This is how I remember fantasy 🏰👹🏞

Before I start talking about this awesome fantasy adventure film that I watched recently, let me say that I had zero knowledge of anything Ash Lad before this. The beautiful setup of The Ash Lad: In Search of the Golden Castle makes it okay for those who didn't see the first one to understand everything that is going on.

The Norwegian version of this film is called Askeladden: I Soria Moria slott, but I watched the English version of it. I for some reason loved dubbed movies, it adds an extra layer of hilarity that may not exist with the original. It also gives a person like me who only speaks English the chance to enjoy many great foreign films.

Now let's talk about why I think this is an absolute must-watch for any fan of fantasy and comedy.

The movie starts out with three hilarious brothers who are part of an all-male household of peasants who live on a farm. The dad and three boys all have very likable personalities, each one with their own niche. It won't be long before you are cracking up at the way these boys are.

To their surprise, the three boys are invited to the birthday of princess Kristin. She is part of the royal family, but still likes these young lads and treats them like normal human beings, unlike the rest of the royals. Kristin is especially fond of the Ash Lad aka Espen. While at the party, the other two brothers are framed for poisoning Kristin's parents who are King and Queen.

The only way that the King and Queen might be saved is by Espen and Kristin venturing out into the beautiful world to find Soria Moria and the Golden Castle. Legend says that the water of life is within the palace and can cure anything.

Kristin was meant to be poisoned too, so she got lucky. Espen is more than happy to lead the way for the princess. They both have an attraction towards each other, but nobody acts on it. They instead go on a journey as friends and complement each other in various ways.

Kristin loves how positive Espen is, despite how difficult his life is each day. It is an odd duo to find a princess and a peasant out alone together, but that is what fantasy is after all. This adventure is so much fun to go on and will keep you laughing throughout.

As with any adventure, there are of course villains and they are both hilarious and evil. Espen isn't much of a fighter, so he and Kristin must be careful not to get caught by the dangerous Danes who wish to take over the kingdom.

There are so many unique characters throughout these lands. Espen and Kristin meet a tiny old man who is supposedly the only person to ever survive Soria Moria and be able to tell about it. The sequence of how they finally meet this miniature old man is quite comical.

Once the two finally reach the Golden Castle, you will be very surprised to find what awaits them there. I don't want to spoil things, but you will expect some and be totally blindsided by others. The goal is to get the water of life and save the King and Queen, but can they do it?

Clearly, Espen and Kristin are in love, but that isn't something easy to admit. A princess is meant to marry a prince, not a peasant. Some love is best left untouched, while others burn so strongly that it can't be ignored forever. Could this be a love that lasts a lifetime or will it not be accepted by the royals?

Seeing this movie makes me want to go back and watch The Ash Lad: In the Hall of the Mountain King. I may do that eventually. I feel like people in Norway probably enjoy these films a lot. I imagine that living in a place so gorgeous must feel like every day is fantasyland, that is until you get used to it and grow bored as we do with everything. One thing that won't leave you bored is The Ash Lad. I highly recommend that you watch it. Here is the trailer for your viewing convenience.