The Ash Lad: In the Hall of the Mountain King
The Ash Lad: In the Hall of the Mountain King

Movie spotlight

The Ash Lad: In the Hall of the Mountain King

2017
Movie
100 min
Norwegian

Espen “Ash Lad”, a poor farmer’s son, embarks on a dangerous quest with his brothers to save the princess from a vile troll known as the Mountain King – in order to collect a reward and save his family’s farm from ruin.

Insights

IMDb6.0/10
Google Users72%
Director: Mikkel Brænne SandemoseGenres: Adventure, Fantasy, Family

Plot Summary

Espen, a young farmer's son, embarks on a perilous quest to rescue a princess from a troll in the Dovre mountains. Guided by ancient Norse folklore and his own courage, he must overcome mythical creatures and a treacherous kingdom to save both the princess and his family's farm.

Critical Reception

The film was generally well-received in its native Norway, praised for its ambitious production, visual effects, and faithful adaptation of Norwegian fairy tales. While it found a dedicated audience for its family-friendly fantasy adventure, it received a more modest reception internationally, with some critics noting its predictable plot but commending its charm and visual appeal.

What Reviewers Say

  • Visually impressive with strong ties to Norwegian folklore.

  • A charming, if somewhat formulaic, fantasy adventure for families.

  • Offers a fun introduction to classic Scandinavian myths.

Google audience: Audiences generally enjoyed the film's magical atmosphere and its engaging storyline, finding it to be a well-made fantasy adventure suitable for all ages. Many appreciated its faithful representation of Norwegian folk tales.

Fun Fact

The film is the first installment in a planned trilogy based on Norwegian fairy tales, with the subsequent films being 'The Ash Lad: The Princess and the Peasant' and 'The Ash Lad: The Land of the Trolls'.

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