The King (2005)

18 out of 20 people found the following review helpful:

A Dark Thinking Man's Film

James Waddell from London, 21st May, 2006

The King is a movie about Father/Son relationships and how they affect the rest of the family. In short, a young guy (child to a prostitute) leaves the navy, finds his real father (a baptist pastor), and tries to build a relationship with him and his family. The story explores the issues raised by a pastor not wanting his family, friends, and congregation to know of his shady past and of his long lost son's anger at having been rejected. Although some of the cinematography is breathtaking and the acting first rate, the movie itself is very dark with a weak conclusion and you're left wondering what the director was trying to achieve in making the film. The result is somewhat unsatisfying.

Read all highest rated reviews

11 out of 13 people found the following review helpful:

Elvis lives...

A Customer from London, 30th May, 2006

The main character in this film is called Elvis. The real Elvis was famous for his shaking hips and seductive voice. The Elvis in this film doesn't sing, he whispers in your ear. While watching the character you are reminded that it is sometimes the quiet ones who greet you with a smile that have something more up their sleeve and thats the way the story unfolds. 'Keep you friends close but your enemies closer' is the way Elvis is able to spin his web and be put in the position to attack. But this film is not attacking the viewer, rather possing questions about society. Religion is put under the microcope, but I think responsibility and honesty within family life seem to be the main targets. The realationships are key and are well realised by the entire cast. I thought the plot had similarities with many Shakespiarian stories: 'Hamlet' and 'Macbeth' come to mind. The ending is designed to leave the audience to ask questions and leaves us to decide. What would we do in this situation? That is involving, positive and responsible filmmaking.

Read all highest rated reviews

9 out of 9 people found the following review helpful:

Just didn't click

Steve Bicket from London, 25th September, 2006

This is one of those movies that is very good and I know I should have thought more of it.....but for some reason it just didn't click. Gael Garcia Bernal plays Elvis,recently discharged from the Navy and travelling to Corpis Christi in Texas.The reason for this is that a local church is run by God-fearin' Preacher David Sandow(a marvelous William Hurt) who Elvis believes is his Father from an affair many years ago before Sandow was Saved. Sandow wants nothing to do with him - 'I have another family now' but Elvis takes up with his daughter Mallery and they are soon having a fullblown sexual relationship(even though Elvis knows she's his half-sister). Her brother Paul finds out about it(although he has no idea who Elvis really is) and threatens to expose him - he deals with Paul and when the Sandows think Paul has run away he moves into the family home as (initially a surrogate) and then a recognised Son. All this is setting up the final tragidy - the interesting thing is that you never discover if Elvis is out for revenge on his Father or merely so desperate he will do anything to become part of the family. Exellent performances particularily from Hurt - you almost expect a satire on his type with hypocricy writ large but Hurt plays him as a man who sincerly believes in all he preaches and sees events as God's way of testing him... As I said its a good film but just didn't quite engage me the way I felt it should - perhaps another viewing may be needed as I felt the ending didn't really come off..........perhaps another time....

Read all highest rated reviews

8 out of 9 people found the following review helpful:

Gripping drama

Cinejunkie from from Northern Ireland, 18th November, 2006

The first English language role from talented Mexican actor Gael Garcia Bernal, is a tense and wonderful performance. Seeking out his biological father after leaving the Navy, he discovers him, a married preacher and an equally religious family including his other son, a soon to be confirmed minister. Feeling excluded he seeks retribution for his upbringing by becoming involved with his half sister, who unbeknowst to her is actually her half brother.... Absorbing and very dramatic, it's a real entertaining tour de force from the whole cast. Recommended!

Read all highest rated reviews

Almost as Strange as Habla Con Ella

Tempsec from from Manchester, 21st May, 2008

Gael Garcia Bernal's Elvis is clearly a troubled character. I watched with amazement as he slept with his sister and began to exact his revenge on his father and wondered how the whole sorry mess would in fact end. This film certainly makes a strong comment on hypocrisy within religion. Garcia Bernal on fine form here and a good supporting cast. Not for everyone though. Anyone who has seen There Will be Blood might be forgiven for thinking that Paul Dano might be beginning to be typecast though!

Read all recent reviews

Striking at conservative America

maxwurr from , 6th May, 2008

A searing attack on smalltown, conservative America and the hypocrisy of its most 'upstanding' citizens, The King is disturbing but perversely satisfying for those of us that are sick to the back teeth of American born-agains spouting their self-righteous ignorance. Gael Garcia Bernal makes an effective and chilling English language debut. Cheery this isn't, but fine performances and the exposure of the black human hearts beating just beneath the veneer of 'respectable' American life make this film both compelling and shocking.

Read all recent reviews

The King

A Customer from Lytham St. Annes, 6th April, 2008

This is an absorbing film and at the same time very disturbing, as the clean cut, butter wouldn't melt in your mouth young man embarks on a reign of murder. In trying to avenge the abuse his mother received at the hand of his father. He killed his stepsister ,her mother and brother,after she acted totally irresponsibly . The plot was a compelling one but chilling. Worth Watching

Read all recent reviews

1 out of 1 people found the following review helpful:

Some great lines

DrJ from from Glasgow, 13th February, 2008

It's worth watching this film just to see how characters get to the point in their lives where they admit, 'We're going to hell, aren't we?'

Read all recent reviews