The Good Traitor

MovieGuys 10/27/2025 5:26:18AM 8.4

"The Good Traitor" offers an insight into the little known rebellion, of the Ambassador to Denmark to the USA, against his home government, during WWII. After Denmark's invasion by the Nazi's Henrik Kauffmann declared his embassy in the USA the true representative of Denmark, given his home government was under coercive foreign management. An example followed by several other Danish embassies around the world. What follows is a fascinating mix of political and personal drama, as Kauffmann masterfully manipulates the situation, with the help of his well connected American wife, to first secure his and other breakaway embassies financial position and then reach agreements, with the USA, on his nations behalf, that persist to this day. Underlying the politicking is a personal tale of love and infidelity, between Kauffmann and his wife. This is a superbly acted film, Ulrich Thomsen and Denise Gough, hand in convincing performances as the Kauffmann's, as indeed, do the rest of the cast. In summary, a fascinating insight into an unusual political period in Danish history and the lives of those who shaped it. A recommended watch.