THE KINGS

The King (2019), directed by David Michod, is a historical drama following the life of King Henry V of England during the 15th century. The character Hal, portrayed by Timothee Chalamet, began his journey as a drunk, rejecting his role as a royal while dismissing his father completely. He is then faced with the looming responsibility of taking the throne following the death of his father, the king, and his younger brother who was originally meant to take the role.

As Chalamet’s character takes the throne as King Henry V, he is faced with many challenges such as the ineluctable war with France, duplicity expressed by his own men, and great losses. As this historical drama is supposedly based off the life of this one king, it appears that it leans closer to a retelling of William Shakespeare’s plays rather than actual history. The retelling is mostly based off the plays Henry IV, part I and part II, and Henry V. While these plays are historical and roughly based off the actual events and encounters of the time, the retelling is not entirely accurate, and neither is The King. With Michod’s retelling, the audience is presented with an abundance of both historical accuracies and inaccuracies, as well as fine Hollywood entertainment.