Ehrengarde ou l'Art de la séduction

Bille August's sumptuous production of Karen Blixen's novel is a joy for the eyes. It has fabulous on-location sets, beautiful countryside, CGI-enhanced mountain backdrops, and great costumes. It is filled with sweet, gentle, wry humor. It's a period-piece romantc comedy that Jane Austen lovers will also like very much. The cast did a fine job, with the three leads delivering convincing and (mostly) subtle performances that fit the tomne and mood of the story. All that said, it was a also a bit flat at times, and a bit overplayed, so a touch disappointing as well. Will there be a sequel ? It would be fun to see one !

I rated this production as 8/10 because it was delightful and light and the acting was naturally funny and endearing. But what mostly attracted me to the movie was the scenes and the costumes, the decor, the whole period drama/comedy scene. I was surprised later to know that it was the Queen of Denmark who was responsible for all that! I am not a fan of royal families, but here I have to take off my hat for such a very successful and impactful production. It really made the movie as lovely as it was. The story is light, do not expect anything deep, this is a sweet period comedy set in a great context. At least 8/10 confirmed.

Prepare yourself for beautiful set and costume design based on Queen Margrethe's artwork and excellent Danish humor. To respond to a few other reviews: no, Danes are not upset that the queen spent so much time on this film. We are proud of her work in the arts and feel that it is part of what makes her human, relatable, and giving back to society. We enjoy when our royal family are approachable and part of society, and not just locked up in a castle detached from the rest of the world. Also the nudity in the film is quite normal by Danish standards. It is not crude but rather artistic. Some of the jokes are crude by American standards, but that is also normal in Denmark. It all dances on a fine line. Sexuality is not taboo in Denmark. I invite people to watch this with an open mind. It is a comedy. So it is exaggerated and ridiculous compared to true high society, yet even as a comedy there are elements of truth to it. The cultural context of the film, and the book it is based on, influence the characters, settings, actions, story line, etc. And thus do reflect a Danish psyche that is far more light hearted that it has typically been judged to be. I believe it can serve as great cultural insight, and if not then some great viewing, good laughs, and lots of surprises throughout the story. The story telling is atypical - even if the story itself and plot aren't particularly unheard of - which makes it a nice little treat.

In this adaptation of a Karen Blixen novel, Cazotte (Mikkel Boe Følsgaard) discusses the art of seduction with The Grand Duchess (Sidse Babett Knudsen) while painting her. They hatch the idea of him teaching her shy son, Prince Lohar (Emil Aron Dorph) how to seduce Princess Ludmilla (Emilie Kroyer Koppel). The plan works and the young couple gets married. However, a scandalous situation breaks out that requires the couple to hide from society for a few months in the country. Cazotte, who has been fancying lovely and proper young woman Ehrengard (Alice Esther Bier Zandén) for sometime now, suggests that she keeps Ludmilla company while the couple is in hiding. Cazotte makes a bet with the Grand Duchess that he can seduce Ehrengard during this period of seclusion. The conniving pair could not imagine that Ehrengard is not as naive and dumb as they think she is. What she does would leave a lasting impact on Cazotte and society. This is pleasing to the eyes thus manages to hold the attention while the viewer keeps wondering what the story is leading up to. The twist at the end would leave the viewer chuckling.

Billie August's Ehrengard: The Art of Seduction is a cinematic masterpiece! The acting is unparalleled, with every character flawlessly embodying their roles. The picturesque sceneries transport you into another world. The story is not only super fun but also delightfully Shakespearean in its complexity. And let's not forget the beautiful costumes that add a touch of elegance to every scene. A must-watch film that captivates from start to finish! The movie makes me now want to delve into the original source material by Karen Blixen. The film's humor, captivating portrayal and storyline have left me craving more insights into the characters and their motivations. I am excited to compare the nuances of the book with the cinematic adaptation, to uncover any subtle details and explore the depths of the narrative that may not have been fully captured on screen. It's a unique pleasure to approach the book after watching the movie, as it allows me to appreciate both mediums independently while also drawing connections between them. This experience has heightened my anticipation and curiosity, and I look forward to immersing myself in Blixen's literary world to further enrich my understanding and enjoyment of this funny story.

I usually do not like romantic comedies, but this was a delight. It was much better than what usually comes out of Hollywood. The movie is visually gorgeous and the story has lots of twists and turns to keep you surprised. The acting was right on and the dialog clever. I do not understand the negative reviews. These must be people with no sense of humor. If you want a fun ride that will surprise you at every turn, you will enjoy this. Congratulations to the Danes for making a movie that has entertained people in many countries! I need to have 600 characters and don't know what else to say! There I met the requirement.

EHRENGARD is as charming a gem as any of small European romps that came out regularly in the 70's, filling our theaters with silliness and whimsy to delighted audiences and good box office. Sad thing is, people today don't even know what charm is. Hard times, hard tastes. I was shocked that this film only got a 5.8 rating when it is really a perfect confection, and could only site the harshness of culture today as the cause. EHRENGARD is a throwback to a time when there was still some innocence, kindness, when we could laugh at silliness and revel in the sweetness of a charming little movie liked this.