The King's Choice (2017) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The film takes place across several locations in Norway during April 1940, including Oslo as the political center where critical decisions are made, Hamar and Elverum where the royal family and Cabinet strategize, and Nybergsund where they seek refuge. These locations reflect the real geographical journey of the Norwegian royal family during the German invasion.

• norway
• oslo
• hamar
• elverum
• nybergsund
• settings
• locations

The film is set in April 1940, marking Norway's entry into World War II. This was the critical period when German forces launched their invasion of Norway, forcing the Norwegian royal family and government to make immediate decisions about resistance or capitulation amid the rapid collapse of Norwegian neutrality.

• april 1940
• world war 2
• historical period
• timeline
• 1940s

King Haakon VII is portrayed as the steadfast Norwegian monarch who refuses to accept German rule. Throughout the film, he grapples with immense pressure from the German envoy and his own government, ultimately choosing to resist the invasion. His principled stand becomes a symbol of Norwegian sovereignty and inspires both his family and the nation to continue fighting.

• king haakon vii
• norwegian king
• monarchy
• resistance leader

Crown Prince Olav is characterized by his protective instincts toward his family and his concern for Norway's future. Throughout the invasion, his loyalty to his father King Haakon and his country is tested as the royal family faces life-threatening circumstances. He stands alongside his father in supporting the decision to resist the German occupation.

• crown prince olav
• royal family
• prince
• family protection

Colonel Birger Eriksen represents the Norwegian military response to the invasion. He is depicted preparing for conflict against the vastly superior German forces and makes crucial decisions at Oscarsborg Fortress. His actions symbolize Norway's willingness to fight for independence despite overwhelming military disadvantage.

• colonel birger eriksen
• military
• oscarSBorg fortress
• armed resistance

Curt Bräuer serves as the German envoy attempting to negotiate Norwegian compliance with the invasion. He represents the diplomatic pressure applied by Nazi Germany and grapples with his own ethical boundaries as he seeks to manipulate the Norwegian government into accepting German control without further conflict.

• curt brauer
• german envoy
• diplomat
• negotiation
• occupation

The film explores courage as standing firm against overwhelming odds. King Haakon VII's refusal to capitulate to German demands demonstrates moral bravery that inspires those around him. The theme emphasizes that courage in the face of impossible circumstances can mobilize an entire nation to resist tyranny, even when military victory seems impossible.

• courage
• bravery
• moral strength
• resistance
• defiance

Resistance in the film centers on the moral and political struggle against Nazi occupation. The Norwegian characters face agonizing choices about whether to cooperate with the invaders or risk their lives by resisting. The film portrays resistance as a fight for national identity and sovereignty, highlighting the personal costs and ethical weight of such decisions during wartime occupation.

• resistance
• occupation
• sovereignty
• independence
• anti-nazi

The film examines leadership as both a moral and political burden. King Haakon VII must navigate extreme pressure from the German regime while also facing doubts from his own government. His unwavering commitment to his principles ultimately shapes Norway's response to invasion, showing that true leadership requires making difficult decisions that affect millions while staying true to one's values.

• leadership
• monarchy
• decision making
• moral authority
• responsibility

Yes, The King's Choice is based on real historical events. The film dramatizes the true story of King Haakon VII and the Norwegian royal family's response to the German invasion in April 1940, including their escape from Oslo, the cabinet meeting in Elverum, and the king's refusal to accept the German-appointed government.

• true story
• historical accuracy
• based on real events
• WWII
• norwegian history

The film depicts the German invasion of Norway in April 1940, known as Operation Weserübung. Norway had declared neutrality but became a target due to its strategic ports and iron ore resources. The invasion caught Norway's military and government off guard, leading to the rapid collapse of Norwegian defenses in many areas and forcing the royal family to flee the capital.

• german invasion
• operation weserubung
• world war 2
• norway 1940
• neutrality