"Riget" (1994) TV mini-series

Seasons:

1

Release Date:

24 November 1994 (Denmark)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama | Fantasy | Horror | Mystery

Tagline:

A baptism of fear awaits you at... THE KINGDOM

Plot:

The Kingdom is the most technologically advanced hospital in Denmark, a gleaming bastion of medical science...

Plot Keywords:

Hospital | Ambulance | Elevator | Doctor | Science

Awards:

16 wins & 1 nomination

Cast

Udo Kier	...	Aage Krüger (4 episodes, 1994)
Ernst-Hugo Järegård	...	Helmer / ... (4 episodes, 1994)
Kirsten Rolffes	...	Sigrid Drusse (4 episodes, 1994)
Holger Juul Hansen	...	Einar Moesgaard / ... (4 episodes, 1994)
Søren Pilmark	...	Jørgen Krogshøj / ... (4 episodes, 1994)
Ghita Nørby	...	Rigmor / ... (4 episodes, 1994)
Jens Okking	...	Bulder / ... (4 episodes, 1994)
Annevig Schelde Ebbe	...	Mary / ... (4 episodes, 1994)
Baard Owe	...	Bondo (4 episodes, 1994)
Birgitte Raaberg	...	Judith / ... (4 episodes, 1994)
Peter Mygind	...	Mogge (4 episodes, 1994)
Vita Jensen	...	Dishwasher 1 (4 episodes, 1994)
Morten Rotne Leffers	...	Dishwasher 2 (4 episodes, 1994)
Laura Christensen	...	Mona / ... (4 episodes, 1994)
Ole Boisen	...	Christian (4 episodes, 1994)
Ulrik Cold	...	Narrator (4 episodes, 1994)
Louise Fribo	...	Sanne (4 episodes, 1994)
Peter Gilsfort	...	Dishwasher 2 (4 episodes, 1994)
Søren Elung Jensen	...	Man in Top Hat (4 episodes, 1994)
Ruth Junker	...	Dishwasher 1 (4 episodes, 1994)
Søren Lenander	...	Young Man (4 episodes, 1994)
Troels Lyby	...	Hook (4 episodes, 1994)
Holger Perfort	...	Professor Ulrich (4 episodes, 1994)
Lars von Trier	...	Himself (4 episodes, 1994)
Otto Brandenburg	...	Hansen (3 episodes, 1994)
Solbjørg Højfeldt	...	Camilla (3 episodes, 1994)
Bente Eskesen	...	Night Nurse (3 episodes, 1994)
Paul Hüttel	...	Steenbæk / ... (3 episodes, 1994)
Michael Simpson	...	Man from Haiti (3 episodes, 1994)
Benny Hansen	...	Driver on the Radio (2 episodes, 1994)
Dick Kaysø	...	Security Manager (2 episodes, 1994)
Finn Nielsen	...	Madsen (2 episodes, 1994)
Else Petersen	...	Old Lady (2 episodes, 1994)
Birte Tove	...	Nurse 1 (2 episodes, 1994)
Helle Virkner	...	Mrs. Mogensen (2 episodes, 1994)

Also Known As:

The Kingdom (France) (theatrical title) (International: English title)
Geister (Germany)
Hospital der Geister - The Kingdom (Germany) (video title)
L'hôpital et ses fantômes (France)
Lars von Trier præsenterer: Riget (Denmark) (video box title)
Lars von Triers Riget I (Denmark) (DVD box title)
Riket (Sweden)

Runtime:

Canada:265 min | Denmark:280 min | USA:279 min

Country:

Denmark | France | Germany | Sweden

Language:

Danish | Swedish

Colour:

Colour

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

Australia:M (theatrical rating) | Australia:R (DVD rating) | Singapore:M18 | New Zealand:R16 | Canada:14A (Canadian Home Video rating) | Germany:16 | Norway:15 | South Korea:18 | Sweden:15 | UK:18

Filming Locations:

Copenhagen, Denmark

Company:

Arte

Trivia:

The dishwashers' voices had to be dubbed throughout the first series, as it proved impossible for the two actors to recite their lines correctly.

Goofs:

Continuity: The level of coffee in Helmer's cup switches back and forth by inches between shots.

Quotes:

Helmer: Danish scum!

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Anecdotes from 'Epidemic' (2005) (V)

Riget=Riveting

Few films have had me in their grip as von Trier's THE KINGDOM. Difficult to describe in words. Basically a horror epic that takes you to a hospital that no self-respecting human would set foot in. The camerawork is a real feat of genius. Why? Well, for such jerky movement to hold my attention for 4 AND ONE HALF HOURS I have nothing but admiration.

And it made me want to see Part II immediately after! Come to think of it, if Lars wanted to, he could have made it a week long marathon and I would have forgone sleep to see it's conclusion! Bring me buckets of espresso and bags of sugar! I ain't goin' anywhere.........