical content November 9, 2004
N. Campbell (Australia)
11 out of 11 found this review helpful
This movie was originally released as 'The Prince of Jutland'.
I really enjoyed this movie. Gabriel Bryne plays the evil uncle perfectly.
If you look carefully you will see a grown up 'Peter' from 'The Lion the Witch & the Wardrobe'as Amled's older brother.
Also an early piece for Kate Beckinsdale.
The way Amled gets rid of some of the nasties using pigs is a bit gross, but I can imagine it happening.
I think the reviewer that criticized the numbers in the army maybe expects it to be like the battles in the 'Two Towers'.
I would recommend it to anyone who loves a movie which has it all - blood, revenge, sex, fairly accurate sets and a clever hero.
For some reason Helen Mirren always does one scene where she gets her kit off.
I really don't think Christian Bale gets enough praise for his work.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 19
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