Common Sense Media Review
By Brian Costello
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Medieval violence abounds in intense historical fantasy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die
What's the Story?
In THE LAST KINGDOM: SEVEN KINGS MUST DIE, it's the aftermath of King Edward's death, and Aethelstan (Harry Gilby) is to inherit the throne. But Aethelstan is young and under the questionable influence of his adviser, Ingilmundr (Laurie Davidson), who advocates for violence and oppression at every turn. As Uhtred (Alexander Dreymon) witnesses what's happening, he's also aware that rival kings and the Danes are seeking to claim England for themselves. All the while, Uhtred and his men are aware of the haunting prophecy "Seven kings must die." Uhtred must find a way to convince Aethelstan that Ingilmundr has betrayed his trust and must raise an army to stop the rival kings' armies so that Aethelstan can rule a united England.
Is It Any Good?
This is an entertaining, if violent, medieval war movie. The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die is a sequel based on the television program, but it stands on its own as a worthy story. There are betrayals and shifting alliances aplenty, but the story doesn't fly off the rails as these plot twists happen. It's very violent, though, and the third act is basically one big battle scene not terribly different from the climactic battle scene in Braveheart.
Edward Bazalgette's direction is steady and effective throughout, and here's a fun fact for you '80s New Wave fans out there: Bazalgette is also in the band The Vapors, who gave the world the one-hit wonder "Turning Japanese." The acting is above average for movies like this, where, typically, the actors are more about the fight scenes than delivering their lines in a credible manner. And the dialogue isn't excruciating, unlike in so many of these movies with their constant lines on the order of "Fulfill your destiny!" etc.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about movies based on TV shows like The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die. What would be the challenges in adapting a TV show into a movie?
This is based on historical events. How accurately do you think the movie portrays what happened? Where do you think it took liberties for the sake of the story?
Was the violence a necessary component of the story, or did it seem excessive? Why?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : April 14, 2023
- Cast : Alexander Dreymon , Harry Gilby , Laurie Davidson
- Director : Edward Bazalgette
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Run time : 111 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : April 24, 2023
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