Period dramas provide a fascinating exploration into another world lost in time. Most period dramas are drawn from real life stories or people in one way or another. Even if it’s fictional, the period drama genre is shaped and inspired by our past. The Girl King in particular, is based on the historical figure Kristina, Queen of Sweden, who reigned from the age of 6 with her coronation at the age of 18.

The Girl King is an interesting but also quite literal title to describe Kristina. Unlike other period dramas I have watched where a lady or Queen is to retain their ‘feminine’ ways, Kristina was raised to rule and raised in the same manner that any man would. This would of course have been incredibly uncommon.

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In spite of a story that lacked somewhat of an ‘end goal’ or a purposeful script, I was still content whilst watching the film most likely because of the strong willed Kristina, played by MalinBuska. Buska portrayed the role of Kristina with ease and considerable talent. Even if the script failed to provide enough context and had plot holes, Buska did brilliantly with what she was given.

The Girl King takes place across ten years (Kristina aged 18 to 28). In this time, the one other character I rooted for was René Descartes, French philosopher, mathematician and scientist. You may be familiar with his famous quote: “Cogito ergo sum” or “I think, therefore I am.”

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His addition to the cast and film provided a breath of fresh air. I admired the family-like relationship that developed between him and Kristina because of their curious minds and spirits. It also helped take the audience into an era where science or medical discoveries were all but beginning. When so much history is behind us in the 21st Century, it’s easy to forgot that a lot of what we know or understand today was all but nonexistence until somebody proved it or invented it.

The Girl King may have its flaws, but its charm is still present, making for an enjoyable story and insight in the reign of Queen Kristina of Sweden.

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The Girl King (Marriana Films - Bluray 2016) Review

Released: August 2016 (DVD / Bluray)
Rating: M
Genre: Drama
Running Time: 106 minutes
Director: Mika Kaurismäki
Starring: Malin Buska, Sarah Gadon, Michael Nyqvist Lucas Bryant, Patrick Bauchau
Production Studio: Marianna Films, Triptych Media

3.5Overall Score
Reader Rating 0 Votes