thinker1691 Review of Alfred the Great

Alfred the Great (I) (1969)

"Those women who were once married to Christ, have now become my wives"

[8/10 · 4 January 2009]

Across the centuries, there are special men who rise above others and for a few brief moments in history have the honor of becoming more than the summit of their work, they become 'Great.' This is the story of one such man. He was raised well and educated by monks for the priesthood, however, war enveloped England (West Saxony) and his family persuaded him to become king. In this film "Alfred The Great" it is the superb actor David Hemmings who plays Alfred with much conviction against the Danish King Guthrum played by another notable actor Michael York. From the passages of English lore, Alfred's legend lends itself to a few of the many deeds and innovations which shaped his country and it's reforms. The battle tactics which he gleaned from ancient military journals and used effectually against the Danes as well as the inner intrigues of the royal family are chronicled in this movie. What is offered is nothing short of exceptional. A good attempt at capturing the mood of the times and the interaction between the early Saxon king and the mighty Vikings. A film which offers enough to certify it as a classic. ****