Day 9 of Berlinale - A bit of Enlightenment..

Welcome again to a new issue of my Berlinale-Mini-Series!

~ Berlinale 2012 ~

I do not know about you - but I think I don't watch enough Scandinavian films. I think I have yet watched about 25. There is a lot to explore in that corner of the world! So the film I'll present today is a Danish one:

EN KONGELIG AFFÆRE (A ROYAL AFFAIR) (2012)

Denmark, ca. 1770: The German doctor Johann Friedrich Struensee (Mads Mikkelsen) is the royal physician of Danish King Christian VII. (Mikkel Følsgaard), who is mentally ill. Struensee not only becomes a minister - but also lover of Queen Caroline Mathilde (Alicia Vikander). 

A scandal - because she gives birth to child.. Doesn't help at all that Struensee is fond of The Enlightenment and tries to carry out widespread reforms - much to the chagrin of higher nobility.. Really? Freedom of opinion?? And no more torture and peonage??? He must be crazy..

~ The Queen, the doctor - and a very little Princess.. ~

This film is based on historical events. Johann Friedrich Struensee was excecuted at the age of 34 - I am not aware if this is part of this film - but I guess it might be.. Actually I am fascinated of the Age of Enlightenment - well.. It was quite an interesting and exciting time. So many changes in sciences and philosophy! So this film of course sparks my interest. When it comes to the actors of this film I think I only know Mads Mikkelsen - and I am quite sure that most people will know him best of this cast. I really have a lot to catch up with there..

So I will present today in the bygone days of Berlinale-part a face who all of you will know - she was the official representative of the US delegation for Berlinale 1962 - and here she is in excersice of her office:

~ The wonderful Shirley MacLaine!!! ~

Thank you very much for listening!

Yours very well and truly

Irene