Director: Ola Solum

Cast: Jack Fjeldstad, Maria Bonnevie, Tobias Hoesl, Monica Nordquist, Anna-Lotta Larsson

Format: 1 DVD

Certificate: U

Running Time: 88 mins

Availability: 3rd November

Plot: 

After his father is killed, King Valemon ascends the throne and is slated to marry the less-than-attractive Queen of Summerland. When he refuses, she magically turns him in a Polar Bear. The luckless prince must travel to Winterland to seek out a human to help him break the spell. 

POLAR BEAR KING was first made in 1991 and despite being filmed almost 14 years ago, it is still as relevant and endearing today as it was back then.

This film is a sweeping and fanciful adaptation of a Norwegian folk legend, which is a beautifully told story that may not be a blockbuster which contains the special effects and wonders of CGI that we have become accustomed today in movies of this genre, but it is still ornate and likely to enthral children regardless of its stylistic offerings.

POLAR BEAR KING was filmed in Scandanavia and is an enchanting visualisation of an old folk tale. The movie tells the story of King Valemon (Jack Fjeldstad) who takes over the throne after the death of his father, and is facing the prospect of marrying the less-than- attractive Queen of Summerland. With that being the last thing which he desires, he abstains from the expected matrimony and refuses to marry her.

Rather predictably, the Queen-come-witch (Anna-Lotta Larsson) is furious to hear of his rejection calls upon her skills as a sorceress to turn the unsuspecting Valemon into a Polar Bear. Refusing to be condemned for life as an animal, the King sets his trust upon mankind to help him break the spell and hope that humanity will indeed save the day.

Setting off for Winterland, he hopes to find a wife (despite being a gigantic, furry, white creature!) to take back home and the lucky royal manages to find a willing suitor – who is already a princess nonetheless! 

The luckless prince must seek out a human to help him break the spell, so he travels to Winterland to find a wife to take home. Filling the bill is a beautiful princess (Maria Bonnevie), who joins the furry prince on a perilous journey back to Summerland. The duo are truly happy and very much in love, despite the transformation of the King and the future looks set to be theirs. But as always, there is a twist to the plot. Princess is not allowed to look upon the face of her beloved when he turns back into a man at night and unable to resist the temptation of her handsome partner, she breaks the rules…

The cinematography for the POLAR BEAR KING is beautifully constructed, especially given the age of the film. The props and costume create a theatre, stage-like feel to the film and the cast deliver the hidden message of the story about keeping your promises and having the courage to face your fears.  

POLAR BEAR KING will have you swept away by the magic of the season and provides that feel good factor of how in the end, good triumphs over evil.

This enchanting festive film is available to buy on DVD from November 3rd.

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