Kongekabale

I really enjoyed this gem when I caught it at a festival. The film is very well crafted. Tight direction, brilliant lighting, and shot after shot was just sparkling and a pleasure to watch. The story holds your interest throughout and although you're not forced to hold your breath in suspense, you ARE looking forward to where it is going. The performances are all believable but an actor named Anders W. Berthelsen carries this film on his back! If this guy can speak English, he's the next great American character actor. Meanwhile, I'll settle for subtitles.

8/10

In a generally steady and advanced country, it is difficult to create an intensive political film and remain realistic as most thriller fans are eager to follow sophisticated conspiracies, events of several levels, and the opponents not afraid of using "ultimate" measures. But the makers of Kongekabale have succeeded in this, beginning with the trigger event... On the other hand, we get the real picture early (perhaps too early) and then it remains us to observe how the things develop and what measures are taken by both sides. Luckily, the tensions are maintained, all main persons have their ups and downs, paving the way for expected, but realistic end (and the scene when a lie is publicly revealed is solved in an interesting, different manner). The cast is strong as well - many of the actors are often used in crime series and thrillers playing both the good and the bad - and the inclusion of Nicolas Bro as Henrik Moll provided several giggling moments into the often depressive atmosphere and background.

And of course, all this shows that Denmark is a democratic country with rather low crime, in many other countries rivals or nosy people get killed or get lost...

This is an excellent film. Visually stunning and extremely well developed. It explores not only politic corruption, but also the ethos behind journalism and how they can sometimes be manipulated. Its characters are superbly well developed; they emotional arches are well defined and we immediately identify with the main character, who gives an excellent performance. The paralalism between Danish politicians and UK politician are unavoidable, and it definitely gets us all thinking what if this happened in the UK, who'd be who? For once, a Danish film that is not necessarily an endless weeping tragedy. It's a pleasure to watch, easy to follow and complex enough. Realistic and very interesting. It keeps you hooked from beginning to end, and I'm not Danish.

This film is simply riveting from beginning to end. Right from the opening scene I found myself enthralled and could simply not take my eyes off the screen.

I remember many years ago seeing " All the president's men " which was about two journalists successful attempts to uncover the truth about the Watergate scandal.

This film is very much in the same genre and at least as good. It is clearly the best film I've seen this decade and I've seen some very good ones.

The main star , Anders W Bertelsen is one of my absolute favourite actors. He was supported some some of Denmarks best actors.

The script was excellent and the way the tension and uncertainty as to what was going to happen and what what going to be uncovered , was masterfully handled.

As with most Danish films of the last ten years the visual images are brilliant, the intrigue is impressive and the actors are very good.

But best of all is that the imagery of Kongkabale fits in well with the shady nature of politics suggested by the filmmakers. As a political thriller its right up there with The Contender, City Hall or All the Presidents Men (although you can't really argue against the shadiness in the final one). But Kongakabale reaches the real heights because it doesn't overplay corruption or evil and shows that no matter which side you might play for you will face ethical dilemmas.

The one criticism that one might have about this film is that one or two of the characters are perhaps overtly cynical but then even these few exceptions are definitely needed to take the story home.