The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die movie review

MOVIE TITLE: The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die

This drama is now available exclusively on Netflix.

RATING: TV-MA

LENGTH: 1 hour 51 minutes

MOVIE REVIEW MOM GRADE: B

IN A NUTSHELL:

If you’re a fan of this Netflix series, you’ll be interested in this feature film that uses the same characters, set designs, and vibe.

The story is about Uhtred of Bebbanburg who was born a Saxon but raised by Danes when the Vikings kidnapped him after killing everyone in his village as a young boy. After King Edward’s death, Uhtred attempts to unify England.

The film was directed by Edward Bazalgette, and written by Martha Hillier and Bernard Cornwell.

My husband and I got into the Last Kingdom Netflix TV series because it combined the popularity of Viking lore and the actual history of Great Britain. After a few seasons, we got tired of certain elements of the show and moved on to other shows, but I was definitely curious about what this movie would accomplish that the series didn’t. The film is meant to be the sequel to the first five seasons of the show. Many of the series’ favorite characters are back with a few new ones to get to know.

THINGS I LIKED:

The movie features Alexander Dreymon, Mark Rowley, Pekka Strang, Zak Sutcliffe, Arnas Fedaravicius, Cavan Clerkin, Jacob Dudman, Harry Gilby, Laurie Davidson, and more!
One thing I liked about the Netflix series was watching the clever battle strategies.
The costume design is great and makes everyone look truly authentic, not like actors playing dress-up.
The set designs are impressive as well.
I thought the ending was sweet and perfect!
Act 3 is where all of the action is.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

If you’ve never seen the Netflix series, you definitely won’t understand why Uhtred is so awesome and why everyone reveres him so much. You’ll feel out of the loop in Act 1 for sure.
Fans of the show Netflix series want more and are saying this movie is just too rushed. What’s packed into a film would have taken several episodes to cover in the series. The movie tries to condense the last 3 books of the story into under 2 hours. Despite the movie’s length, it still felt rushed.
The background music is effective and thematic, although a bit loud sometimes.
There are a lot of dark scenes that take place at night, which will make it hard to see what’s going on if you watch this on a small streaming device.
Alexander Dreymon’s accent never made any sense, but it’s still entertaining.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Two men kiss passionately and begin to get frisky. Later, they talk about whether God will forgive their sin.
A dead man hangs
We see a man pee his pants in fear
Fighting with swords, axes, and arrows
Blood and gore
Brutal violence
Destruction
Talk of war, torture, and death
We see a lot of dead bodies on the ground after a battle

THEMES:

Family
Legacy
Great Britain
Vikings
Honesty
Loyalty
Atonement
Hope
Prophecies
Leadership
Unity
Standing by an oath

FUNNY LINES:

“Hadn’t seen it quite like this, but then I’m not one for prophecies.” – Father Pyrlig (Cavan Clerkin)
“I don’t have to call myself English, do I”? – Finan (Mark Rowley)

INTERESTING LINES:

“God holds us in the balance. Every sin can be weighed against an act of faith. Grow the faith and the sin is diminished.” – Ingilmundr (Laurie Davidson)
“No warrior dies a peaceful death.” – Sihtric (Arnas Fedaravicius)
“Trust me and follow.” – Uhtred (Alexander Dreymon)
“Only fools try to understand destiny.” – Ingilmundr (Laurie Davidson)
“Destiny is all.” – Uhtred (Alexander Dreymon)