The King: Movie Review
Violence, love, beards, and bowl cuts, could this be another Game of Thrones? Unfortunately, no, but this is The King, a riveting 140-minute motion picture reliving King Henry V's rocky taking to the English throne. This medium of work might sound barbaric and slow, and to an extent, it is. But recent Oscar nominee and star of the film, Timothée Chamalet, will take your breath away with his as always, strong and serious performance. In contrast, you will be treated with the humor of Robert Pattinson's try at a French accent without the use of a single French word. Of course, you might've heard the rumors of a Lily-Rose Depp appearance, which I won't spoil, but it'll be well worth the wait.
Based on Shakespeare's group of historical plays, known by The Henriad, which takes on the drama of 15th century English monarchy, The King covers major events, such as King Henry's bad relationship with his father, thus the reluctance of his father to pass down the crown, the Battle of Agincourt, and a short but pleasing peek into his romance with Catherine of Valois (The King of France's daughter).
About six minutes into the film, we see a snoozy Chamalet, drinking away and living not necessarily his best life, but in reality, the life that's for him: distancing himself from the monarchy and its violence. However, this freedom comes to an end when Hal is unexpectedly requested by the King's messengers that his father is ill, and it is time he returns home. After trying to drink away his problems, Hal's confidante, Sir John Falstaff convinces him [Hal] to see his father, as he might regret it later on. Hal goes through with this and is told by his father that he will not be granted the crown, but that Hal's younger brother will be given the title to the English throne. Hal hits back at his family by interrogating his brother Thomas, for when he sets off to fight in his first battle, in which it becomes evident that Hal is opposed to war and the politics surrounding it. However, Hal knows there is no stopping this violence and ironically visits Thomas in an attempt to put a stop to the never-ending issue of war during this time period. The irony is that by the end of this encounter, Hal kills the rival in this battle in his request to fight him man to man, more in hopes that they talk out their differences rather than spill blood in the process. This angers Thomas and he leaves to be killed on his next battle, again making Hal next in line for the crown. Hal is then pleaded again by the King's staff to come back and take on the dying wish of Hal's father and the kingdom. Hal warns the staff that this kingdom will be ruled by a completely different king than that of his father, but this is quick to be challenged when the new King receives gifts by leaders of other countries. Hal is finally challenged in his beliefs as France sends a gift that mocks his unwillingness to fight and that is where the film takes a turn.
The prince of France is thoughtfully played by Robert Pattinson who gives an obvious humorous take on the French people and his dim-witted, ego-centric, character by using a more unruly, ugly, obnoxious French pronunciation that ultimately distracts from Chamalet's classic performance. But of course, you'll have to watch the film to get a kick out of Pattinson's accent and see why it shockingly stole the hearts of the internet through memes and tweets.
By the end of the film, we are refreshed by the performance of Lily-Rose Depp. By this point in the film, we see how Hal has made a complete 360 in how he's created this blood bath of a situation between him and France. Robert Pattinson's father, the King, wishes that Hal take his daughter in marriage, in addition to the land he's won. Hal agrees and meets with Catherine (Depp), who is a short, yet impactful performance shows Hal what he's become and how in reality he was fooled by his "trusted" staff to become such a dominant, violent leader. Through this, Catherine makes clear through her words and poise that she will not submit to such a fool and will receive the respect she deserves as a woman, not a prize that was won from such vulgarity and violence. Hal agrees due to the truth Catherine speaks and what she's made him realize. With this, Hal sees the greatness that Catherine possesses as a partner and finds the loyalty and peace he's been searching for within her. He only requests that she continues to speak the truth and only the truth, with which she complies happily.
Before, and after the positive response to the film, people have been more persuaded to see The King, more specifically due to the romance that budded between Depp and Chamalet during the production of this film, which has been seen through numerous paparazzi photos.
However, does this take away from the film and the fact that the film is great whether it stars such sought after, successful, and beautiful young people with such an intense connection? It's becoming increasingly so, indeed, as headlines start to emerge on Youtube and in other written publications through clickbait titles like Timothée Chamalet Spills On Pivotal Scene With Girlfriend Lily-Rose Depp In The King (EXCLUSIVE). Of course, the interviewer asks more serious questions to attract the attention of Chamalet who is probably so used to annoying paparazzi attacks on his personal life. But by some point in the interview does Chamalet let out a nervous laugh to which he's questioned on the choice of Lily as his partner of interest in the film. This awkwardness can be seen again in the interview, Lily-Rose Depp Reveals What's So Special About her Boyfriend, Timothée Chamalet, as Depp is questioned about Chamalet's "sexy accent."
In a way though, we have to sit back and think, would this "couple's" performance been as beautiful as it was, or send the message it did if these two didn't have a prior or current likeliness for the other? Jokingly, could these two be the next Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie?
Strike Out,
Writer: Joey Flanagan
Editors: Gillian McKendree and Savannah Tindall
Tallahassee