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The Polar Bear King

Original title: Kvitebjørn Kong Valemon
  • 1991
  • PG
  • 1h 28m
IMDb RATING
5.9/10
973
YOUR RATING
Maria Bonnevie in The Polar Bear King (1991)
AdventureFamilyFantasy

After his father is killed, King Valemon ascends the throne, only to be turned into a polar bear by a bitter witch who wants to be his queen. Valemon must find a bride in the seven year span... Read allAfter his father is killed, King Valemon ascends the throne, only to be turned into a polar bear by a bitter witch who wants to be his queen. Valemon must find a bride in the seven year span that he'll be a polar bear, and so he travels to Winterland and finds a wife to take home... Read allAfter his father is killed, King Valemon ascends the throne, only to be turned into a polar bear by a bitter witch who wants to be his queen. Valemon must find a bride in the seven year span that he'll be a polar bear, and so he travels to Winterland and finds a wife to take home. Although they are happy, she is not allowed to look upon his face when he turns back int... Read all

  • Director
    • Ola Solum
  • Writers
    • Erik Borge
    • Peter Christen Asbjørnsen
  • Stars
    • Jack Fjeldstad
    • Maria Bonnevie
    • Tobias Hoesl
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • IMDb RATING
    5.9/10
    973
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Ola Solum
    • Writers
      • Erik Borge
      • Peter Christen Asbjørnsen
    • Stars
      • Jack Fjeldstad
      • Maria Bonnevie
      • Tobias Hoesl
    • 18User reviews
    • 2Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro

    • Photos31

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    Top cast21

    Edit
    Jack Fjeldstad
    • King of the Winterland
    Maria Bonnevie
    Maria Bonnevie
    • Princess
    Tobias Hoesl
    Tobias Hoesl
    • King Valemon
    Monica Nordquist
    Monica Nordquist
    • King Valemon's Mother
    Anna-Lotta Larsson
    Anna-Lotta Larsson
    • Witch
    Jon Laxdal
    • Helper
    • (as Jòn Laxdal)
    Helge Jordal
    • Devil
    Marika Enstad
    • Oldest Princess
    Kristin Mack
    • Middle Princess
    Rüdiger Kuhlbrodt
    Rüdiger Kuhlbrodt
    • Merchant
    Ulrich Faulhaber
    • Merchant
    Bengt Ellis
    • Stable Master
    Karen Randers-Pehrson
    • Midwife
    Bjørn Uglem
    • Kaukeren
    Karen Høie
    • Midwife's Assistant
    Siw Anita Andersen
    Siw Anita Andersen
    • Jordemorassistent
    • (as Siw A. Andersen)
    Julie Frilseth Langseth
    • Little Princess
    • (as Julie F. Langseth)
    Ruth Gury Tessand
    • Little Princess
    • Director
      • Ola Solum
    • Writers
      • Erik Borge
      • Peter Christen Asbjørnsen
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews18

    5.9973
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    Featured reviews

    8presle

    A visual representation of a classic story.

    I absolutely love this movie. Though I have to say the bear? A little cheesy.

    But in regards to how it's acted and how the story flows I find it completely loyal to the fairytale/folktale genre. I obsessively collect and read folktales and one thing that characterizes them is that there is very little superfluous information, like the movie they are just bare bones.

    I first saw this movie when I was younger, and now as an adult I have to say I'm impressed with the fact that it retains it's integrity and stays true to the genre of folktales. The movie is really someone sitting around and telling you a story. There just happens to be people acting it out at the same time.

    Visually it's gorgeous and if you really love folk or fairy tales I can guarantee you'll love this movie.
    thekatsmeow11

    Great for kids

    When I was a little kid, I remember watching this movie over and over. Now that I've seen it again, I realize it's campy and cheesy, and I didn't find anything spectacular about it. It's pretty nice visually, and the acting is so so. But really, I'd avoid this movie if I were looking for a movie to rent for my peers and myself, or something of the sort.

    However, I can guarantee that your kids will love it. It's bright and colorful, the story is hardly complicated and is easy to catch on to. Also, it teaches good lessons (never give up, etc), it's innocent, and it is pretty fun. If you want a movie to keep your kids busy and entertained, I do highly recommend this for you.
    6up_north_girl

    An old Norwegian folk tale

    It is difficult to judge this movie for me, as a Norwegian, because I've heard this fairytale since I was a child. The story is an old folk tale, written down in the mid 1800, by the "folk tale collectors" Asbjørnsen and Moe. The tale is very similar to both "the beauty and the beast", and especially the old Greek myth of Eros and Psyche.

    The tale is built up as an ordinary fairytale, with the "3-times rule" and the moral. This movie can be a bit boring, and confusing, if you don't know the story. That is why my vote for the movie is 5, and an extra point for the fabulous fairytale:) I encourage anyone to read the tale of "Kvitebjørn KOng Valemon", especially if they would like to watch this movie.
    7Cedes

    Not fabulous, but a good retelling of the book.

    By no means is this a fabulous movie, there are infinitely better films. Truthfully, there are much higher rated movies that are much much worse than this one. However, it is a wonderful retelling of the children's book. As a family film - 6 and 12 year olds - we enjoyed this film. The scenery is wonderful, stark as it should be.
    6eaglefangs

    Then vs Now

    If six year old me was writing this movie I'd give it a 10/10 and say it was the best film ever made! As an adult, it's something to be enjoyed by kids. I'm one of those people that loves cheesy horror and sci-fi, but this is bad. However, I would say it's a movie where they did what they could with what they had.

    I watch it for nostalgia and that's about it. If you have kiddos then they'll probably enjoy. As an adult you may not. However I always say watch it for yourself and make a judgment call.

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    Storyline

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    Did you know

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    • Trivia
      The story of the king coming to his bride at night so she cannot see him, and her sisters convincing her to use a lantern to see him (which has negative consequences), is based of the Greek story of god Éros (Cupid) and his bride Psyché, which was also the basis for "Beauty and the Beast".
    • Quotes

      Princess: I must go with the bear.

      King of the winterland: Damn that bear.

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    FAQ

    • How long is The Polar Bear King?
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    Details

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    • Release date
      • April 1, 1994 (United States)
    • Countries of origin
      • Norway
      • Sweden
      • Germany
      • France
    • Languages
      • Norwegian
      • Swedish
    • Also known as
      • Король - Полярний Ведмідь
    • Production companies
      • Northern Lights
      • Connexion Film
      • MovieMakers
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

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    • Runtime
      1 hour 28 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby

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    Maria Bonnevie in The Polar Bear King (1991)
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