The King is the latest in a long line of productions based on the works of the great William Shakespeare.
It is a tale thrice removed from reality as the events were written down by Shakespeare, who added several fictional details to his play.
Directed by David Michôd, The King mixes fact with fiction. He tries to create a historically accurate account while taking dramatization liberties. Read on for a complete review as we decipher what’s real and what’s not.
1. Quick Review
The King tries to retain Shakespeare’s eloquent characterization and storytelling. Still, he lacks his humor and depth, cramming events from two plays into a 140-minute movie.
The cast is superb, and the cinematography and direction exceptional.
The battles look amazing filed with blood, muddy trenches, and shouts of despair as the sound of steel clashing rings in the air. The movie is a good watch, but although it is not a well-documented account of history.
2. Is It Worth Watching?
The King mixes real historical characters, historical events and battles with its personal twist of dramatization and imagination.
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It is based on the Henreid collection of Shakespeare’s plays, namely Henry IV Parts 1 and 2 and Henry V, which chart the rise of England’s Plantagenet House in the 15th century.
I. Plot
While the plays focused on issues such as diplomacy and the struggle between the desire for war and the necessity for peace, the movie changes the narrative to chronicle the heroic rise of Henry V after the death of his father.
Timothée Chalamet plays the young Prince Hal, who spends his time drinking, feasting, and merry-making with his friends. When the death of his younger brother in battle and the untimely demise of his father forces him to take the throne, military ambition takes over him leading to the Hundred Years War.
II. Cast and Performances
Timothee Chalamet shines as the young Prince Hal complete with a bowl-cut hairdo. The part is similar to the roles he has played in the past. He showcases the coming-of-age story of Henry and his transformation from drunken debauchee to warrior and military leader with grace.
Joel Edgerton plays Falstaff Hal’s childhood friend and trusted advisor. His character is one of the major inconsistencies in the movie as he is transformed from a jester in the play to Harry’s trusted friend, who shares an emotional bond with him. He outshines Chalamet in some scenes along the front lines.
Robert Pattinson makes a late appearance in the movie and is a spark of life in the grim and muddy trenches. The cheerful interpretation and smirking attitude he gives to the French Commander Dauphin makes the audience dislike him immediately. A perfect counterpart to Henry, he commands his scenes and fills them with energy.
3. Is it Historically Accurate?
The movie closely follows fact and recreates historical events in some parts while completely diverging from Shakespeare’s work in the others.
The first look of Chalamet, which created a huge buzz as people mourned the loss of his wavy locks which were replaced by a bowl-cut, is, in fact, how Henry V wore his hair. The hair & makeup and the props department have done their best to lend authenticity to this period drama.
Falstaff, who in Shakespeare’s plays, was a representation of Henry’s youthful days and a comic character has been transformed into his best friend and most trusted advisor.
The bond that the two men share is one of the major themes in the movie, but Shakespeare enthusiasts have been left disappointed and puzzled with this change.
Henry’s invasion of France and the subsequent Battle of Agincourt is one of the major events in the movie. Its depiction is the most realistic part of the movie as not only to the facts align with the movie, but the cinematography also gives us an immersive view of the human side of the war.
The day before the battle, heavy rains had turned the battlefield into a muddy swamp. The French soldiers weighed down by their heavy armor advanced and fell to the onslaught of arrows from English longbows. This was a strategic victory for Henry, as his army was heavily outnumbered.
After the battle, Chalamet orders the execution of the captured French prisoners to prevent another uprising in a stirring performance. In reality, Henry V had also given a similar order. His marriage to Catherine of Valois and their relationship is romanticized by the creators and has no historical evidence.
4. Final Thoughts
Although the movie features fine acting and direction, it comes off as a grim and dull adaptation of some of Shakespeare’s greatest plays.
It is a good period piece and should be viewed as such and not as a truthful account of important historical events.
5. Grade
Story: B+
Cinematography/Animation: A
Direction: A-
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