ATLANTIC CROSSING: Episode 1 and 2: “Angrepet” and “Tronefall”
Exciting politics, passion, and Christian courage in wartime.
Should You Watch It?
These first two episodes offer the rare combination of excellent filmmaking and strong moral purpose. The danger feels constant as Norway faces Nazi Germany, but the story is not spiritually bleak. Children and parents pray in detailed appeals to God, and those prayers give the jeopardy meaning and hope.
The series also brings history to life through wonderful acting, beautiful sets and cinematography, and impressive historical authenticity. Younger children may find the bombing, shootings, threats, and political tensions too intense. Older children and teenagers can benefit from seeing a story about courage, national responsibility, family separation, and dependence on God.
For family viewing, choose these first two episodes if your children are mature enough for wartime danger and serious political themes.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESAs World War II approaches, Norway’s Crown Prince Olav and Crown Princess Martha try to secure help from President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and King George VI of England. When Germany invades Norway, the royal family is separated.
Olav flees with his father, King Haakon, while Martha tries to reach safety with her children. Norway’s royal family must navigate military danger, uncertain allies, and desperate efforts to reunite.
Is It Any Good?
Four stars means these episodes are outstanding entertainment. They are extremely well-directed, with beautiful sets and cinematography, wonderful acting, and tremendous jeopardy in nearly every moment.
The historical authenticity is also excellent. The first two episodes are exciting, morally uplifting, and reminiscent of the great television series from the Golden Age of Television. The source offers no specific craft criticism of these episodes; the available review is overwhelmingly positive.
The Worldview
The series presents a strong moral worldview with extensive Christian content. The Norwegian royal family turns toward God through powerful, in-depth prayers rather than casual religious references. Those prayers become a source of courage while the family faces invasion, separation, and uncertainty.
The story also values family loyalty, national responsibility, courage, and concern for the freedom of an oppressed nation. It portrays Nazi Germany as a brutal threat and shows the moral cost of political neutrality when a country is in danger. Norway looks toward England and the Allies for help, while Sweden’s ties to Germany complicate its response.
The series does not present every nation or leader as equally courageous. Political interests, fear, divided loyalties, and pressure from Germany shape the decisions of Sweden, Britain, and the United States. The historical presentation is strongly pro-Norwegian, according to the source review, while still emphasizing the broader moral struggle against Hitler’s military power.
At the center is a family asking God for help when human power cannot guarantee safety. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Dominant Worldview and Other Worldview Content/Elements
Very strong historical, moral worldview, with extensive Christian content, including very powerful prayers and statements about Christian faith, especially the Norwegian royal family, as was the case the Swedish king leans toward Hitler, and lots of national interests come into play among Norway, Sweden, German, Britain, and the United States
Foul Language
One OMG profanity and another light obscenity
Violence
Constant threat of violence by Nazi Germany, German officer shoots pet palace dog to keep it quiet, German planes bomb ships and villages and strafe fleeing cabinet members and others in the government trying to escape the onslaught of the Nazis, and severe threats of violence
Sex
Very mild scene of royal couple fully dressed getting romantic in a sleeping car on a train
Nudity
Children with upper nudity being bathed, but no other nudity
Alcohol Use
Typical alcohol use for banquets, dinners, and other functions
Smoking and/or Drug Use and Abuse
Lots of smoking because it’s the 1940s;
Miscellaneous Immorality
Swedish king favors the Germans and is willing to sacrifice politically his niece, countries turn a cold eye to Norway’s struggle to survive, and spies everywhere, and German ambassador threatens Swedish king to stop the king from sheltering his niece, the Crown Princess of Norway.
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
The royal family prays when danger surrounds them. What does it mean to ask God for help while still having to make difficult choices?
Psalm 46:1 · Philippians 4:6–7Norway’s leaders must decide whether neutrality will protect their country. When is standing for what is right more important than protecting our own comfort?
Proverbs 31:8–9 · James 4:17The royal family is separated by war and keeps working toward reunion. How can families remain faithful and loving when circumstances keep them apart?
Romans 12:10 · Colossians 3:12–14Several nations respond to Norway’s suffering through fear or political self-interest. How should Christians respond when another person or group is in trouble?
Luke 10:30–37 · Galatians 6:2The Final Word
The first two episodes of Atlantic Crossing are gripping, beautifully acted, historically authentic, and strengthened by serious Christian faith. Younger children may need to wait, but mature middle schoolers, teenagers, and adults can find much to discuss and admire. WORTH WATCHING — MIDDLE SCHOOL AND UP.
