Royal Deceit (1994)

Royal Deceit (1994)
Member Rating:  
This European historical saga presents the true tale of intrigue, regicide, incest, and insanity on which Shakespeare based Hamlet. It begins in the ancient Danish kingdom of Jutland in the sixth century. There ambitious Prince Fenge (Gabriel Byrne) murders his brother the king and one of his sons, but masks it as the casualty of a highway robbery. The dark prince then claims both the throne and his former sister-in-law, queen Geruth (Helen Mirren). Her son Amled saw the killings, but feigns madness to spare his life. Amled then begins preparing his revenge. Fenge is not convinced of Amled's madness and arranges for a beautiful maid to seduce the truth out of him. That doesn't work so Fenge sends his nephew to visit the Scottish home of his friend Aethelwine (Brian Cox), who will receive orders to kill him. Amled learns of the plot and changes the orders, immediately winning Aethelwine's favor, winning a battle for the man, and marrying his daughter (Kate Beckinsale). Then the resourceful prince travels back to Jutland to deal with his uncle. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi

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Starring:
Christian BaleGabriel Byrne, (more)
Director(s):
Gabriel Axel
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD
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Synopsis of Royal Deceit

This European historical saga presents the true tale of intrigue, regicide, incest, and insanity on which Shakespeare based Hamlet. It begins in the ancient Danish kingdom of Jutland in the sixth century. There ambitious Prince Fenge (Gabriel Byrne) murders his brother the king and one of his sons, but masks it as the casualty of a highway robbery. The dark prince then claims both the throne and his former sister-in-law, queen Geruth (Helen Mirren). Her son Amled saw the killings, but feigns madness to spare his life. Amled then begins preparing his revenge. Fenge is not convinced of Amled's madness and arranges for a beautiful maid to seduce the truth out of him. That doesn't work so Fenge sends his nephew to visit the Scottish home of his friend Aethelwine (Brian Cox), who will receive orders to kill him. Amled learns of the plot and changes the orders, immediately winning Aethelwine's favor, winning a battle for the man, and marrying his daughter (Kate Beckinsale). Then the resourceful prince travels back to Jutland to deal with his uncle. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
85 mins

Complete Cast of Royal Deceit


Director(s):
Gabriel Axel
Writer(s):
Erik KjersgaardGabriel Axel
Producer(s):
Sylvaine SainderichinTerry GlinwoodKees Kasander
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

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Pamela R.

It was definitely very unShakespearean. I love Hamlet but I always found myself wishing for a less tragic ending. It won't win any awards. It won't go down in history as one of the greatest stories ever but I enjoyed the more positive ending and the effective completion of the plan that Hamlet attempted centuries ago. It was a little slow but I stayed interested.

Yes   |   No

 
John O.

This movie was slow, the story dragged on and on. Acting was very short of okay. I can't believe I sat through the whole thing.

Yes   |   No

 
Nancy S.

I thought this movie was awful. Poor acting, slow plot, plot jumped around with poor transition. Its nice to see that even great actors can do bad movies and move past them to do great work.

Yes   |   No

 
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