Swedish cinema (Danish colaboration) continues to show us what our movies, sometimes, only wish they could be - with just a fraction of the budget. This is so much more than costume drama and is based on true events. Whether you like political intrigue, the progress of human freedoms, costume drama or star crossed love, this movie will impress.Early 1770's - Young, progressive English Princess Caroline Mathilda is sent to Denmark as the bride of King Christian VII. Her teenage romantic hopefulness is answered almost immediately in her first meeting with the young king who seems foppish and immature as a young child at the very best. Her early fears are confirmed as the young king appears to be mad and is manipulated and marginalized by his corrupt counsel. The archaic, essentially still feudal, system is causing the people to suffer and die while corruption funnels away the county's finances into ruin.Enter a German Doctor Struensee. He is brought to court to help control the king's wilder behavior in spite of his views on human rights and ideas about modern governance (which he initially keeps secret). He finds that being a friend to the king and showing a modicum of respect actually helps calm him and moderates his loathfull behavior to the queen. Queen Caroline then finds that the very one she thought was her enemy is actually her best ally, like mind, confidant, and eventually lover. The older doctor can of course not resist a woman so beautiful, young and of high standing that he could never dream to win.Their alliance, along with several other courtiers brought in, helps to seize control from the corrupt council and begins to affect policies of good governance which benefit the people immensely. The "how" is very engaging and the entire process is an epoch and a treat. Sacrifices are made along the way and one might ask if it was all worth it. The policies enacted by Denmark were noted by great thinkers you would immediately recognize and were a shining light in Europe which was itself in turmoil of great change. This movie was beautiful and romantic. Yet, it also makes one ask questions of themselves at different points. I wondered where my thought would have fallen back then. I am a moderate conservative. However, the principles of governance and human rights proposed at this period were considered very radical and progressive for their time.Again, I asked myself if the sacrifices were worth it. But, Struensee won the love of a beautiful young queen , became primary consul of a nation, and changed the world. He is immortalized. What would one give for that?This is a shining example of what Swedish (and other Nordic countries) are accomplishing with their cinema right now. Stories of great depth and character development that Hollywood often refuses to attempt. Only after movies like "Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" or "Battle Royal" (Japanese), Hunger Games as we know it, gain such world acclaim does Hollywood come back and copy them. I love the two Holywood productions I just mentioned, but it took someone else proving their value before they were willing to do stories like that.Alicia Vikander is hauntingly charming as Caroline, not so exotic that it's excessive. In other words - perfect. Mads Mikkelsen has so many terrific roles to his credit I should hardly even have to mention it. Yet, his role as a marginally attractive, slightly older man that wins a queen with ideas is completely beleivable, never overdone.