The Shamer’s Daughter (2015)

Director: Kenneth Kainz

Starring: Jakob Oftebro, Rebecca Emilie Sattrup, Peter Plaugborg, Roland Møller

Medieval Dunark’s ruling family is murdered and the heir found with a bloody dagger. As the witch Shamer can’t shame the heir to admit, the Shamer’s daughter is fetched, as she, too, can make people see their shameful acts.

The King of Dunark, his pregnant wife, and their 4-year old son have been murdered. They are survived by their son Nicodemus, who is the heir to the thrown. Found with a bloodied knife in his hands, Nicodemus is the suspect, but when he fails to confess, the Master of the Law sends for Melussina Tonerre, who is a witch and has the ability to see the shame in people.

Prince Drakan then sends for Melussina’s daughter, Dina, who also has the gift but is more powerful. But in Drakan is more than meets the eye. He framed Nicodemus, and tries to kill Dina, upon which she and Nicodemus flees. Now, Drakan – who allegedly is the King’s illegitimated son – ascends the throne, and sends his men to find and kill Dina and Nicodemus, while Dina is trying her mother who is to be executed.

‘The Shamer’s Daughter’ is a sword and sorcery film set in Medieval times, and even features dragons. The visuals are very good and the performances – especially Rebecca Emilie Sattrup as Dina – are excellent. It is a film that touches on elements of betrayal, loyalty and friendship, and ultimately makes for action-packed entertainment. I enjoyed it.

The Danish Robert Awards are equivalent to the Oscars, and ‘The Shamer’s Daughter’ won the Robert for Best Youth Film, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Costume Design, Best Original Score, and Best Visual Effects. It also received Robert nominations for Best Production Design, Best Cinematography, Best Make-up, Best Editing, and Best Sound.

Would I watch it again? Yes.