Coming from the director of 'A Thousand Times Good Night', this film feels akin to ‘The King's Speech’, but with a Norwegian sensibility. Both are rooted in true events occurring around World War II, though they tell entirely different stories. While Germany awaited a response to their demands, Norway’s cabinet made key choices to maintain its independence. The movie centers on the king’s pivotal decision and how it shaped Norway's destiny. The film was submitted for consideration at the 2017 Oscars but didn’t advance. Perhaps there were hopes of similar recognition as the British film received. I believe both films are worthwhile, telling stories set against the backdrop of a devastating period in human history. The shared title feels justifiable given these parallels. It's a biographical account, yet it explores events from various viewpoints, including that of a young soldier involved in the conflict. The narrative begins in April 1940 as Nazi forces approached Norway, and after many cities fell, people sought refuge. This included members of the Norwegian cabinet, along with King Haakon VII and his family. During this difficult time, he helped keep the nation united by respecting governmental decisions regarding how to handle the situation. The story culminates when a German diplomat presents the king with a direct offer from Adolf Hitler, forcing him to make a crucial decision for his country and its people—a moment that defines the film's title. Everything builds toward this point; his reaction and what follows determine Norway’s stance in the ongoing war. > "If I am the last card in the deck, so be it." It is a well-crafted movie, avoiding excessive violence while still depicting the realities of war. The atmosphere created within the film's budget was impressive, with a sense of urgency and pursuit throughout. Initially, there were numerous timeline references detailing what happened when, which felt overwhelming at times, especially for those unfamiliar with foreign films. Once the story progressed past its beginning, it settled into a more cohesive and engaging rhythm. Living in a country like Norway during such circumstances—facing an invading army and harsh winter conditions—would be incredibly challenging from an ordinary person’s perspective. The acting was excellent across the board, but the portrayal of the king truly stood out; he would have likely won Oscars if this had been an American production. Films exploring World War II themes are unlikely to disappear anytime soon, making this one of the best recent examples. Aside from the opening, I found it easy to follow, and even the 130-minute runtime felt shorter than expected. However, not everyone may share my opinion. As with any WWII film, it’s worth watching, particularly for a perspective from Norway. The story focuses on the early stages of the war and primarily through the eyes of the king—a first elected monarch—and how he confronted the situation, leading to the film's conclusion. For fans of World War II films, the most compelling portion begins here, and I’m hoping for a sequel that expands upon this. Even if you aren’t expecting it to be among the greatest WWII movies you’ve seen, it’s still worth considering. Overall, I would recommend it. _7/10_

Source on TMDB