4/10
The film from a Danes point of view.
4 October 2005
I am very honored; that an American producer would make a film about the actual fairy tale that took place in Denmark that year (it actual took place over a few years). But I don't think the writer/producers made their homework of what in fact Denmark is all about. Therefore I have made a list with a few of these mistakes: 1) I am aware of that it might not be suitable to use the actual names of the present royal Danish family, but I think you should know that the queen's name is Queen Margrethe 2., her husband: Prince Henrik, and the two sons: Crown Prince Frederik an Prince Joachim. Further more, the regent of Denmark is Queen Margrethe 2. and not a king. 2) In the beginning of the film, the Crown Prince is shown as a playboy. The Danish Crown Prince is certainly not, or has ever been, a playboy. The Danish Crown Prince is a gentleman and has always been very aware of his responsibility. He has, among other things, graduated from Harvard and has been in a corps in Denmark similar to the US Navy Seals. 3) In the film Crown Prince Edward and Paige get engaged really fast, probably because this is a film and there isn't much time. But in real life the Danish Crown Prince and the Australian ms. Mary Donaldson (now a princess) knew each other for about 3 years before they got engaged, which is much more likely when such a big decision is made; and of course, the future princess had to learn Danish and how to be a princess first. 4) There is also a problem with the Danish royal family's place in the Danish society. The royal family of Denmark must NOT meddle in politics. The only thing the Danish regent does, is to sign the laws. She can refuse to do so, but I don't think she would be a regent much longer if she did.

These were a few corrections to the film, and there is more where it comes from. Despite these, I think it was a really good film, although the true fairy tale is much better. But, of course, if a real fairy tale shouldn't take place in Hans Christian Andersen's homeland, where should it?

To conclude shortly: Once upon a time there was a Danish prince called Frederik. Frederik was very lonely, because he couldn't find the right girl to stand by his side as the future queen of Denmark. In spite of this he fulfilled the duties a Crown Prince had, and became well educated, traveled across the ice cap on a dog sleigh and became a member of the Danish Frogman Corps (just like the US Navy Seals), he became a god example and a Crown Prince, Denmark could be proud of. The only problem was: he hadn't found the right woman yet. Well, the Danish prince was very into sports, so he went to the Olympics in Australia in the year 2000. One evening he and a friend went to a little bar, to get a beer. Here he met an incredible woman called Mary Donaldson, only she didn't know that he was someone special. She first found out later, when the two of them already had fallen deeply in love. See this was a true fairy tale. (I just borrowed a few words from H. C. Andersen)

The story doesn't end here. But the rest, you can find out for yourself. ;-)
11 out of 18 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink

Recently Viewed