RISING Sun Film Society on May 18 presents The King’s Choice, a film focusing on King Haakon VII and the Norwegian royal family in the days before and immediately after the German invasion of Norway during World War 2.

When the German war machine arrived, King Haakon was left with a difficult choice that would ultimately change his country forever.

The film, starring Jesper Christensen as King Haakon and Anders Baasmo Christiansen as Crown Prince Olav, was first shown to the Norwegian royal family at the Royal Palace in Oslo in 2016.

Written by Alf R. Jacobsen, Harald Rosenløw-EegJan and Trygve Røyneland, and directed by Erik Poppe, The King’s Choice is a co-production between Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Ireland.

The film was selected as the Norwegian entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 89th Academy Awards and made the shortlist of nine films considered for a nomination.

The King’s Choice is a 2016 biographical war drama, running for 133 minutes, and is fictionalised for dramatic effect, but based completely on real people and real events.

Rising Sun Film Society’s Jackie Appleby said The King’s Choice was the third film screened this year at Moree RSL Regional Military Museum (old town library building).

“The run time for the movie is much longer than normal, and we’ve decided to have an intermission of approximately 20 minutes when supper will be served,” Mrs Appleby said.

“Our wonderful supper ladies will provide suitable food during this time, when we can refresh ourselves and briefly reflect on the movie thus far. Many will remember the days when an intermission was the norm in our cinemas,” she smiled.

Jesper Christensen as King Haakon in The King’s Choice.

Rising Sun Film Society presents The King’s Choice

When: Sunday, May 18, 2025

Where: Moree RSL Regional Military Museum (old town library building)

Time: 6pm for a 6.30pm start

Cost: $15 with a light supper provided.

Enquiries: 0408 651863 Official trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNtu-bCGi18

Upcoming Movies

May 18: The King’s Choice

The troops of the Third Reich enter Oslo on April 9, 1940, forcing Norway’s King to make a decision he knew would change his country forever. The Royal family and the government flee to the interiors of Norway when the Germans invade the country. King Haakon VII must decide how to handle the situation.

June 15: What We Did On Our Holiday

A family of five heads to grandad’s big 75th birthday party at an uncle’s estate in rural Scotland. The parents – David Tennant and Rosamund Pike – are separated and hope their three kids won’t mention it. The kids love, can talk with, and would do anything for their grandfather, played by Billy Connelly.

July 20: Mozart’s Sister

A reimagined account of the early life of Maria Anna “Nannerl” Mozart, five years older than Wolfgang, and a musical prodigy in her own right. A musical-true-crime story that explores the lost talent of Maria-Anna Mozart.

August 17: Conclave

Cardinal Lawrence is tasked with one of the world’s most secretive and ancient events, participating in the selection of a new pope. Surrounded by powerful religious leaders in the halls of the Vatican, he soon uncovers a trail of deep secrets that could shake the very foundation of the Roman Catholic Church.

September 21: The Duke

In 1961, Kempton Bunton stole Goya’s portrait of the Duke of Wellington from the National Gallery in London. Kempton sent ransom notes saying that he would return the painting on condition the government invested more in care for the elderly.

October 19: Lee

This biopic about Lee Miller is not only a powerful look at her incredible life but also a strong reminder of the horrors of war. As both a groundbreaking photographer and war correspondent, the film captures the devastating things she witnessed and the emotional toll they took on her.

November 16: Last Film Show

A dynamic comic drama, energised by superb casting and a vivid sense of place. Set in the lush green, beautiful village in Gujarat called ‘Chalala’, the film is an autobiographical tale of the director, Pan Nalin, and his childhood.