The Man Who Would Be King Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two British ex-soldiers go to Afghanistan, become gods, then fail to understand basic biology, resulting in an epic face-biting incident and one guy getting a bridge-related haircut.

🍿 The Man Who Would Be King: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Contract

In 1880s India, ex-soldiers Daniel Dravot and Peachy Carnehan, seek out Rudyard Kipling to witness their contract. Their audacious plan: to travel to Kafiristan, a remote region untouched by modern civilization, and become kings. They vow to abstain from women and alcohol until they achieve their goal.

Journey to Kafiristan

Dravot and Carnehan embark on a perilous journey through treacherous terrain, facing bandits, blizzards, and avalanches. They acquire twenty Martini Henry rifles, essential for their plan to conquer Kafiristan. Along the way, they encounter Billy Fish, a Gurkha soldier who becomes their translator and guide.

Becoming Kings

Arriving in Kafiristan, Dravot and Carnehan leverage their military expertise to unite warring tribes. Dravot’s apparent invincibility in battle, due to a hidden bandolier, leads the locals to believe he’s a god, descended from Alexander the Great. They become revered rulers, gaining immense power and access to vast treasures.

Dravot’s Descent

Dravot’s newfound power corrupts him. He begins to believe in his own divinity, neglecting the original plan to loot and leave. He starts issuing laws, settling disputes, and even plans to modernize the country. Peachy, sensing danger, becomes increasingly concerned with escaping with their riches.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Daniel Dravot (Sean Connery): A former British soldier with grand ambitions who becomes consumed by his own perceived divinity after being mistaken for a god.
• Peachy Carnehan (Michael Caine): A pragmatic ex-soldier and con man who partners with Dravot, but remains grounded as Dravot ascends to power.
• Rudyard Kipling (Christopher Plummer): A journalist who is initially skeptical but becomes the recipient of Carnehan’s unbelievable tale.
• Billy Fish (Saeed Jaffrey): A loyal Gurkha soldier who serves as Dravot and Carnehan’s interpreter and guide in Kafiristan.
• Roxanne (Shakira Caine): A Kafiri woman who is forced to marry Dravot, ultimately leading to his downfall.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Daniel Dravot: “I’ve known what I wanted ever since I was a child. I’m going to be king!” – Dravot reveals his ambition to become a ruler, foreshadowing the film’s central premise.
• Peachy Carnehan: “We’re not gods. We’re English gentlemen.” – Peachy reminds Daniel of their true identities as their fabricated godhood starts to unravel.
• Daniel Dravot: “Brother to a Prince and fellow of no religion.” – Dravot and Carnehan’s Masonic greeting, which becomes instrumental in their acceptance in Kafiristan.
• Rudyard Kipling: “They were two scoundrels, yes, but magnificent scoundrels.” – Kipling reflects on the adventures of Dravot and Carnehan, acknowledging their flawed but grand nature.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $8,000,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $12,678

💥 The Man Who Would Be King Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely love this movie! The bromance between Connery and Caine is legendary, and the whole idea of two ordinary blokes becoming kings is just brilliant. The scenery is breathtaking and the story kept me hooked from start to finish. When Daniel started taking the whole ‘god’ thing seriously, I knew things were going to go south fast, but I was still gutted by the ending. The head was a bit much though!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of adventure films”
  • “Those interested in historical dramas”
  • “Viewers who enjoy stories about friendship and betrayal”
  • “Admirers of Sean Connery and Michael Caine”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence and battle scenes”
  • “Depictions of cultural insensitivity”
  • “Themes of imperialism and colonialism”
  • “Some scenes may be disturbing to sensitive viewers”

Professional Reviews

• Roger Ebert: “A grand adventure with superb performances by Connery and Caine. Huston masterfully balances the epic scale with intimate character moments, making it a deeply rewarding cinematic experience. The film’s themes of ambition and cultural clash are as relevant today as they were in 1975.
• Variety: “John Huston delivers a rousing, old-fashioned adventure yarn filled with action, humor, and strong performances. The exotic locales and thrilling set pieces create a visually stunning backdrop for the story of two con men who get in way over their heads. A must-see for fans of classic adventure films.
• Vincent Canby: “A visually impressive and entertaining film, though somewhat episodic. The chemistry between Connery and Caine is undeniable, and Huston’s direction captures the grandeur of the setting. While the narrative occasionally falters, the film’s overall impact is undeniable.

Audience Reactions

The chemistry between Sean Connery and Michael Caine is iconic and heartwarming.: Viewers rave about the witty dialogue and the epic scale of the adventure.

The film’s ending is both tragic and unforgettable.: Many appreciate the film’s exploration of themes like ambition, friendship, and cultural misunderstanding.

Overall Consensus: A beloved adventure classic with memorable performances and a captivating story.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film was John Huston’s passion project for over 20 years; he originally intended to cast Humphrey Bogart and Clark Gable in the lead roles.”
• “Sean Connery and Michael Caine were not Huston’s first choices; he considered Robert Redford and Paul Newman but felt Connery and Caine had better chemistry.”
• “The remote filming locations in Morocco presented numerous logistical challenges, including extreme weather conditions and communication difficulties.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Man Who Would Be King?

The Man Who Would Be King is available for purchase on digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check local listings for potential broadcast options. Some streaming services may offer it on a rotating basis.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Man Who Would Be King, you might like these similar films:

• Lawrence of Arabia (1962): Epic adventure showcasing a British officer becoming deeply involved in a foreign culture and achieving legendary status.
• Apocalypse Now (1979): Explores the corruption of power and the descent into madness in a foreign land, echoing themes of hubris and the dangers of ambition.
• The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948): Another John Huston classic about the corrupting influence of greed and the breakdown of camaraderie in the pursuit of riches.
• Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981): Shares the sense of adventure and exotic locales, appealing to those who enjoy historical action narratives.

🛒 The Man Who Would Be King Related Products

• The Man Who Would Be King (Blu-ray): High-definition transfer with bonus features, offering a pristine viewing experience. Features interviews with cast and crew and making-of documentaries.
• The Man Who Would Be King (Kindle Edition): The original Rudyard Kipling short story that inspired the film. Delve deeper into the source material and explore the nuances of the characters and themes.
• The Man Who Would Be King – Movie Poster: A high-quality reprint of the original movie poster. This is an eye-catching piece of memorabilia that celebrates the film’s legacy.
• The Man Who Would Be King – T-Shirt: A comfortable and stylish t-shirt featuring iconic imagery from the movie. Show off your love for this classic adventure film with this unique piece of merchandise.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “The Man Who Would Be King – Main Title” – performed by Maurice Jarre
• “The Trek” – performed by Maurice Jarre
• “The Son of God Goes Forth to War” – performed by Performed by Sean Connery and Michael Caine

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Divide & Conquer Trick: The Man Who Would Be King (1975)

Ever wondered about the real-world strategies behind ‘The Man Who Would Be King’? This video breaks down the ‘divide and conquer’ tactic used in the film. Pretty insightful, it totally changed how I saw that part of the movie!

The Minstrel Boy

Did you know a classic song like ‘The Minstrel Boy’ is a thematic nod to ‘The Man Who Would Be King’? This beautiful rendition is a tribute to the film, and it’s actually quite moving when you know the connection!

✨ Rate