The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die

"The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die" is a satisfying conclusion to the beloved television series. As a fan of the original show and Viking history, I was excited to see how the story would wrap up in this 2-hour movie. While there were some unnecessary changes to the storyline that deviated from historical accuracy, the film still manages to deliver an enjoyable and engaging experience.

One aspect of the movie that drew criticism from some viewers was the inclusion of Aethelstan's homosexuality. While it may have been surprising to see this development in the character, it was a faithful adaptation of the source material from the books. It was also handled in a way that was integral to the plot, rather than being gratuitous. The openness about this topic in the film may have slightly broken immersion, but it did not detract from the overall viewing experience.

The pacing of the movie was one of its weaker points. Some scenes felt rushed and left me confused about what was happening. I would have liked to see more character development, especially since the film lacked some of the strong female characters from the original series. However, the final battle and ending were satisfying, and the cast gave solid performances throughout.

As the movie progresses, we see Uhtred making his way through treacherous territory and facing unexpected challenges, all while trying to unite the different kingdoms of England. The battles are well-choreographed, with stunning visuals that immerse the viewer in the action. The final battle scene is particularly noteworthy, as it features a clash between Uhtred and the villainous Cnut (Magnus Bruun). The scene is tense, action-packed, and visually stunning, with a satisfying resolution that feels true to the spirit of the series.

The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die has some issues, however. As a movie that is meant to wrap up the series, it tries to cram a lot of story into a short amount of time, and as a result, some of the characters and storylines feel underdeveloped. The pacing is also somewhat uneven, with some scenes feeling rushed while others linger on for too long. The movie is best enjoyed by fans of the series who are familiar with the characters and storylines, as it assumes a certain level of knowledge on the part of the viewer.

Despite its flaws, The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die is a worthy conclusion to a beloved series. It provides closure for the characters and storylines that fans have grown to love over the years, and it features excellent performances from the cast, especially Alexander Dreymon as Uhtred. While it may not be a perfect movie, it is certainly an entertaining and satisfying one that will leave fans of the series feeling satisfied.

As the movie progresses, it becomes easier to follow, and the pacing picks up. The final battle is enjoyable, and the ending itself is satisfying, even though some viewers may find it controversial. Overall, "The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die" is worth watching, especially for fans of the original series. However, it falls short of what it could have been due to rushed pacing, lack of character development, and some unnecessary changes to the storyline.

Overall, "The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die" delivers an entertaining and satisfying conclusion to the beloved series. Fans of the show will appreciate the way the storylines are tied up and the epic final battle. However, the rushed pacing and lack of character development may leave some viewers wishing for more.

The decision to portray Aethelstan as a gay character was controversial, but it was handled with sensitivity and respect. The fact that it was true to the source material is commendable, and it adds an interesting layer to the character. Some may feel that it was out of place, given that there were no hints of his sexuality in the original show, but it's a small deviation from the source material that ultimately works well.

One of the biggest issues with the movie is the pacing. The runtime of just under two hours feels too short to properly develop all the storylines and characters. As a result, some moments feel rushed and confusing, and viewers may find themselves struggling to keep up with the action. A longer runtime would have allowed for more fleshing out of the characters and more time for the storylines to breathe.

That being said, the movie still manages to deliver plenty of action and excitement. The final battle is suitably epic, and the stakes feel appropriately high. The various threads of the story come together in a satisfying way, and the ending is emotional and impactful.

However, some of the characters that were so compelling in the original series are given short shrift in the movie. Strong female characters like Brida, Stiorra, and Skade are notably absent, which is a shame given how integral they were to the original show. Additionally, Uhtred's lack of romantic entanglements is a departure from his character in the show, and some viewers may find it jarring.

In terms of the performances, the cast is as strong as ever. Alexander Dreymon is excellent as Uhtred, bringing the same level of charisma and intensity that he did to the show. David Dawson is a standout as Aethelstan, and his portrayal of the character's inner conflict is nuanced and affecting. Ian Hart is also great as Father Beocca, and his scenes with Uhtred are some of the movie's most emotional moments.

"The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die" is a fitting end to the beloved series. While it may have some flaws, such as rushed pacing and lack of character development, it still manages to deliver plenty of action, excitement, and emotion. Fans of the show will appreciate the way the storylines are tied up, and newcomers may find themselves drawn in by the excellent performances and epic battles.

Overall, "The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die" is a worthwhile watch for fans of the series. It manages to deliver a fitting conclusion to the story, and the cast and crew should be proud of their efforts. While some aspects of the film may not be entirely faithful to the source material, it still manages to capture the essence of what made the original show so compelling. With its strong performances, epic battles, and engaging storyline, this movie is definitely worth checking out for fans of the series.