The Shamer's Daughter (Skammerens datter)
By Danny Brogan,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Danish medieval fantasy has gory violence, dragons, magic.
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The Shamer's Daughter (Skammerens datter)
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What's the Story?
THE SHAMER'S DAUGHTER is set in the medieval Kingdom of Dunark, where Dina (Rebecca Emilie Sattrup), the daughter of a shamer, has inherited her mother's ability to look into people's souls and make them feel ashamed of all their wrongdoings. When Dunark's lord, pregnant wife, and son are brutally murdered, the prime suspect is the only surviving son/heir to the throne, Nicodemus (Jakob Oftebro). Dina is summoned by Drakan (Peter Plaugborg) to make Nicodemus confess using her supernatural powers. But what she discovers results in her need to escape the evil clutches of people who will do anything to take control of the kingdom. When Dina learns that her mother is to be executed by being fed to dragons, she must return in an effort to rescue her -- and ensure that the rightful heir is restored to the throne.
Is It Any Good?
This Danish movie is a great introduction to the medieval-fantasy genre. Comparisons can be made to Game of Thrones, with dragons, sword fights, and backstabbing (both literally and figuratively) aplenty, although The Shamer's Daughter is targeted to a much younger audience. Violence is both frequent and graphic, so sensitive viewers may find some of the bloodier scenes too much. Still, in Dina, we have a strong female lead who, in learning how to use her "gift" (the ability to see into people's souls), also learns to accept herself.
For more seasoned fans of the genre, The Shamer's Daughter may feel predictable. But the story (taken from the first of a series of young adult Danish books by Lene Kaaberbøl) has enough action, sprinkled with the odd comedic moment, to make this fantasy adventure worth a watch.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in The Shamer's Daughter. What are the consequences of the violence? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
How does Dina demonstrate courage in the movie? Why is that an important character strength?
What's Nicodemus' motivation? Why is it important to show empathy?
Movie Details
- In theaters: June 24, 2016
- On DVD or streaming: September 19, 2016
- Cast: Rebecca Emilie Sattrup , Jakob Oftebro , Peter Plaugborg
- Director: Kenneth Kainz
- Studio: Studio Canal
- Genre: Fantasy
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy , Book Characters
- Character Strengths: Courage , Perseverance
- Run time: 96 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: June 20, 2023
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