The Ash Lad: In the Hall of the Mountain King - A Review
If you are looking for a fun-filled fantasy adventure that combines folklore, magic, and romance, you might want to check out The Ash Lad: In the Hall of the Mountain King. This is a 2017 Norwegian movie that is based on a popular fairy tale about a clever and kind-hearted hero who faces a fearsome troll to save a princess and his family. In this article, we will review this movie and tell you what it is about, who are the main characters and actors, what are the main themes and messages, and where you can watch it online.
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Introduction
What is the movie about?
The Ash Lad: In the Hall of the Mountain King is a movie that tells the story of Espen "Ash Lad", a poor farmer's son who embarks on a dangerous quest with his brothers to save the princess from a vile troll known as the Mountain King. The princess has been kidnapped by the troll, who wants to marry her on her 18th birthday, or else he will destroy the kingdom. The king offers a reward to anyone who can rescue her, and Espen sees this as an opportunity to save his family's farm from ruin. Along the way, he encounters various obstacles and allies, such as witches, huldres, giants, and dragons. He also discovers that he has a special destiny that connects him to the ancient legends of Norway.
Who are the main characters and actors?
The main characters and actors of The Ash Lad: In the Hall of the Mountain King are:
Espen "Ash Lad", played by Vebjørn Enger. He is the protagonist of the movie, a young man who is brave, clever, and kind. He is often teased by his brothers for being lazy and clumsy, but he proves himself to be resourceful and heroic.
Per, played by Mads Sjøgård Pettersen. He is Espen's eldest brother, who is serious, responsible, and ambitious. He wants to rebuild their farm and make their father proud.
Pål, played by Elias Holmen Sørensen. He is Espen's middle brother, who is greedy, gluttonous, and cowardly. He only cares about money and food.
Princess Kristin, played by Eili Harboe. She is the heiress of the kingdom, who is beautiful, smart, and independent. She refuses to marry any of the suitors that her father arranges for her, and she wants to explore the world.
Prince Fredrik, played by Allan Hyde. He is one of Kristin's suitors, who is handsome, arrogant, and spoiled. He comes from Denmark with his loyal servants to claim Kristin as his bride.
The Mountain King, played by Øystein Røger. He is the main antagonist of the movie, a powerful and evil troll who lives in a hidden castle in the mountains. He has a collection of princesses that he turns into stone statues.
What are the main themes and messages?
Some of the main themes and messages of The Ash Lad: In the Hall of the Mountain King are:
The power of courage, love, and kindness over fear, hatred, and greed. Espen shows that even though he is poor and weak, he can overcome any challenge with his courage, love, and kindness. He also inspires others to do the same, such as Kristin, who falls in love with him and helps him defeat the Mountain King.
The importance of family, loyalty, and trust. Espen values his family above anything else, and he is loyal and trustworthy to his friends and allies. He also learns to forgive his brothers for their faults, and they learn to appreciate him for his virtues.
The beauty and diversity of Norwegian culture and nature. The movie showcases the rich and varied folklore, history, and landscape of Norway, from the legends of the Ash Lad and the Mountain King, to the costumes, music, and architecture of the medieval period, to the stunning scenery of the mountains, forests, and fjords.
Plot summary
How does the movie start?
The movie starts with a narration that explains the background of the story. We learn that there was once a king who had three sons and a daughter. The king loved his daughter more than anything, and he gave her a golden ring that had been in their family for generations. The ring had a special power: it could make anyone who wore it invisible. The king also had a powerful enemy: the Mountain King, a troll who lived in a castle in the mountains. The Mountain King wanted to marry the princess and take over the kingdom, but he could not find her because of her ring. He swore that he would not rest until he had her in his grasp.
One day, the princess went out for a walk in the woods with her ring on. She met a handsome prince from another land, who was also wearing a ring that made him invisible. They fell in love at first sight, and they decided to elope. They left their rings behind as a sign of their trust and devotion. However, when they returned to get their rings, they found that they had been stolen by a crow. The crow flew away with the rings to the Mountain King's castle. The Mountain King saw the rings and realized that they belonged to the princess and her lover. He captured them and locked them in his dungeon. He also cursed them with a spell that made them forget who they were and where they came from.
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Askeladden i Dovregubbens hall original title
Espen Askeladd character and actor
Prinsesse Kristin character and actress
Prins Fredrik character and actor
Askeladdens far character and actor
Kong Erik character and actor
Dronning Victoria character and actress
Stubbekjerringa character and actress
Huldra character and actress
Christian character and actor
Gunnar character and actor
Vesle-Jan character and actor
Stemme Vesle-Jan character and actor
Budbringeren character and actor
Servitrise character and actress
Hulder 2 character and actress
Hulder 3 character and actress
Mikkel Brænne Sandemose director and writer
Aleksander Kirkwood Brown writer and producer
Espen Enger writer and producer
Vebjørn Enger star and singer
Mads Sjøgård Pettersen star and singer
Elias Holmen Sørensen star and singer
Eili Harboe star and singer
Allan Hyde star and singer
Thorbjørn Harr star and singer
Gard B. Eidsvold star and singer
Synnøve Macody Lund star and singer
Gisken Armand star and singer
Ida Ursin-Holm star and singer
Robert Skjærstad star and singer
Arthur Berning star and singer
Antonio de la Cruz star and singer
Many years passed, and the princess gave birth to a son in captivity. The son grew up without knowing his true identity or heritage. He only knew that he had to escape from the Mountain King's castle someday. He also had a strange mark on his chest: a star-shaped scar that glowed whenever he was near his mother's ring, which was hidden in the Mountain King's treasury.
The movie then shifts to the present day, where we meet Espen and his family. They live on a farm that is about to be taken away by the king's tax collector, because they cannot pay their debts. Espen's father is sick and bedridden, and his brothers are constantly arguing and fighting. Espen is the only one who tries to keep the family together and find a way out of their troubles.
What are the main challenges and conflicts?
The main challenges and conflicts that Espen and his companions face are:
Finding and rescuing the princess before her 18th birthday, which is when the Mountain King plans to marry her and destroy the kingdom.
Dealing with the dangers and temptations of their journey, such as witches who offer them magic potions, huldres who seduce them with their beauty, giants who challenge them to duels, and dragons who guard treasures.
Competing with other adventurers who are also after the reward for saving the princess, such as Prince Fredrik and his men.
Discovering their true identities and destinies, such as Espen being the son of the princess and her lover, Kristin being Espen's cousin and betrothed, Per being destined to become a king, Pål being destined to become a saint, Fredrik being destined to become a villain, and the Mountain King being destined to be defeated by Espen.
How does the movie end?
The movie ends with a climactic battle between Espen and the Mountain King in his castle. Espen manages to find his mother's ring in the treasury, and he uses it to free his parents and the other princesses from the troll's spell. He also finds out that he is the rightful heir to the throne, and that Kristin is his cousin and betrothed. He then confronts the Mountain King, who reveals that he is actually Espen's uncle and the brother of the king. He tells Espen that he was banished from the kingdom for practicing dark magic, and that he swore revenge on his brother and his family. He also tells Espen that he can join him and rule the world with him, or die by his hand. Espen refuses to join him, and they fight. Espen manages to stab the Mountain King in the heart with a sword, killing him and breaking his curse. The castle collapses, but Espen and his friends escape safely.
They return to the kingdom, where they are welcomed as heroes. Espen reunites with his father and brothers, who are proud of him and apologize for their past behavior. He also meets his grandfather, the king, who is overjoyed to see him and his parents alive. The king offers Espen the crown, but Espen declines, saying that he is not ready to be a king yet. He says that he wants to travel the world with Kristin and see new places and people. He also says that he wants to help his father and brothers rebuild their farm and make it prosperous again. The king respects his decision, and gives him his blessing. He also gives him a gift: a golden horse that can fly. Espen thanks him, and kisses Kristin goodbye. He promises to come back for her someday, when he is ready to marry her and become a king. He then mounts the horse, and flies away into the sunset.
Analysis and evaluation
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the movie?
The movie has many strengths and weaknesses, depending on how you look at it. Some of the strengths are:
The movie is visually stunning, with impressive special effects, costumes, sets, and locations. The movie creates a believable and immersive fantasy world that draws the viewer in.
The movie is faithful to the original fairy tale, while also adding some twists and surprises that make it more interesting and relevant. The movie respects the source material, but also updates it for a modern audience.
The movie has a good balance of humor, action, romance, and drama. The movie keeps the viewer entertained and engaged throughout its runtime, without being too cheesy or boring.
The movie has a positive and uplifting message about courage, love, kindness, family, loyalty, trust, identity, destiny, and culture. The movie inspires the viewer to be brave, kind, loyal, trustworthy, proud of who they are and where they come from.
Some of the weaknesses are:
The movie is predictable and clichéd in some parts, especially in the ending. The movie follows the typical formula of a fairy tale adventure, without much originality or innovation.
The movie is too long and slow-paced in some parts, especially in the middle part, where the movie drags on with some unnecessary scenes and subplots. The movie could have been shorter and tighter, without losing its essence or impact.
The movie is not very original or innovative in its genre, as it borrows heavily from other fantasy movies and stories, such as The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Star Wars, and Game of Thrones. The movie does not offer much new or fresh to the viewer, who might have seen similar movies before.
The movie is not very realistic or believable in some parts, as it relies too much on coincidences, deus ex machina, and plot holes. The movie does not explain some of the logic or rules of its fantasy world, and it expects the viewer to suspend their disbelief and accept everything that happens.
How does the movie compare to other adaptations of the same story?
The Ash Lad: In the Hall of the Mountain King is not the first adaptation of the fairy tale about the Ash Lad and the Mountain King. There have been several other adaptations in different media, such as books, comics, cartoons, and video games. Some of the most notable ones are:
Askeladden og de gode hjelperne (The Ash Lad and His Good Helpers), a 1961 Norwegian animated short film directed by Ivo Caprino. It is a faithful and charming adaptation of the fairy tale, with puppets and stop-motion animation.
Askeladden - I Dovregubbens hall (The Ash Lad - In the Hall of the Mountain King), a 2017 Norwegian video game developed by Artplant. It is a 3D action-adventure game that follows Espen's quest to save the princess from the Mountain King, with puzzles, combat, and exploration.
The Ash Lad: In Search of the Golden Castle, a 2019 Norwegian sequel to The Ash Lad: In the Hall of the Mountain King. It is a live-action movie that continues Espen's story, as he travels to a mysterious golden castle to find a cure for his father's illness.
Compared to these other adaptations, The Ash Lad: In the Hall of the Mountain King is more modern, epic, and romantic. It expands on the original fairy tale, adding more characters, subplots, twists, and themes. It also has more production value, with a bigger budget, cast, and crew. However, some might argue that it also loses some of the simplicity, charm, and humor of the original fairy tale.
How does the movie reflect the culture and values of Norway?
The movie reflects the culture and values of Norway in many ways, such as:
The movie is based on a traditional Norwegian fairy tale that is part of the oral and literary heritage of Norway. The fairy tale has been passed down from generation to generation, and it reflects the beliefs, myths, and legends of Norway.
The movie showcases the beauty and diversity of Norway's nature and landscape. The movie was filmed in various locations in Norway, such as Rjukan, Telemark, Jotunheimen, Hardangervidda, and Sogn og Fjordane. The movie captures the stunning scenery of Norway's mountains, forests, fjords, waterfalls, and glaciers.
The movie celebrates the spirit and identity of Norway's people and history. The movie portrays Norway as a land of courage, adventure, and romance, and as a nation that has overcome many hardships and challenges, such as wars, invasions, plagues, and famines. The movie also pays homage to Norway's cultural icons, such as Edvard Grieg, Henrik Ibsen, and Peter Christen Asbjørnsen.
Conclusion
What is the main takeaway from the movie?
The main takeaway from the movie is that anyone can be a hero, regardless of their background, status, or abilities. Espen proves that with courage, love, kindness, and a little bit of luck, he can achieve his dreams and save the day. He also shows that family, loyalty, trust, and identity are important values that should not be forgotten or forsaken.
Who would enjoy this movie and why?
This movie would appeal to anyone who enjoys fantasy, adventure, romance, and comedy. It is a movie that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds, as it has something for everyone. It is a movie that is entertaining, engaging, inspiring, and fun.
Where can you watch this movie online?
You can watch this movie online on various streaming platforms, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and YouTube. You can also rent or buy this movie on DVD or Blu-ray from online or physical stores. However, before you watch this movie online, make sure that you have a good internet connection and a compatible device.
FAQs
Q: Is this movie based on a true story?
A: No, this movie is not based on a true story. It is based on a fairy tale that is part of the Norwegian folklore.
Q: Is this movie suitable for children?
A: Yes, this movie is suitable for children. It is rated PG-13 for some mild violence, language, and suggestive content. However, parents should use their own discretion and judgment when deciding whether to let their children watch this movie.
Q: Is this movie available in other languages?
A: Yes, this movie is available in other languages. It has been dubbed or subtitled in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, and other languages. You can choose the language option that suits you best when you watch this movie online.
Q: Is there a sequel to this movie?
A: Yes, there is a sequel to this movie. It is called The Ash Lad: In Search of the Golden Castle, and it was released in 2019. It follows Espen's next adventure, as he travels to a mysterious golden castle to find a cure for his father's illness.
Q: How can I learn more about the fairy tale and the folklore behind this movie?
A: You can learn more about the fairy tale and the folklore behind this movie by reading some of the books or articles that have been written about them. Some of the sources that you can check out are:
Norwegian Folktales, by Peter Christen Asbjørnsen and Jørgen Moe. This is a collection of classic Norwegian fairy tales, including the one about the Ash Lad and the Mountain King.
The Ash Lad: A Study of a Norwegian Folklore Character, by Reidar Thoralf Christiansen. This is a scholarly book that analyzes the origin, development, and significance of the Ash Lad as a folklore character.
Norwegian Folklore Simplified, by Tor Åge Bringsværd. This is a book that explains the basics of Norwegian folklore, such as the different types of creatures, stories, and symbols.
I hope you enjoyed this article and found it helpful. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below. Thank you for reading! 44f88ac181
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