Kongekabale (2004)

User Rating:

7.6/10   

Director:

Nikolaj Arcel

Writers:

Nikolaj Arcel (writer)
Rasmus Heisterberg (writer)

Release Date:

1 October 2004 (Denmark)

Genre:

Thriller

Tagline:

Truth Or Spin?

Plot Keywords:

Death | Parliament | Political | Local Blockbuster | Politician

Awards:

11 wins & 7 nominations

Cast

Anders W. Berthelsen	...	Ulrik Torp
Søren Pilmark	...	Erik Dreier Jensen
Nastja Arcel	...	Lone Kjeldsen
Nicolas Bro	...	Henrik Moll
Lars Mikkelsen	...	Peter Schou
Ulf Pilgaard	...	Gunnar Torp
Charlotte Munck	...	Mette Torp
Lars Brygmann	...	Mads Kjeldsen
Helle Fagralid	...	Signe Jonsen
Jesper Langberg	...	Aksel Bruun
Jens Jørn Spottag	...	Per Vestgaard
Kurt Ravn	...	John Erhardsen
Bjarne Henriksen	...	Bo Andersen
Clara Maria Bahamondes	...	Julie Torp
Anders Nyborg	...	Hans Erik Kolt

Also Known As:

Den tredje makten (Sweden)
King's Game (International: English title)

Runtime:

107 min

Country:

Sweden | Denmark

Language:

Danish

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Ireland:15A | Germany:6 | Norway:11 | Sweden:Btl | UK:12A

Filming Locations:

Restaurant Slotskælderen hos Gitte Kik, Fortunstræde, Copenhagen, Denmark

Company:

Nimbus Film Productions

Trivia:

During a talk at a Danish high school, movie director Nikolaj Arcel said that he ask Søren Pilmark not to talk or be nice to Anders W. Bertelsen during production, because it would improve the acting (the two characters are supposed to dislike each other, the one being superior to the other). This resulted in Anders W. Bertelsen being somewhat nervous and cautious around Søren Pilmark. When shooting was done Arcel told Anders W. Bertelsen all about the secret and the two actors became friends.

Quotes:

Erik Dreier Jensen: This will be forgotten in two weeks, I hope you realize that.
Ulrik Torp: Two weeks is enough.

Movie Connections:

Featured in Kongekabale - Sandheden om filmen (2004) (TV)

Soundtrack:

Lost You Forever

A real Danish player in the political thriller category

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.