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stellaryear
Reviews
To Be King (2011)
Very worth watching
I really liked this film a lot. I liked the characters, and the way they were balanced and believable human beings. No black hats and white hats here - well, maybe the one. But the lead is so down to earth and lacking righteousness - though his path be righteous - that he is endearing rather than superior. Even the villain has his moment of genuine and touching humanity. There is no axe to grind or agenda here; just a simple story, a sort of cross between Cindarella Man and Rocky, very well acted and directed. Kudos to Steve Rahaman, he pulls off an ambitious movie on a shoestring and keeps you with him all the way. If I had one reservation it would be that there are a few too many hugs in the film - not because I don't buy it, I do - but it leaves the audience out of the circle of warmth a bit, rather than pulling us in as it might better do if it were not quite so easy for the characters to embrace. A very effective scene for example, when King thanks his Ex and an awkward embrace happens between them - not literally, but in a manner soft and sad and really very moving. There are a lot of lovely moments here, all in all. Bravo all 'round!