The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die Story:-
The Netflix adaptation of Bernard Cornwell’s beloved historical novels draws to a close with a gripping cinematic finale, showcasing the relentless schemes of the invading Danish warlord Anlaf, who poses a fresh menace to the vision of a unified England.
Movie Ratings
| Release Date | 14 April 2023 |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Action, Drama, History |
| Duration | 1h 51min |
| Cast | Alexander Dreymon, Mark Rowley, Arnas Fedaravicius, Rod Hallet, Harry Gilby, Ross Anderson, Ingrid García-Jonsson, James Northcote, Cavan Clerkin, Tom Christian, Ewan Horrocks, Zak Sutcliffe, Nick Wittman, Alexandra Tóth |
| Director | Edward Bazalgette |
| Writer | Martha Hillier |
| Cinematography | Luke Bryant |
| Producer | Nigel Marchant, Gareth Neame, Mat Chaplin |
| Production | Carnival Films |
| Certificate | 16+ |
Primarily set in a time before England was officially named so, and long before the concept of Great Britain emerged, director Ed Bazalgette’s meticulous historical epic, “The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die,” neatly ties up the narrative threads of “The Last Kingdom,” the acclaimed Netflix series inspired by Bernard Cornwell’s “Saxon Tales” novels. Reminiscent of “Game of Thrones” with its rich historical backdrop and fewer mythical creatures, the film delves into the intricate power dynamics among various smaller kingdoms such as Northumbria, Mercia, and East Anglia. These tensions are exacerbated by the recent demise of Alfred the Great, the King of Wessex, and aggravated by clandestine Danish interference.
At the heart of the story stands Uhtred (played by Alexander Dreymon), a young Saxon and the central figure of the TV series. Uhtred, who was raised by Danes after they decimated his family in an attack, later aligns himself with Wessex under Alfred’s patronage. While familiarity with Uhtred’s backstory enriches the viewing experience, newcomers can easily grasp that he embodies virtuous qualities, championing peace and respecting diverse religious and cultural beliefs.
Originally airing on the BBC before migrating to Netflix, the series boasts a roster of esteemed actors including Matthew Macfadyen, Ian Hart, and Rutger Hauer. However, as the narrative progresses, newer talents take center stage, injecting fresh energy into the story. The relative obscurity of the historical events depicted allows for creative casting choices, steering clear of intense scrutiny.
Among the ensemble cast introduced in this installment, the antagonistic roles shine brightest. Pekka Strang delivers a compelling performance as the pagan Danish warrior king Anlaf, though the character’s depth could have been further explored. Laurie Davidson impresses as a deceitful advisor on the Christian side, redeeming himself from his previous role in “Cats.”
While “Seven Kings Must Die” may primarily appeal to existing fans of the show, aficionados of “Lord of the Rings” might find pleasure in uncovering historical inspirations for J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendary world-building. Notably, the film’s exploration of religion, sexuality, and culture resonates with contemporary societal discussions, highlighting the enduring relevance of these themes across centuries.
One of the film’s notable aspects lies in its treatment of religion and culture, showcasing the complex interplay between Christianity and Paganism in early medieval England. The nuanced portrayal of characters’ varying beliefs, from sincere faith to political manipulation, offers parallels to modern-day societal dynamics.
Moreover, the production incorporates subtle details like onscreen place names presented in their original languages before transforming into modern English equivalents, adding a layer of authenticity. Additionally, excerpts from Anglo-Saxon literature, such as the epic poem “The Battle of Brunanburh,” enrich the narrative tapestry, while a surprising formal innovation in the concluding moments adds a final flourish to the storytelling.
