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Atmospheric but unresolved drama pits a seedy academic against his ill-used wife, uneasily staying by him as he faces a rape charge

Expectations are raised high, but not satisfyingly met, in this initially intriguing and certainly atmospheric Scandi thriller that ranges from Sweden to Poland and Exmoor in England; it teases hints of Gone Girl and Patricia Highsmith. Screenwriter-producer Michèle Marshall has adapted 2014 novel The Living and the Dead in Winsford by veteran Swedish crime writer Håkan Nesser, and Caroline Ingvarsson makes her feature directing debut.

The scene is the stylish home of a Swedish power couple. Maria (Mirja Turestedt) is the presenter of an popular TV talkshow, and she is married to the older Magnus (Thomas W Gabrielsson), a star academic with a drinking problem and a seedy reputation for infidelity. Maria is a former student of Magnus and has, in fact, surpassed him intellectually, now faintly despising herself...

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Chief of War is a historical drama series co-created by Thomas Paʻa Sibbett and Jason Momoa. Based on true events, the Apple TV+ series is set in the 18th century, and it follows a Hawaiian warrior chief as he unites the warring Hawaiian islands to fight against the colonialists. Chief of War stars Jason Momoa, Luciane Buchanan, Te Ao o Hinepehinga, Te Kohe Tuhaka, Brandon Finn, Siua Ikaleʻo, Mainei Kinimaka, and Roimata Fox. So, if you loved the historical setting, intense story, and compelling characters in Apple TV+’s Chief of War, here are some similar shows you should check out next.

Barkskins (Rent on Prime Video) Credit – Nat Geo

Barkskins is a historical drama series created by Elwood Reid. Based on the 2016 novel of the same name by Annie Proulx, the National Geographic series is set in the 1600s,...

Exclusive: BAFTA nominee and Emmy winner Christopher Eccleston (Thor: The Dark World) and Thomas W. Gabrielsson (A Royal Affair) have rounded out the cast of Cold War biopic Whispers of Freedom as production wraps in Berlin.

Set in 1980s East Berlin, the British-German co-production is based on the tragic true story of young East German Chris Gueffroy in the lead up to his attempted escape from the isolated Eastern bloc state. Gueffroy was the last person to be shot and the second-last to die in an escape attempt while trying to flee to the West across the Berlin Wall.

Eccleston, best known for portraying the ninth incarnation of The Doctor in Doctor Who, and for playing Malekith in Thor: The Dark World, joins the cast to lend his voice as East German radio personality Herbert Köfer.

Swedish vet Gabrielsson, who most recently appeared opposite Mads Mikkelsen in The Promised Land,...

Shōgun is one of the best beautiful and intense action drama series ever. Based on a 1975 novel of the same name by James Clavell, the FX series is adapted for television by Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks. Set in the year 1600 in Japan, the historical series follows the story of Lord Yoshii Toranaga as enemies unite and come to take his life, but he sees an opportunity when a mysterious European ship is found marooned in a village nearby. Shōgun has a brilliant ensemble cast including Hiroyuki Sanada, Cosmo Jarvis, Anna Sawai, Néstor Carbonell, and Fumi Nikaido. So, if you loved the beautiful imagery and ruthless action of Shōgun, then you should check out these shows next.

Medici: Masters of Florence (Netflix) Credit – Rai

Medici: Masters of Florence is not big on action but if you loved all the politics and scheming in Shōgun, then it might be right up your alley.

Dark, violent historical epics have a special place in my heart, and the upcoming Mads Mikkelsen film "The Bastard" looks like it will be period-piece perfection. The film, which stars Mikkelsen as a 17th-century soldier charged with taking over a large swath of land for the king of Denmark, looks like the kind of movie that belongs alongside "The Northman" or "Valhalla Rising," which also starred Mikkelsen. The upcoming Danish-language film is still in production, so there aren't many marketing materials to share just yet. Thankfully, there are at least some great behind-the-scenes stills shared by the production company behind "The Bastard," Zentropa.

While it's still early, there are some interesting details available about the film, including the premise, possible release window, and more about the cast and crew. Here's everything we know so far about this moody-looking cinematic slice of Scandinavian history.

When And Where To Watch The Bastard

According to Zentropa's press release,...

"Someone is out to get us. They don't know what they're up against." Samuel Goldwyn Films has unveiled an official US trailer a Scandinavian historical epic thriller called Margrete - Queen of the North, made by Danish filmmaker Charlotte Sieling. This premiered at the Norwegian Film Festival, and already opened in Denmark, available on VOD in the US starting in December. Set in 1402. Queen Margrete is ruling Sweden, Norway and Denmark through her adopted son, Erik. The union is beset by enemies, however, and Margrete is therefore planning a marriage between Erik and an English princess. But a conspiracy is in the making and Margrete finds herself in an impossible dilemma that could shatter her life's work: the Kalmar Union. Starring Trine Dyrholm as Margrete, along with Søren Malling, Morten Hee Andersen, Bjørn Floberg, Magnus Krepper, Thomas W. Gabrielsson, Agnes Rase, Simon J. Berger, Linus James Nilsson, and Halldóra Geirharðsdóttir.

REinvent International Sales has closed Germany on Charlotte Sieling’s anticipated epic period drama, “Margrete – Queen of the North,” starring Trine Dyrholm (“The Commune”), licensing the film to Splendid Film.

The film stars Dyrholm, the award-winning actress of Thomas Vinterberg’s “The Commune” and May el-Toukhy’s “Queen of Hearts,” as Margrete I of Denmark, who is considered the most powerful ruler in Scandinavian history, as she gathered Denmark, Norway and Sweden into a peaceful union.

“Margrete· brings a fascinating “royal” and internationally hardly-known story to the screen, in an equally fascinating historical setting,” said

Rainer Flaskamp, head of acquisitions and sales at Splendid Film.

The historical drama has “a deep emotional angle and a lot of female power and involving some of Scandinavia’s best talent,” he added.

Helene Aurø, sales and marketing director at REinvent said that the company was “thrilled that Splendid has come onboard at an...

Nordic production and distribution powerhouse Sf Studios and sales agency REinvent International Sales have revealed a sneak peek of Charlotte Sieling’s epic period drama “Margrete – Queen of the North,” starring Trine Dyrholm, a Berlin Silver Bear winner for best actress with Thomas Vinterberg’s “The Commune.”

Dyrholm, whose credits also include Susanne Bier’s Oscar winner “In a Better World” and May el-Toukhy’s “Queen of Hearts,” toplines as Margrete the First, who is considered the most powerful ruler in Scandinavian history, as she gathered Denmark, Norway and Sweden into a peace-oriented union.

With a big budget by Scandinavian standards, “Margrete – Queen of the North” marks the first biopic movie about Margrete the First, a woman ahead of her time who sacrificed herself completely for her vision and for her countries. “Margrete -Queen of the North” is one of the titles set to be presented in the work in...

Stars: Rafe Spall, Joel Fry, Steve Speirs, Thomas W. Gabrielsson, Tim Woodward, Benedikte Hansen, Simone Lykke | Written by Jeff Murphy | Directed by Adrian Shergold

I believe it was the Beatles who once said “all you need is Rafe Spall” or something to that effect anyway… I have made no secret of the fact that when I find an actor or actress I like, I will go out of my way to watch them. It is a select group though, the likes of your Paddy Considine, Stephen Graham, Vicky McClue, Tom Hardy, Joe Gilgun to name a few (notice these are all Brits). The type of leading actors that can let a whole scene play out over their faces and not say a great deal but have me on the edge of my seat having heart palpitations. Another such actor who has been on my radar for some time now, and...

The big-budget production will start shooting on March 2, with a premiere planned for spring 2021.

Award-winning Queen Of Hearts actress Trine Dyrholm will play a different kind of queen in Charlotte Sieling’s historical epic Margrete – Queen Of The North.

The Danish actress plays Margrete I, who gathered Denmark, Norway and Sweden into a peace-oriented union. In 1402, a conspiracy threatens to ruin her.

The film’s budget is larger than typical Scandinavian productions, at $9.4m (8.7m Euros).

The cast is a who’s who of pan-Scandinavian talent, also including Søren Malling (The Killing), Morten Hee Andersen (Ride Upon The Storm), Jakob Oftebro...

Experience legendary director Brian De Palma’s brand-new, fast-paced action-thriller when Domino arrives on Blu-ray (plus Digital), DVD, and Digital July 30 from Lionsgate. This film is currently available On Demand. Featuring spectacular international sets from Scandinavia to Spain, the film stars Primetime Emmy® nominee Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Carice van Houten, and Primetime Emmy® winner Guy Pearce. The Domino Blu-ray and DVD will be available for the suggested retail price of $21.99 and $19.98, respectively.

A Copenhagen police officer, Christian (Nikolaj Coster-Wealdau), seeks justice for his partner’s murder by Isis member Imran. Determined to hunt Imran down, Christian and Alex (Carice van Houten), a fellow cop and his late partner’s mistress, are unwittingly caught in a deadly cat-and-mouse chase with a duplicitous CIA agent (Guy Pearce) who is using Imran as a pawn to trap other Isis members. Their quest for revenge becomes a race against time to save their own lives.

Stars: Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Carice van Houten, Guy Pearce, Søren Malling, Nicolas Bro, Eriq Ebouaney, Ella-June Henrard, Paprika Steen, Jacob Lohmann, Thomas W. Gabrielsson, Younes Bachir, Diem Camille G. | Written by Petter Skavlan | Directed by Brian De Palma

Brian De Palma, “sort of”, returns to cinematic screens with Domino after a seven-year hiatus after his Rachel McAdams and Noomi Rapace starring feature Passion, released in 2012. I say “sort of” because De Palma’s latest hasn’t had the most conventional release. Originally shot in 2017, Domino has had a tirade of troubles during post-production and has ultimately distanced himself from the final product. Leading to a very limited cinema release and landed without a thud on most On Demand services.

It’s a strange consequence from De Palma to cut ties with his feature because after viewing said film there isn’t much difference in the crafting of Domino from what the...

Brian De Palma’s “Domino” was a troubled production story for the ages: underfunded, shot by the seat of its pants, and cut to ribbons without the director’s approval or supervision. But that’s the least of the issues with the final product. There’s little indication this low-rent, high-minded terrorism shlock ever had any hope of being a better film than the version now making its way to VOD and a few sad movie screens. Too much of the material is intact to suggest that some kind of late-career masterpiece has been lost along the way, and too many of De Palma’s fingerprints are still visible to believe that additional money or context would have yielded a substantive thriller that’s more than the sum of its parts.

On the contrary, the most damning thing about “Domino” is that it reaffirms what all but the filmmaker’s...

"Why don't you do your own dirty work?" Saban Films has debuted the official trailer for Domino, the latest movie made by prolific filmmaker Brian De Palma, who hasn't been making much (in the way of feature films) since Redacted in 2007 and Passion in 2012. The rather generic plot in this involves a police officer from Copenhagen who seeks justice for his partner's murder by a mysterious man, ending up in a cat and mouse chase with a duplicitous CIA agent with his own motives. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau stars, along with Carice van Houten, Guy Pearce, Søren Malling, Nicolas Bro, Thomas W. Gabrielsson, and Paprika Steen. For those who have been waiting for De Palma's comeback, this doesn't look like it will be that. A bit too unexciting and familiar, with a story that we've already seen many times before. Take a look. Here's the first official trailer (+ poster) for Brian De Palma's Domino,...

Although The Last Kingdom TV show was not cancelled by BBC America, viewers on this side of the pond won't be able to watch the fictional British historical drama on that cable network. After the first season of the BBC Two series, Netflix boarded as a co-producer, so The Last Kingdom, season two, will be stream on Netflix in the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Germany, Japan, Spain and Portugal.Based on Bernard Cornwell’s book series, The Saxon Stories, season two of The Last Kingdom drops to Netflix on Friday, May 5, 2017. The large cast includes: Alexander Dreymon, Tobias Santelmann, Emily Cox, Thomas W. Gabrielsson, Joseph Millson, Matthew MacFadyen, Ian Hart, David Dawson, Simon Kunz, Harry McEntire, Amy Wren, Thure Lindhartdt, Eva Birthistle, Gerard Kearns, David Schofield, Peri Baumeister, Eliza Butterworth, Peter McDonald, Mark Rowley, Alexandre Willaume, Julia Bache-Wiig, Björn Bengtsson,...

Alexander Dreymon and Rutger Hauer are to star in The Last Kingdom.

Filming has begun on the BBC Two adaptation of Bernard Cornwell's Saxon Tales, in which Matthew Macfadyen and David Dawson also feature.

The series of historical adventure novels penned by the Sharpe creator will be adapted by Good Cop writer Stephen Butchard.

Eight-part drama The Last Kingdom - named for the first book in the series - will be made by Downton Abbey producers Carnival Films.

Emily Cox, Ian Hart (Boardwalk Empire), Tobias Santelmann (Kon-Tiki), Thomas W. Gabrielsson (A Royal Affair), Peter Gantzler (A-klassen), Joseph Millson (Penny Dreadful), Alexandre Willaume, Rune Temte, and Henning Valin Jakobsen, Tom Taylor, Jocelyn Macnab and Madeleine Power also star.

Set in the year 872, the show will follow Uhtred - a hero raised by the same Vikings who slaughtered his Saxon parents.

"Cornwell's Saxon novels combine historical figures and events with fiction in an utterly compelling way,...

A large international cast has been announced for the upcoming big-budget historical drama series "The Last Kingdom" for BBC America, BBC Two and Carnival Films.

The eight-episode series, an adaptation of Bernard Cornwell's best-selling books "The Saxon Stories," will combine real historical figures and events with fictional characters during the 9th century reign of Alfred the Great, the Wessex king who united many separate kingdoms to fight off a Viking invasion.

Rutger Hauer, Alexander Dreymon ("American Horror Story: Coven"), Matthew Macfadyen ("Ripper Street"), Ian Hart ("Boardwalk Empire"), David Dawson ("Ripper Street"), Emily Cox ("The Silent Mountain"), Tobias Santelmann ("Kon-Tiki"), Thomas W. Gabrielsson ("A Royal Affair"), Peter Gantzler ("Italian For Beginners), Joseph Millson ("Penny Dreadful"), Alexandre Willaume ("Over The Edge"), Rune Temte ("The Accident"), and Henning Valin Jakobsen ("The Bridge/Bron") will star.

Shooting is underway in Hungary and the UK. Stephen Butchard is adapting the script while Nigel Marchant...

BBC America, BBC and Carnival Films, the NBCUniversal-owned production house behind Downton Abbey, have unveiled the lineup for The Last Kingdom, their upcoming Viking TV drama. Based on Bernard Cornwell’s bestselling series of novels, The Saxon Stories, the TV show has now started filming, with production in Hungary and the U.K. Rutger Hauer joins a cast headed by American Horror Story star Alexander Dreymon and also featuring Ripper Street’s David Dawson. Other castmembers include Emily Cox (Circle of Life), Matthew Macfadyen (Anna Karenina), Ian Hart (Boardwalk Empire, The Bridge), Tobias Santelmann (Kon-Tiki), Thomas W. Gabrielsson (A Royal

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Steamy court intrigue, wild passion and the momentous decisions of charismatic visionaries have never had it better than this 18th Century Danish potboiler. Mads Mikkelsen (.Flame and Citroen. and .The Hunt.) plays man-of-all-seasons Johann Friedrich Struensee, the physician who befriended their hapless lunatic Danish King Christian the VII (played to the hilt by Mikkel Boe Følsgaard) and changed the world. His redoubtable lover was none other than the queen of Denmark, Caroline Mathilde (Alicia Vikander). Nobles Rantzau (Thomas Gabrielsson) and Brandt (Cyron Melville) fabricate a meeting with the naturally charismatic and hyper intelligent Struensee. Under the guise of a penile examination (yes, that is right) the two evaluate the German doctor for his ideas, leadership and ability to place them...

A Royale Affair / En Kongelig Affaere Teaser Trailer. Nikolaj Arcel‘s A Royale Affair / En Kongelig Affaere (2012) Teaser Trailer stars Mads Mikkelsen, Alicia Vikander, David Dencik, William Jøhnk Nielsen, and Trine Dyrholm. A Royal Affair‘s plot synopsis: “A young queen, who is married to an insane king, falls secretly in love with his physician – and together they start a revolution that changes a nation forever.”

If you read or speak Danish, here is a more expansion synopsis:

Der findes næppe et mere dramatisk kærlighedsdrama i Danmarkshistorien end affæren mellem Chr.VIIs tyske livlæge Johan Struensee og den engelskfødte dronning af Danmark Caroline Mathilde i starten af 1770’erne. I løbet af de sidste 40 år har en række filmatiseringer af dette bevægende kapitel i dansk historie været på tegnebrættet, men først nu med Nikolaj Arcels En Kongelig AFFÆRE præsenteres en dansk spillefilm om et af vort lands mest fascinerende dramaer. Med...