User reviews

"Margrete the First" (2021)

'Margrete the First' is the epitome of an epic Danish tale. With monarchs, battle strife, magnificent costumes and big politics. All in all, a magnificent staging that is impressive. The acting was gripping, here one must especially highlight Trine Dyrholm's interpretation of Margrete 1. However, some of the lines could at times seem a bit too theatrical and fake. Morten Hee Andersen's role as the naive and arrogant Prince Erik of Pomerania, unfortunately, fell flat on its face for me. It seemed as if he was in a different universe than the rest of the characters, whether it was Morten's portrayal or the manuscript is hard to know.

With a feature length of 2 hours, it is always a challenge to keep the viewers' attention, here Margrete the 1st unfortunately does not succeed either. A strong start and end, does not excuse for a drawn out and unfocused mid point. Especially one storyline that I do not want to spoil, did not lead to much and ended abruptly. It could quickly have been explained with a scene or two. The worst thing a movie can do is waste the audience time.

I personally watch movies to be entertained with an exciting and gripping story. The story was fascinating, the production magnificent and the acting was mostly excellent. I missed a more focused narrative, with fewer plotlines, better pacing, and less navel-gazing. The story as it is portrayed here would have worked better as a new Sunday drama series.

Rating: 6/10.

When i came across that movie i knew that i must see it. As a huge fan of historic movies, my expectations were high ,however, the movie itself let me quite disappointed. The storytelling is good although i found myself bored and sometimes instead of watching i checked my mobile phone. In my opinion the other characters deserved more space in order to better describe their backgrounds as well as intentions. I could recommend the movie to everyone who is interested in history or good drama.

It's quite interesting: the main actress of this made a movie called Queen - at least in Germany - a few years ahead of this. But the other movie was contemporary. This is clearly a period piece - that said, it is not less dramatic than the other one she is starring in. Different for sure - quite different to be honest.

In this she has a lot more responsibility - if she behaved like she does in the other movie ... let's leave that aside though. Ruling is not easy - so many people to please, so many people that want what you have. So many powers to juggle - especially if you want to avoid war ... and try to stay ahead of enemies within your own ranks.

A very fine movie, with very fine actors. If you don't mind reading subtitles this is recommended for sure.

With the Kalmar Union still in it's infancy, Queen Margrete (Trine Dyrholm) is trying to keep the Danes, Swedes and Norwegians aligned under the nominal kingship of her adopted son Erik (Morten Hee Andersen) in the face of the increasing fear of aggression from the neighbouring Germans. This task is suddenly made much more difficult when a pretender to his throne is unveiled. This gent (Jakob Oftebro) claims to be the son of the queen, and though she certainly had a son it was thought that he had been murdered many years earlier. The Norwegians are quick to support this new claim, but she is less inclined to panic and/or to execute summary justice - and that rouses suspicions about the stranger's true identity amidst the nobles and manages to antagonise her adopted son who has no intention of surrendering his throne. Adding to the pressures building on the Queen, Erik is set to marry the daughter of King Henry IV of England to cement a relationship that could help guarantee everyone's safety - but will the English want their royal dynasty married into the wrong family? Gradually, we all realise that there has been quite a degree of conspiring and lying going on for many years that spreads right to the heart of not just the kingdom, but to an influential church that cannot be guaranteed to do the right thing if it's not in it's own interests. This is quite a well produced and paced historical drama that illustrates quite engagingly the difficulties faced by anyone in holding together this loose confederation of warring nations. The fact that she was a woman doesn't appear to have inhibited her power, indeed her guile and shrewdness appear to have been quite well respected by those who appreciated her goals for unity and peace. To that end Dyrholm delivers competently, as does Søren Malling as the duplicitous priest and a solid supporting cast. It's perhaps a little verbose and also a little tame at times, but it's a period of history that is interesting to discover more about as the viking nations emerged from their raping and pillaging phase into something altogether more cohesive and important in the grand scheme of European politics. It's worth a watch if you're interested in (theatrical) Nordic history.

MARGRETE: QUEEN OF THE NORTH is an epic historical drama that follows Queen Margrete I who successfully united the Nordic Kingdoms under a single banner as she is challenged by the appearance of a son, believed to be dead, who threatens to unseat her adopted son, Erik, from the throne.

The movie captures the beauty of Scandinavia with stunning visuals and beautiful cinematography, effectively immersing viewers in this period of history.

The story is wonderfully executed, as we follow Margrete's journey through intense trials and tribulations. Her character is both strong and vulnerable as she navigates a dangerous political landscape filled with deceit. We watch her battle against powerful forces and make tough decisions, all while trying to protect the union she has created.

The cast of MARGRETE: QUEEN OF THE NORTH does an excellent job of bringing these characters to life. The performances are captivating and memorable, creating an emotional journey for viewers to follow. The film also features a powerful score that helps drive the narrative forward with urgency.

Unfortunately, the movie does have its flaws. The pacing of the first hour is slow and tends to be a bit plodding, which can make the story feel drawn out. Additionally, certain plot points may be difficult to follow if you are not familiar with the history of this era.

Overall, MARGRETE: QUEEN OF THE NORTH is an entertaining film that manages to capture an important moment in history. While it does have its faults, it also has a lot of heart and is filled with powerful performances. If you are looking for a historical drama with high stakes and intense drama, then this is a film worth checking out.

This is also known as Margrete: Queen of the North.

It has English subtitles. Brilliant acting. Storyline is very convincing. Shows off some spectacular scenery. A topic/or part of history that is not well known.

All shall be revealed.

The Queen of Sweden tried to have her son killed cause he was getting to big for his boots. The attempt on the son's life was not successful. Thus the son went into hiding for 15 years. Until he was stumbled upon by a Norwegian farmer; on the very day that the King was going to marry an English princess. The supposedly dead king does everything in his power. Zac.

I think this is he best medieval age movie made in Scandinavia so far, and tells the story about when Queen Margrete I was told she lost her son to the plague, and then he turned up many years later. Or did he?

She was quit convinced but noone seemed to recognize him as grown up.

He was also the single heir, and was claiming the throne, which was seen as an opportunity for an impostor.

Well played, great storytelling as well as perfect setting.

Oh, wait. It's this movie -- a dreary mix of revisionist history that degrades a powerful and socially progressive queen who unified Norway, Sweden and Denmark under her reign.

But here, this exceptional monarch is portrayed as a powerless victim, treated with indifference or hostility by staff, nobles, the church and an ungrateful adopted son in a shoddy script riddled with potholes, poorly played by dinner theater-quality actors. The whole mess is wrapped in a lame attempt at English-language dubbing and unusually steep streaming fees.

This waste of time could have been avoided had we seen Queen Margrete tell an alleged second son, presumed dead yet attempting to usurp her, to display a birthmark or mole that a mother would surely recognize. That conveniently missing scene actually happened in 1402, but including it here would have crushed this cinematic Danish pastry.

Karmar Union of Norway, Sweden (included Finland) & Denmark headed by Queen Margrete (Margaret) of Denmark (ruled from 1380s until 1412). Wary of Germany an English royalty daughter, Philippa (age about 12), in 1406 is married to King Erik (adopted son of Margrete) to provide an alliance with England. Margrete's birth son, Olaf, is the main mystery when he shows up after 15 years, after supposedly dying, to claim the throne. A good job of cramming a lot of potentially confusing history into 2 hours.

Yes I do!

From the world 'go' I was in awe! On such a large screen emerged a magnificent scenery with a haunting and beautiful music that introduced this wonderful story.

Wonderful not because everything was rosy, but because real roses do have thorns... So beauty, sorrow and pain creates wonders.

I'm not a historian or a politician but I enjoyed every minutes of this tale.

I'm not a truth's diciple either and what unfolded in front of my eyes was so good nontheless. And it certainly kept me interested its whole time.

For me it was also refreshing to see something so good with actors / actresses I never came across before.

It was too good for me, to try to see if I could criticise it in any way; as again, for me, its weight of quality did sufocate any negative aspect that may have been present.

I never give a score but I'm surprised Margrete Queen of the North did not get a higher score ; although I understand at time of my visit here, there were only 15 reviews... I have seen movies that I hold in very high esteem for specific reasons. But this one will be also at the top of my "likes" for no specific reasons, simply because it was so enjoyable.

High quality all the way. Excellent actors and touching story. The best movie I have seen in a long time. I had wet eyes by the acting and the story. Trine Dyrholm is just incredible.

I don't know how to express with words how beautiful the cinematography is in this movie. I kept forgetting that it was a Danish/nordic movie. I wanted it to be a series, and stay in the universe! It's definitely worth it. Holy s***. I have nothing bad to say 👌

Had been looking forward to seeing this film but was disappointed it could be a good film but is ruined by bad Danish actors and poor understanding of the old Danish language.

The story itself is good but is very messy in this movie, the minor king may suddenly make decisions when it fits into the movie but it does not reflect the real world.

A shame to ruin a really good Danish story on this film. Hope there is a better one who will try to make the same movie.

A correct historical film, seductive for admirable acting of Trine Dyrholm, for atmosphere and for structure of story.

A queen and her duties. The peace, with hard effort created, and its fragility. Two sons and an union . Questions about power, legitimity and a marriage.

The result is a correct film, the fiction reigning , the historical facts being used as start points.

The great virtue - the fair construction of tension, the clothes and dances and the smart structure of intrigue , at each level.

In short, a beautiful Dansk film , seductive for the peace message, for portrait of strong and powerful woman and, sure, for the admirable Trine Dyrholm and Soren Malling. Many familiar scenes and the history in its essence.

Took a punt on watching this due to negative user reviews. Couldn't have been more surprised or overwhelmed by how good this film is in every aspect. Essential viewing.

Script is fantastic. Acting peerless. Sets and shots are so perfectly executed as to be unnoticed as much as being totally immersing. The story is one of the best I've seen, it makes gladiator look trivial, notwithstanding the family tragedies at the heart of that classic. This could be my new favourite film.

Took a punt on watching this due to negative user reviews. Couldn't have been more surprised or overwhelmed by how good this film is in every aspect. Essential viewing.

Script is fantastic. Acting peerless. Sets and shots are so perfectly executed as to be unnoticed as much as being totally immersing. The story is one of the best I've seen, it makes gladiator look trivial, notwithstanding the family tragedies at the heart of that classic. This could be my new favourite film.

Its a pitty, that this history is so boring. Over 120 minuts of flat acting and slow theatrical interpretations, sometimes like fake ones. "Margrete" follows one storyline with dedicated, occasionally leaden fidelity, proceeding at a pace that might be appropriate in a 20-hour season of television, but that feels unusually indulgent in a feature film. It has almost everything one expects from these proposals: intrigue, family conflicts, sex, violence, jealousy, betrayal, etc. What it does not have is a clear meaning or purpose. Spectacular ambiance, cinematography, arts, etc. Historical and political heft to justify the epic scope of the filmmaking.

Selfless sacrifice is what makes this world work and it's beauty is admired well inside this story. Plot was steady and uncompromising. Great performances by the cast and especially by Trine Dyrholm making the watch truly worthwhile. Reimagining of the ancient monarchy and society was done smoothly. Instead of painting the history in black the movie stand bold as an appreciation of the Scandinavian literature. A fitting use of visual effects with beautiful scenery. Producing this movie inspired by this tense folk tale was productive and a great find. Don't see a reason for retelling the story of Fake Oluf any sooner.

Was really enjoying the movie for about 11 minutes, and before I had to close the player.

Then ofcourse the usual historical social-(re)engineering had to be stirred in, and I know its probably dumb to give up an enjoyable movie so lightly, but I just cant take and tolerate it any longer.

This is the most boring film I have watched for a couple of years. I had expected a riveting drama, as the story is very exciting on it's own, and there are many great actors on the cast list, but not for a single moment did my heartrate increse.

The main caracter as Margrethe 1, is played rather like the reading of a shopping list for the grosers. Trine Dyrholm is usyally a very good actrice, but dull this time, looking like she would rather be somewhere else with no mimick and a dull speak.

The other actores follow in her footsteps, looking like they would rather be somewhere else.

As it goes for all the actors,I blame the director for not giving the actors room to use their skills.