Synopsis
England, 15th century. Hal, a capricious prince who lives among the populace far from court, is forced by circumstances to reluctantly accept the throne and become Henry V.
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Cast
- Timothée ChalametHal
- Joel EdgertonFalstaff
- Sean HarrisWilliam
- Tom Glynn-CarneyHotspur
- Lily-Rose DeppCatherine
- Thomasin McKenziePhilippa, Queen of Denmark
- Robert PattinsonThe Dauphin
- Ben MendelsohnKing Henry IV
- Andrew HavillArchbishop of Canterbury
- Dean-Charles ChapmanThomas
- 91
The Playlist
In spite of all the reasons that this film should have been another "Outlaw King" – silly and self-important – it manages to cleverly duck and dive around nearly all of them. It’s a feat that speaks to the deftness and intelligence of the approach that Michôd and Edgerton take with their writing and direction, giving us an epic period piece that actually fulfills much of that ambition. - 80
The Hollywood Reporter
This is a large-canvas treatment both epic and intimate in scale. - 80
TheWrap
Full of surprises ... It’s a historical piece that defies expectation and offers both the thrills of battle and a thoughtful critique of war and imperialism. - 80
Time
The King, written by Michôd and Edgerton, zips along—it never feels like a slog, though it still has a satisfyingly hefty dramatic weight. - 80
Time Out
Sure, some of the historical detail is terrible (did Henry V really get crowned topless?) and Shakespeare purists may scream heresy, but director David Michôd has done something genuinely fresh and confident with this well-told piece of English folklore. - 70
Variety
Too many movies set in this period end up as action films in medieval drag. The excitement of “The King” is that Michôd lays out the consequences of combat with gruesome precision, demythologizing the battle. - 60
CineVue
The King feels disconnected and unurgent. Despite some wonderful moments, it perhaps lacks the requisite majesty. - 60
The Guardian
One watches Chalamet’s performance here with a simmering unease, willing him on but wondering if he is entirely fit for the task.