Alicia Vikander and Mikael Persbrandt, are being celebrated by foreign press and actors.
Two Swedish actors are being celebrated by foreign press and the movie industry itself: Alicia Vikander (for her part in the new version of “Anna Karenina,” in which she plays Kitty with Keira Knightley in the title role and Jude Law as Karenin) and Mikael Persbrandt for his part in the film, “The Hobbit.” People Magazine writes about Vikander: “She was born to be a star.” The 24-year-old, who comes from Göteborg, began her career in the Swedish television series “Andra avenyn” five years ago and has ever since been one of Sweden’s most noted stars. Her real breakthrough came in 2010 in the film “Till det som är vackert” (“Pure”), and this year she was praised in the 18th century drama “A Royal Affair” about the Danish queen Caroline Mathilde. But it's the latter one that makes People Magazine burst out in praise, saying Vikander is one (of three) reasons to go see the Danish flick.
“She is captivating as the amazingly clever Caroline. Denmark’s bid for an Oscar is wonderfully acted by Vikander and Mads Mikkelsen." People Magazine also cites the British film “Anna Karenina” where Vikander steals several scenes, although she only has a smaller part there.
Link to the trailer of "A Royal Affair"
What about Persbrandt? “He’s amazing. We loved his energy,” said director Peter Jackson about working with the Swedish actor in the Hobbit trilogy. “We auditioned many actors, but he was the best person for the role.” Persbrandt is playing Beorn, a creature that’s half human and half bear. “He really captured the primitive energy,” Jackson said. And fellow actor Ian McKellen was equally enthusiastic over Persbrandt: “He came with a completely new and wonderful spirit. He became very popular among us. Full of energy, enthusiasm, and faith. Always optimistic. And he was always jetlagged, he was always flown in from some other job. We talked about Ingmar Bergman and found each other.”
The first about The Hobbit has had record audiences wherever it opened - best grossing opening night in Sweden this year with an audience of close to 80,000 when the movie opened (don't expect Persbrandt in this the first of the three films, however). Link to the official trailer: "The Hobbit"
