I had to work hard to overcome my total contempt for Vincent Cassel in order to watch this film and ultimately I'm glad I did. On the other hand I'm an admirer of Maiwenn based on watching two other films she directed, Polisse and Actresses Ball. In Mon Roi we have not one but two great actress-directors and Manu Bercot is beyond outstanding in the lead. Alas Cassell is required to be charming in several scenes and this is totally beyond him. The role cries out for an Yves Montand or Thierry T'Hermiite, actors who can do charm standing on their head and yet still be violent when necessary. Cassel doesn't do charm, what he does is Robert de Niro lite, rage, contained anger, out-of-control violence. Let's say he's competent here and leave it at that. Bercot, on the other hand is magnificent, she shares with Ariane Ascaride the quality of appearing ordinary, plain even, in repose, but then unleashing a smile that is capable of lighting a city. This is very much her film and she comes in first, second and third though even Lou Garrel - like Cassel very much a one-trick pony - comes out all right as Bercot's protective brother as does Maiwenn's real-life sister Isild Le Bresca (Maiwenn's full name is Maiwenn Le Bresca) as his wife. Great directing and great acting by Bercot make this a must-see.
Review of My King
