The King's Choice (Kongens Nei), Cineworld, Edinburgh International Film Festival

The opening titles explain that when Norway became independent in 1905 it chose as ceremonial head of state a member of the Danish royal family, who became King Hakkon VII.  Thirty five years later the now elderly monarch delights in playing with his grandchildren, but has concerns for the future of a country whose neutrality is being threatened by German belligerence.

Portraying events of the three days in April 1940 when the Germans invaded, the film shows little of the fighting, concentrating on the behind the scenes drama that brought Hakkon to face the toughest choice of his life.  The crown prince is demanding action.
 The government is weak and uncertain.  The German envoy (ambassador), an basically decent professional diplomat, wants to avoid further unnecessary deaths, but finds his authority diminished by the army.  Quisling, the Norwegian fascist leader, is trying to grab power.  And Hitler says he'll only negotiate with the king.  Hakkon has to choose between accepting Quisling, and surrendering to the invaders, or resisting, and supporting the side of democracy, in the knowledge that many Norwegians will die as a result.

There's some light relief from Hakkon's time with his family, and the snow covered landscapes add visual beauty, but the director maintains the tensions of those days effectively.  The royal family's escape north, a group of young soldiers protecting a roadblock, the disagreements in cabinet, the conflict between the Nazi military and civilian representatives, all maintain the sense of events spiralling out of control and uncertain outcomes.  Even the few combat scenes are as much about choice as action.  At over two hours this could have felt tedious, but it is so well directed, edited and acted that it never feels overlong.

Jesper Christensen is superb as the beleaguered monarch, a very human and warm presence recognising that he must face his duty alone, and feel the consequences of his own choice.  Special mention too to Karl Marcovics as German envoy Kurt Bräuer, a man conflicted between his job and his conscience, his discomfort evident.

The closing titles give something of what fates befell the main characters (Hakkon would spend most of the war in London).   War story, family drama, political intrigue and thriller combined, this is a wonderful film bringing to life a little known historical story.