The King Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A reluctant party prince inherits the throne, starts a war based on fake news, and then marries the French princess who calls him out on his BS.

🍿 The King: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Reluctant Prince

Prince Hal, heir to the English throne, lives a carefree life, distancing himself from his royal duties and his father, King Henry IV. He prefers the company of his friend Falstaff and spends his time drinking and carousing. Hal’s younger brother, Thomas, is seen as the more suitable heir.

Becoming King Henry V

After Thomas dies in battle, Hal is thrust into the role of heir. Shortly after, King Henry IV passes away, leaving Hal to reluctantly become King Henry V. He inherits a kingdom facing political turmoil and the looming threat of war with France. Hal strives to distance himself from his father’s methods, seeking peace where possible.

The Road to Agincourt

Provoked by the Dauphin of France, and manipulated by his own advisors who believe war is necessary to unite England, Henry V declares war on France. He relies on Falstaff’s counsel and appoints him as his chief military strategist. The English army invades France, leading to the pivotal Battle of Agincourt.

The Battle of Agincourt

Despite being outnumbered, the English, under Falstaff’s strategy, defeat the French at Agincourt. The battle is brutal and costly, claiming Falstaff’s life. Henry V orders the execution of French prisoners, a decision that weighs heavily on him. The Dauphin is killed in the muddy battlefield.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Hal (Timothée Chalamet): A wayward prince who reluctantly becomes King Henry V and must navigate war and political treachery.
• Falstaff (Joel Edgerton): Hal’s close friend and mentor, an aging alcoholic knight who becomes his chief military strategist.
• King Henry IV (Ben Mendelsohn): The ailing and tyrannical King of England, distrustful of his son Hal.
• William Gascoigne (Sean Harris): Hal’s Chief Justice who manipulates him into war for the sake of English unity.
• Dauphin (Robert Pattinson): The arrogant and provocative French heir who challenges Henry V’s rule.
• Catherine (Lily-Rose Depp): The daughter of the French King Charles VI, who becomes Henry V’s wife and challenges his motives.
• Hotspur (Tom Glynn-Carney): A rebellious English nobleman who challenges King Henry IV’s authority and is defeated by Hal.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Hal: “You expect of me a speech? I have only one to give – and it is the same one I’d give were we not standing on the brim of a battlefield.” – Hal’s pre-battle speech, rallying his troops before the Battle of Agincourt.
• Hal: “All men are born to die. We know it. We carry it with us always. If your day be today, so be it! Mine will be tomorrow! Or mine today and yours tomorrow. It matters not.” – A philosophical part of Hal’s speech, emphasizing the inevitability of death and the importance of unity.
• Hal: “Fight not for yourselves, fight for that space! Fill that space! Make it tissue! Make it mass! Make it impenetrable! Make it yours! Make it England!” – Hal’s inspiring call to action for his soldiers to fight for the idea of England, and its place in their hearts.
• Catherine: “All monarchy is illegitimate.” – Queen Catherine challenges Hal’s claim to the throne.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $23,000,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $126,931

💥 The King Reviews

Personal Review

I really enjoyed ‘The King’ because it felt raw and real. Timothée Chalamet was fantastic as Henry V – you could really see the weight of the crown on him. The battle scenes were intense, especially Agincourt, and left me feeling exhausted just watching. I also loved Joel Edgerton as Falstaff; his performance was understated but powerful. The ending, where Henry confronts the truth about the war, was a strong finish. This movie isn’t just entertainment; it got me thinking about power and the cost of leadership. If you love historical dramas and great acting, definitely check it out!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of historical dramas”
  • “Those interested in Shakespearean adaptations”
  • “Viewers who appreciate gritty and realistic battle scenes”
  • “Fans of Timothée Chalamet and Joel Edgerton”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “War themes”
  • “Some coarse language”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A dark and gritty take on Shakespeare’s Henry V, ‘The King’ is visually impressive, but its slow pace and historical liberties may not appeal to all. Chalamet delivers a compelling performance as the conflicted young monarch, struggling with the burdens of power and the manipulations of his court. The battle of Agincourt is brutal and realistic, showcasing the grim realities of medieval warfare.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “While ‘The King’ takes significant liberties with historical accuracy, it offers a compelling character study of Henry V. Timothée Chalamet shines as the reluctant king, and Joel Edgerton provides a grounded presence as Falstaff. The film’s visuals are stunning, and the battle sequences are visceral and engaging, making it a worthwhile watch despite its deviations from historical fact.

Audience Reactions

Timothée Chalamet’s performance was praised as captivating and nuanced.: Most viewers appreciated the film’s gritty realism and intense battle sequences.

Joel Edgerton’s portrayal of Falstaff was highlighted as a standout performance.: Many found the movie visually stunning, with strong direction and cinematography.

Overall Consensus: A visually impressive and well-acted historical drama, though it takes liberties with historical facts, it offers a compelling character study and intense battle sequences.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “All characters existed in real life, except John Falstaff. In Henry IV Parts 1 and 2, William Shakespeare based Falstaff loosely on the historical Sir John Oldcastle, a companion of Prince Henry. He renamed the character because of Oldcastle’s powerful family.”
• “The film blends elements from Shakespeare’s Henriad plays (Henry IV, Parts 1 & 2, and Henry V) while also taking historical liberties to create a unique narrative.”
• “To prepare for their roles, the cast underwent extensive training in sword fighting and medieval combat techniques to authentically portray the battles.”

🖥️ How to Watch The King?

The King is available to stream exclusively on Netflix. Unfortunately, it is not available for rent or purchase on platforms like Prime Video or Apple TV. A Netflix subscription is required to watch this movie.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The King, you might like these similar films:

• Henry V (1989): A direct comparison, as it is a more faithful adaptation of Shakespeare’s play about Henry V’s reign and the Battle of Agincourt.
• Braveheart (1995): Thematic similarities in its depiction of a leader fighting for his country’s freedom against a larger, oppressive force, even if historically inaccurate.
• Gladiator (2000): Shares the theme of a reluctant leader thrust into a position of power and forced to navigate political intrigue and warfare.
• Outlaw King (2018): A modern equivalent exploring similar themes of medieval warfare, leadership, and the struggle for Scottish independence.

🛒 The King Related Products

• Henry V (The Complete Signet Classic Shakespeare): Read the original Shakespearean play that inspired ‘The King’. Enjoy Shakespeare’s timeless verse with detailed annotations.
• Medieval Knight Figurine Set – Hand Painted – 6 pieces: A set of six meticulously hand-painted medieval knight figurines. Authentic armor and weapons details.
• Crusader Kings III [PC Download]: Engage in complex medieval strategy as you manage your dynasty, forge alliances, and wage wars. Experience the political intrigue and historical events of the era.
• The King Movie Poster – Timothée Chalamet – Limited Edition: A high-quality print of the official movie poster featuring Timothée Chalamet. Numbered limited edition.

🎧 Soundtrack

The King features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Off to War” – performed by Nicholas Britell
• “Crown” – performed by Nicholas Britell
• “The Aftermath” – performed by Nicholas Britell

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

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