A Royal Affair

A Royal Affair (En Kongelig Affaere)

Denmark, 2012, 137’
Director: Nikolaj Arcel
Cast: Madds Mikkelsen, Alicia Vikander, Mikkel Boe Folsgaard
Language: Danish, English, German

A Royal Affair that won the Golden Bear in both “Best Scenario” and “Best Actor” categories at the 2012 International Berlin Film Festival, tells an epic story on the tragic collapse of idealism based on a romantic tale. The film reveals how the German amateur philosopher and physician Friedrich Struensee became the great power behind the Danish Kingdom. Johann, after being appointed the personal physician of Christian VII, used his close friendship with the king who had almost completely lost his mental health, as a means to create social change and to bring an end to monarchy. In a short time, Johann receives the authority to sign state documents and does not need the king anymore. Surely a public uprising follows.