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The King's Choice (2017) movie poster

Timeline

The King's Choice (2017) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Release, runtime and language
2017 · 133 min · Norwegian
Echo score 75
JustWatch #11,354 7
Directed by
Erik Poppe
Starring
Anders Baasmo Christiansen, Karl Markovics, Tuva Novotny, Juliane Köhler, Katharina Schüttler, Arthur Hakalahti
Budget
$7.5M

In April 1940, as Nazi forces invade, Norwegian King Haakon VII is confronted with a critical decision: yield to the invaders or fight for his country's independence. With the Royal Family escaping the capital, Crown Princess Märtha grapples with a difficult choice to safeguard her family. Meanwhile, the King and his son, Olav, steel themselves for a courageous, albeit perilous, resistance against a vastly superior enemy.

Biography Drama History War Cast, crew & box office
On this page (5)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Events in order (15)
  3. 3 Timeline questions answered
  4. 4 Movie threads
  5. 5 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch The King's Choice (2017)

Where can you watch The King's Choice? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Amazon Prime Video, Hoopla and Kanopy: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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15 events in order · contains spoilers

The King's Choice Timeline: Events in Chronological Order

Every key event of The King's Choice (2017) in order, scene by scene, with when and where it takes place. Use it to untangle flashbacks, time jumps and parallel storylines, to refresh your memory before the sequel or to find the exact scene you are thinking of.

  1. Crisis Begins

    In April 1940, tensions escalate as Crown Prince Olav reports to King Haakon VII about a crucial incident. A transport ship that sank off Lillesand was carrying German soldiers, raising doubts about Norway's claim of neutrality amidst German aggression.

    When
    April 8, 1940
    Where
    Lillesand

  2. German Pressure

    At the German embassy in Oslo, envoy Curt Bräuer faces pressure from military attaché Lieutenant-Colonel Hartwig Pohlman. They work together to convince the Norwegian government, led by Prime Minister Johan Nygaardsvold, to allow German troops into Norway under the pretext of protecting against a British invasion.

    Where
    Oslo

  3. Preparation for Battle

    On the eve of conflict, Colonel Birger Eriksen at Oscarsborg Fortress prepares his forces for an imminent German attack. He receives urgent reports about the movement of German vessels in the vicinity, indicating a looming invasion.

    Where
    Oscarsborg Fortress

  4. Blücher Engaged

    On the morning of April 9th, Colonel Eriksen spots the German cruiser Blücher entering Drøbak Sound. Defying orders from Oslo, he decides to engage, leading to the sinking of the cruiser by the fortress's artillery, shocking the capital.

    When
    April 9, 1940
    Where
    Drøbak Sound

  5. Royal Family Evacuates

    Realizing the gravity of the situation, Prime Minister Nygaardsvold discreetly alerts King Haakon VII of the impending German threat. The royal family hastily boards a train to Hamar to strategize their response amidst the brewing chaos.

    Where
    Hamar

  6. Negotiation Attempts

    Bräuer meets with Oslo's police chief Kristian Welhaven to facilitate negotiations with the Norwegian Cabinet regarding the German presence. Simultaneously, urgency grows as Pohlman receives orders to send paratroopers to Hamar to capture King Haakon and the Cabinet.

    Where
    Oslo

  7. Quisling's Declaration

    In an audacious move, Vidkun Quisling declares himself Prime Minister over national radio, urging Norwegians to accept the German forces. This declaration adds to the tension and uncertainty surrounding Norway's stance.

  8. Direct Orders from Hitler

    Bräuer receives a direct order from Adolf Hitler to persuade King Haakon VII to endorse Quisling's government. Despite the pressure, Bräuer doubts that Haakon will ever comply with such demands, indicating the immense challenges ahead.

  9. Relocation to Elverum

    As the German army approaches Hamar, the Norwegian royal family and Cabinet make a crucial decision. They relocate to Elverum where they plan to send Olav's wife and children to Sweden for safety, while King Haakon and Crown Prince Olav remain in Norway.

    Where
    Elverum

  10. Midtskogen Assault

    At midnight on April 10th, German paratroopers launch a surprise attack at Midtskogen. They face fierce resistance from Norwegian volunteers who are unwilling to surrender their homeland, marking the beginning of fierce combat.

    When
    April 10, 1940
    Where
    Midtskogen

  11. Meeting with Bräuer

    The Norwegian Cabinet convenes at Nybergsund to discuss General Bräuer's request for a meeting with King Haakon. Despite objections from Crown Prince Olav regarding his father's safety, King Haakon decides to confront Bräuer in Elverum.

    Where
    Nybergsund

  12. Haakon Refuses Surrender

    During their meeting, Bräuer urges King Haakon to surrender peacefully, citing the situation in Denmark. However, Haakon staunchly refuses to accept Quisling's leadership, indicating his willingness to abdicate if it ensures Norway's integrity.

    Where
    Elverum

  13. Cabinet's Stand-off

    Motivated by Haakon's resilience, the Cabinet collectively refuses to capitulate to Bräuer’s demands. This defiance prompts German aircraft to bomb Elverum and Nybergsund, forcing the King and his ministers to seek refuge in the woods.

    Where
    Elverum

  14. Escape to Britain

    Amidst the chaos of bombardment, King Haakon, Crown Prince Olav, and their Cabinet manage to escape to Britain. There, they will remain in exile throughout the war, preserving their sovereignty as Norway faces occupation.

    Where
    Britain

  15. Return to Norway

    Following the end of World War II in May 1945, King Haakon joyfully reunites with his grandson, Prince Harald, in London. Soon after, the royal family embarks on their long-awaited return to Norway, finally able to come home after years of turmoil.

    When
    May 1945
    Where
    London

Last updated: November 22, 2024 at 14:53

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Timeline questions answered

The King's Choice Timeline Explained: Your Questions Answered

When does it happen, and why in that order? The questions people ask about the chronology of The King's Choice (2017): time jumps, flashbacks, cause and effect between scenes and the correct order of events, each answered with spoilers.

Q1

Why did King Haakon refuse to accept Quisling as Prime Minister?

King Haakon refused to accept Quisling because he viewed Quisling's self-appointed position as illegitimate and traitorous. The King made it clear he would rather abdicate than legitimize a government imposed by Nazi Germany. His refusal was rooted in protecting Norway's constitutional order and maintaining moral authority against the invasion.

  • king haakon
  • quisling
  • prime minister
  • abdication
  • legitimacy
Q2

Why did Colonel Birger Eriksen fire on the German cruiser Blücher without orders?

Colonel Eriksen acted on his own initiative when he spotted the German cruiser Blücher entering Drøbak Sound. Despite lacking explicit authorization from Oslo, he recognized the invasion was underway and ordered his forces to engage. His decision resulted in the sinking of the Blücher, which shocked the capital and marked the first successful Norwegian resistance against the German invasion.

  • birger eriksen
  • blücher
  • oscarsborg fortress
  • sinking
  • invasion
Q3

Why did the royal family send Crown Princess Märtha and children to Sweden while the King stayed?

The royal family made the difficult decision to split to ensure their survival and continuity. Crown Princess Märtha and her three children were sent to Sweden for their safety, as they faced particular danger from the invading forces. King Haakon and Crown Prince Olav chose to remain in Norway to lead the resistance and maintain the legitimacy of the Norwegian government, understanding their symbolic importance to national morale.

  • märtha
  • olav
  • sweden
  • escape
  • royal family
  • safety
Q4

Why did King Haakon agree to meet with German envoy Curt Bräuer despite the danger?

King Haakon decided to meet with Curt Bräuer to hear Germany's terms directly, though he had no intention of accepting them. Despite Crown Prince Olav's strong objections out of concern for his father's safety, Haakon felt it was his duty as monarch to face the enemy directly. The meeting allowed him to formally refuse surrender and demonstrate Norway's resolve.

  • haakon
  • curt bräuer
  • meeting
  • negotiation
  • danger
  • refusal
Q5

Why did Vidkun Quisling declare himself Prime Minister over the radio?

Vidkun Quisling used the chaos of the German invasion to seize power by declaring himself Prime Minister over national radio. Acting as the leader of the Nasjonal Samling party, he attempted to present himself as Norway's legitimate leader who would cooperate with Germany. However, his declaration was largely seen as a betrayal, and his name became synonymous with collaborationism.

  • vidkun quisling
  • prime minister
  • radio
  • nasjonal samling
  • collaboration
Q6

Why did King Haakon offer to abdicate during the meeting with Bräuer?

King Haakon offered to abdicate if his Cabinet wanted him to accept German terms, showing he would not force Norway into submission. However, this was a strategic gesture - when his ministers expressed their refusal to capitulate, Haakon used their unified stance to strengthen his own position of resistance. His offer demonstrated his commitment to democratic principles while ultimately uniting the Cabinet against surrender.

  • haakon
  • abdication
  • cabinet
  • bräuer
  • surrender
  • democracy
Q7

What was the significance of sinking the German cruiser Blücher?

Sinking the Blücher was significant because it marked the first major Norwegian military resistance against the invasion and gave the royal family crucial time to evacuate Oslo. The cruiser was carrying troops intended to capture the King and government, so its destruction prevented an early coup. The victory provided a morale boost and demonstrated that resistance was possible despite Germany's military superiority.

  • blücher
  • sinking
  • oscarsborg
  • military victory
  • resistance
  • evacuation
Q8

What happened at the Midtskogen assault on April 10, 1940?

At midnight on April 10th, German paratroopers launched a surprise attack at Midtskogen, attempting to capture King Haakon and the Norwegian Cabinet. However, Norwegian volunteers fiercely resisted the attack, preventing the Germans from achieving their objective. The battle marked one of the first direct confrontations between German forces and Norwegian defenders during the invasion.

  • midtskogen
  • paratroopers
  • attack
  • german
  • volunteers
  • combat
Q9

Why was Crown Prince Olav's report about the transport ship so important?

Crown Prince Olav's report to King Haakon revealed that the transport ship sinking off Lillesand was actually carrying German soldiers, proving Germany had already violated Norway's neutrality. This information shattered any remaining doubt about Germany's hostile intentions and triggered the chain of events leading to the royal family's evacuation and Norway's eventual resistance against the invasion.

  • olav
  • transport ship
  • lillesand
  • german soldiers
  • neutrality
  • invasion
Q10

Why did King Haakon and the Norwegian government escape to Britain instead of surrendering?

King Haakon and his Cabinet chose to escape to Britain to maintain Norway's legal continuity and resistance against Nazi occupation. By establishing a government in exile, they ensured Norway would not be considered conquered and could continue fighting as an ally. This decision allowed Norway to be liberated in 1945 with its sovereignty intact, and the King returned to a heroes' welcome.

  • haakon
  • britain
  • exile
  • government
  • surrender
  • resistance
  • liberation

Movie threads

More Movies Like The King's Choice, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes The King's Choice tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Leadership Under Pressure Movies Like The King's Choice

Stories of powerful figures facing impossible moral and political choices. Explore movies like The King's Choice that depict leaders in moments of extreme crisis. If you enjoyed the tense, high-stakes decision-making in this historical drama, you'll find similar stories of political leadership, moral courage, and the heavy burden of command in these films.

  • tense
  • urgent
  • courageous
  • somber
  • patriotic
  • gritty
  • Tone: tense, somber, determined
  • Pacing: fast, urgent
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Stories in this thread typically unfold around a singular, defining choice a leader must make. The conflict is both external, from a formidable threat, and internal, as the protagonist grapples with duty, ethics, and personal cost. The journey is one of resilience and steely determination against overwhelming odds.

Why they belong together: Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on the intense pressure of leadership. They share a tense tone, high emotional stakes, and a narrative that explores the human being behind the powerful title, making their struggles relatable and the outcomes deeply impactful.

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1989
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Tense Historical Thrillers Similar to The King's Choice

Gripping, fast-paced dramas that bring pivotal moments in history to life. Find more tense historical thrillers like The King's Choice. These films are based on true events and capture the chaotic urgency of critical moments in history. If you liked the fast pace and gripping suspense of this WWII drama, you'll enjoy these similar real-life stories of courage and crisis.

  • tense
  • urgent
  • suspenseful
  • gripping
  • fact-based
  • chaotic
  • Tone: tense, grim, urgent
  • Pacing: fast, chaotic
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern follows a chronological, straightforward retelling of a well-documented event, but the filmmaking emphasizes suspense and immediate danger. The audience experiences the event through the eyes of key participants, feeling the ticking-clock pressure and the high stakes of their actions.

Why they belong together: These films are grouped by their shared goal of creating a tense, thrilling experience from historical facts. They blend the educational value of a historical drama with the gripping pacing and high intensity of a thriller, resulting in an immersive and anxious viewing experience.

Reign of Terror movie poster

Reign of Terror

1949
Background to Danger movie poster

Background to Danger

1943
Six Minutes to Midnight movie poster

Six Minutes to Midnight

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Munich: The Edge of War movie poster

Munich: The Edge of War

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The Tall Target movie poster

The Tall Target

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Night Train to Munich movie poster

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The 39 Steps movie poster

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13 Rue Madeleine movie poster

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Every angle

The King's Choice (2017) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about The King's Choice in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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