Plot

Welcome To The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die 2023 movie review. The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die is the final film in the historical fiction series based on Bernard Cornwell’s Saxon Stories novels. The film picks up where the fifth season of the TV series left off, with Uhtred of Bebbanburg (Alexander Dreymon) still struggling to unite England under his rule.

Uhtred has been crowned King of Northumbria, but his reign is threatened by the forces of Wessex and Mercia. King Edward (Timothy Innes) of Wessex is determined to unite England under his rule, and he sees Uhtred as a rival. Mercia is also under threat from the Danes, who are led by King Sigtryggr (Eysteinn Sigurðarson).

Uhtred must use all of his cunning and skill to survive the coming challenges. He must also decide whether to fight for his own kingdom or to unite England under Edward’s rule.

The film opens with Uhtred returning to Bebbanburg after many years in exile. He is determined to reclaim his ancestral home, but he faces opposition from the Danes who are now occupying the castle. Uhtred and his allies launch a daring attack on Bebbanburg, and they are victorious. Uhtred is finally able to claim his rightful inheritance.

However, Uhtred’s victory is short-lived. King Edward of Wessex arrives with a large army and demands that Uhtred submit to his rule. Uhtred refuses, and a battle ensues. Uhtred’s forces are outnumbered and outmatched, but they fight bravely. Uhtred is eventually forced to retreat, and he is captured by Edward’s men.

Edward sentences Uhtred to death, but Uhtred is saved by his friend Finan (Mark Rowley). Finan helps Uhtred to escape, and they flee to Mercia.

In Mercia, Uhtred meets with King Sigtryggr. Sigtryggr is a powerful and ambitious ruler, but he is also a fair and honorable man. Uhtred and Sigtryggr form an alliance, and they decide to work together to defeat Edward and unite England under their joint rule.

Uhtred and Sigtryggr’s alliance proves to be a formidable force. They defeat Edward’s army at the Battle of Tettenhall, and they force Edward to retreat. Uhtred and Sigtryggr are now the most powerful rulers in England, and they are poised to unite the country under their joint rule.

However, their alliance is threatened by the arrival of Haesten (Jeppe Beck Laursen). Haesten is a ruthless and treacherous Dane who is determined to destroy Uhtred and Sigtryggr. Haesten allies himself with Edward, and he launches a surprise attack on Uhtred and Sigtryggr’s camp.

Uhtred and Sigtryggr’s forces are caught off guard, and they are defeated. Uhtred is captured by Haesten, and Sigtryggr is forced to flee.

Uhtred is taken to Edward’s castle, where he is tortured and humiliated. However, Uhtred refuses to give up hope. He knows that he must escape and defeat Haesten in order to unite England under his rule.

Uhtred eventually escapes from Edward’s castle, and he sets out to find Sigtryggr and rally his forces. Uhtred and Sigtryggr’s forces eventually meet up with Edward’s army at the Battle of Brunanburh.

The Battle of Brunanburh is the largest and bloodiest battle in English history. Uhtred and Sigtryggr’s forces fight bravely, but they are outnumbered and outmatched. Edward’s army is victorious, and Uhtred is once again defeated.

Uhtred is captured by Edward, and he is sentenced to death. However, Uhtred is saved by his friend Hild (Eleanor Worthington Cox). Hild helps Uhtred to escape, and he flees into the wilderness.

Uhtred knows that he cannot defeat Edward, so he decides to make peace with him. Uhtred returns to Bebbanburg, and he swears allegiance to Edward. Uhtred is now a loyal subject of Edward, and he is finally able to live in peace.

However, Uhtred knows that his story is not over. He still has unfinished business in England, and he is determined to see his vision of a united England under his rule come to fruition.

Action Sequences

The action sequences in the movie “The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die” are some of the most exciting and well-choreographed in the series. The film’s director, Ed Bazalgette, has a background in stunt work, and his expertise is evident in every sequence.

One of the most notable action sequences in the film is a battle that takes place between Uhtred (Alexander Dreymon) and his forces and a large army of Danes. The battle is incredibly chaotic and brutal, and it is full of close calls and near-misses. Uhtred and his men fight bravely, but they are outnumbered and outmatched. Just when it seems like all is lost, Uhtred comes up with a daring plan to defeat the Danes.

Another notable action sequence is a fight between Uhtred and his nemesis, Aethelhelm (Adrian Dunbar). The fight is personal and brutal, and it is a fitting end to the rivalry between the two men. Uhtred ultimately defeats Aethelhelm, but he is badly injured in the fight.

The action sequences in “The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die” are not just well-choreographed, but they are also grounded in reality. Bazalgette and his team worked closely with stuntmen and military advisors to ensure that the action sequences were as realistic as possible. This makes the action sequences in “The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die” all the more thrilling and believable.

Overall, the action sequences in “The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die” are some of the best in the series. They are well-choreographed, visually stunning, and grounded in reality. They make the film incredibly exciting and thrilling to watch.

In addition to the above, here are some other specific things that make the action sequences in “The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die” so effective:

 The use of practical effects and stunts. Bazalgette and his team wanted to create as realistic of an action experience as possible, so they used as much practical effects and stunts as possible. This makes the action sequences look and feel more real.

 The use of long takes. Bazalgette used a number of long takes in the action sequences. This gives the viewer a sense of being right in the middle of the action.

 The use of sound design. The sound design in the action sequences is also very effective. It helps to create a sense of chaos and intensity.

Overall, the action sequences in “The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die” are a masterclass in filmmaking. They are well-choreographed, visually stunning, and grounded in reality. They make the film incredibly exciting and thrilling to watch.

Character Development

The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die is the final season of the popular historical drama series. The season follows Uhtred of Bebbanburg as he navigates the political landscape of 10th century England.

Uhtred is a complex and well-developed character. He is a Saxon by birth, but he was raised by Danes. This has given him a unique perspective on the world, and he has learned to be adaptable and resourceful.

In the final season, Uhtred is faced with a number of challenges. He must unite the Saxons against the Danes, and he must also deal with the internal conflicts within his own kingdom.

Throughout the season, Uhtred continues to grow and change. He becomes more mature and wise, and he learns to let go of his anger and resentment. He also becomes more accepting of his own mixed heritage.

Here are some specific examples of Uhtred’s character development in the final season:

 In the previous seasons, Uhtred was often impulsive and reckless. He would often make decisions without thinking about the consequences. In the final season, Uhtred becomes more strategic and calculated. He is more careful about who he trusts, and he is more likely to think before he acts.

 In the previous seasons, Uhtred was often motivated by revenge. He wanted to avenge the death of his father and his people. In the final season, Uhtred becomes more focused on protecting the people he loves. He is willing to sacrifice his own personal desires for the greater good.

 In the previous seasons, Uhtred was often isolated and alone. He had few friends and allies. In the final season, Uhtred builds strong relationships with his friends and family. He also becomes a mentor to young warriors like Aethelflaed’s son, Aethelstan.

Overall, Uhtred’s character development in the final season is significant. He becomes more mature, wise, and compassionate. He also learns to let go of his anger and resentment, and he becomes more accepting of his own mixed heritage.

In addition to Uhtred’s character development, the final season also explores the character development of other key characters, such as:

 Aethelflaed: Aethelflaed is the daughter of Alfred the Great and the ruler of Mercia. She is a strong and intelligent woman who is determined to protect her kingdom from the Danes. In the final season, Aethelflaed becomes even more confident and assertive. She also learns to be more forgiving and compassionate.

 Aelswith: Aelswith is the queen of Wessex and the mother of Uhtred. She is a complex and conflicted character. She is often suspicious of Uhtred, but she also loves him deeply. In the final season, Aelswith comes to terms with her own mortality and she makes peace with Uhtred.

Sigtryggr: Sigtryggr is a Danish warrior who becomes Uhtred’s ally. He is a honorable and noble man, but he is also ruthless and ambitious. In the final season, Sigtryggr learns to trust Uhtred, and he becomes a true friend.

The character development in the final season of The Last Kingdom is one of the strengths of the season. It is interesting to see how the characters grow and change over the course of the story. The season also provides a satisfying conclusion to the characters’ journeys.

Themes

The movie “The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die” is the final installment in the popular historical fiction series. The film explores a number of themes, including:

 Legacy: The film is about Uhtred of Bebbanburg (Alexander Dreymon) coming to terms with his legacy and what he wants to be remembered for. Uhtred has been a warrior his entire life, but he is also a complex and thoughtful character. He is struggling to reconcile his past with his present, and he is trying to find a way to leave a positive legacy behind.

 Duty: Uhtred is also struggling with his sense of duty. He feels a duty to his people, but he also feels a duty to his family. He is torn between two worlds, and he is struggling to find his place in the world.

 Identity: Uhtred is also grappling with his identity. He is a Saxon by birth, but he has been raised by Danes. He is a warrior, but he is also a poet and a scholar. He is trying to find his place in the world and to define who he is.

Other themes explored in the film include:

 The importance of family: Uhtred is fiercely loyal to his family, and he is willing to do anything to protect them. The film shows how important family is, even in the face of adversity.

The power of friendship: Uhtred also has a strong group of friends who he can rely on. These friends are there for him through thick and thin, and they help him to overcome his challenges.

 The importance of hope: The film is set in a dark and dangerous time, but it also shows that there is always hope. Uhtred and his friends never give up hope, even when things are looking their darkest.

Overall, “The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die” is a complex and thought-provoking film that explores a number of important themes. It is a film about legacy, duty, identity, family, friendship, and hope.

In addition to the above, the film also explores the theme of legacy: Uhtred is a man who is haunted by his past, and he is struggling to come to terms with the legacy he will leave behind. He is also worried about the impact that his violence will have on his future children. The film suggests that it is important to break the cycle of violence and to create a better future for the next generation.

“The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die” is a flawed film, but it is also a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film.

Direction

Direction of The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die

The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die is directed by Ed Bazalgette, who has previously directed episodes of the TV series The Last Kingdom. Bazalgette is known for his strong visual style and his ability to create suspenseful and action-packed sequences.

In Seven Kings Must Die, Bazalgette uses his skills to create a visually stunning and exciting film. The film’s action sequences are particularly well-done, and Bazalgette does a great job of capturing the brutality and chaos of battle.

In addition to the action, Bazalgette also excels at directing character development. The characters in Seven Kings Must Die are complex and well-rounded. Bazalgette gives each character their own unique perspective on the story, and he does a great job of exploring their motivations and vulnerabilities.

Overall, the direction of Seven Kings Must Die is top-notch. Bazalgette creates a visually stunning and action-packed film that is also surprisingly character-driven.

Here are some specific examples of Bazalgette’s direction in Seven Kings Must Die:

The opening sequence: The film opens with a long tracking shot that follows Uhtred (Alexander Dreymon) as he rides through a desolate landscape. The shot is incredibly fluid and dynamic, and it perfectly captures the loneliness and isolation of Uhtred’s journey.

 The action sequences: Bazalgette uses a variety of camera angles and techniques to create truly immersive action sequences. For example, in one scene, Uhtred and his allies are attacked by a group of Vikings. Bazalgette uses a handheld camera to create a sense of chaos and immediacy.

The character development: Bazalgette gives each character in Seven Kings Must Die their own unique perspective on the story. For example, Uhtred’s relationship with his son Aethelstan (Caspar Griffiths) is complex and well-developed. Bazalgette shows how Uhtred is both proud of and worried about Aethelstan’s future.

Overall, Bazalgette’s direction in Seven Kings Must Die is highly effective. He creates a visually stunning and action-packed film that is also surprisingly character-driven.

In addition to the above, I would also like to add that Bazalgette does a great job of creating a sense of atmosphere in Seven Kings Must Die. The film is set in a variety of locations, from the lush forests of Wessex to the icy battlefields of Northumbria. Bazalgette uses lighting, sound, and camerawork to create a unique and immersive experience for the viewer.

Overall, I think Bazalgette’s direction in Seven Kings Must Die is one of the film’s strongest assets. He creates a visually stunning, action-packed, and character-driven film that is sure to please fans of the TV series.

Cinematography

The cinematography of The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die is both visually stunning and atmospheric. Director Ed Bazalgette and cinematographer Ashley Way use a variety of techniques to create a world that is both believable and immersive.

One of the most notable aspects of the cinematography is the use of natural light. The film is often bathed in a soft, warm light, which gives it a natural and organic feel. This is particularly evident in the outdoor scenes, which are shot in beautiful locations such as the English countryside and the Norwegian fjords.

Way also uses a variety of camera angles and movements to create a sense of dynamism and energy. He often uses low-angle shots to make the characters seem more powerful and imposing. He also uses tracking shots to follow the characters as they move through the environment.

In addition to the natural light and camerawork, Way also uses color to create a visually striking film. The film is often dominated by earthy tones, such as brown, green, and gray. This gives the film a sense of authenticity and realism. However, Way also uses color to highlight certain elements of the frame, such as the blood of the warriors or the fire of the burning villages.

Overall, the cinematography of The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die is a major asset to the film. It helps to create a visually stunning and atmospheric world that draws the viewer into the story.

Here are some specific examples of how the cinematography is used to enhance the film:

 In the opening scene, the camera follows Uhtred (Alexander Dreymon) as he rides through the English countryside. The scene is bathed in a warm, golden light, and the camera uses tracking shots to follow Uhtred as he moves through the landscape. This creates a sense of grandeur and scale, and it also helps to establish the film’s setting.

 In a later scene, Uhtred and his army are attacked by a group of Danes. The camera uses handheld camerawork and low-angle shots to create a sense of chaos and confusion. The viewer feels like they are right in the middle of the battle, and they experience the adrenaline rush of the action.

 In the film’s climax, Uhtred faces off against his nemesis, Aethelhelm (Adrian Schiller). The scene is shot in a dark, claustrophobic environment, and the camera uses close-up shots to highlight the intensity of the confrontation. The viewer feels like they are right there in the room with Uhtred and Aethelhelm, and they experience the tension and suspense of the scene.

Way’s cinematography in The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die is a masterclass in how to use camerawork, lighting, and color to create a visually stunning and atmospheric film.

Music

The music of The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die is composed by Daniel Pemberton, who also composed the music for the previous seasons of the show. The score is a mix of orchestral and electronic elements, with a heavy emphasis on choral vocals. Pemberton has said that he wanted the music to reflect the epic scale and scope of the show, as well as the emotional journey of the characters.

One of the most notable aspects of the score is its use of choral vocals. Pemberton uses a variety of choral arrangements, from simple chants to full-blown anthems, to create a sense of grandeur and awe. The choral vocals are often used in conjunction with orchestral instruments to create a lush and cinematic soundscape. This helps to create a sense of epicness and scale, which is appropriate for the show’s setting and story.

Another notable aspect of the score is its use of electronic elements. Pemberton uses a variety of electronic instruments, including synthesizers, samplers, and sequencers, to create a sense of energy and excitement. The electronic elements are often used in conjunction with the choral vocals and orchestral instruments to create a driving and propulsive sound. This helps to propel the show’s action sequences forward and keeps the audience engaged.

In addition to the action sequences, the score also plays an important role in developing the emotional journey of the characters. For example, the track “The Last Kingdom” is a slow and mournful piece that reflects the loss and sacrifice that the characters have experienced. The track “The Seven Kings” is a more hopeful piece that reflects the characters’ determination to fight for their freedom. These tracks help to add depth and complexity to the characters and their relationships.

Overall, the music of The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die is a powerful and effective score that helps to create a sense of epicness, excitement, and emotion in the show. Pemberton has done a masterful job of using orchestral, electronic, and choral elements to create a score that is both thrilling and moving.

Here are some specific examples of how the music is used in the show:

 In the opening scene, the music is slow and mournful, reflecting the loss and sacrifice that the characters have experienced.

 During the battle scenes, the music is fast-paced and exciting, reflecting the intensity of the action.

 In the scene where Uhtred confronts his father, the music is heavy and dissonant, creating a sense of tension and conflict.

 In the scene where Uhtred and his friends are reunited, the music is slow and hopeful, reflecting the characters’ determination to fight for their freedom.

Overall, the music of The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die is an essential part of the show’s experience. It helps to create a sense of epicness, excitement, and emotion that would not be possible without it.

Personal opinion

Personal opinion on The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die:

I’m a big fan of The Last Kingdom, so I was really excited for the movie. I’m happy to say that it didn’t disappoint. It’s a fitting end to the series, and it’s a satisfying conclusion to Uhtred’s journey.

The movie picks up where the series left off, with Uhtred still fighting for his people and his land. He’s now an old man, but he’s still as fierce and determined as ever.

The movie is full of action, adventure, and emotion. It’s a great send-off for Uhtred and the other characters we’ve come to love over the years.

Alexander Dreymon is once again excellent as Uhtred. He brings a lot of heart and soul to the role, and he makes Uhtred’s journey feel real and relatable.

The supporting cast is also great. Emily Cox, Eliza Butterworth, Mark Rowley, and Timothy Innes all give memorable performances.

The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die is a must-watch for fans of the series. It’s a great conclusion to a great show.

Here are some specific things I liked about the movie:

 The story is emotional and satisfying.

 The acting is top-notch.

Here are some things I didn’t like about the movie:

 Some of the CGI is a bit subpar.

 The ending is a bit rushed.

Overall, I would recommend The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die to fans of the series.

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