As far as war films go, according to viewers, this one is a must-see as it takes on Shakespeare’s work and brings it to life on screen.

Released in 2019, this epic historical drama has somewhat been flying under the radar despite its star-studded cast, and fans of the film can’t help but shout about it.

The King is a powerful film, directed by David Michôd, based on Shakespeare’s Henriad, about the story of the young King Henry V and his rise to the throne after the death of his father.

At just 16, the royal is expected to take on leadership of England and all of its politics as well as the war that stands in his father’s wake.

The A-list actor Timothée Chalamet was just 23 when he took on the role of the historical figure in The King, and yet his performance is a standout, garnering much praise from viewers.

Alongside him is Robert Pattinson, who portrays the Dauphin, and Lily-Rose Depp as Princess Catherine of Valois.

A fan shared their review on Rotten Tomatoes, which reads: “This movie is way underrated, and I’m not sure why it’s not talked about more, especially in regard to Chalamet’s performance. I’ve seen it 4 times, and each time I enjoy it more and more.

“It’s so well designed and seamless. Every time I watch it, there are new things I notice and appreciate. I’m always especially in awe of the closing scenes.”

Another review states: “Great acting. Dialogue was quite Shakespearean, though Falstaff was a lot less fun. Grittier take on Henry V.”

Although the real praise around this film is down to the acting performance of a young Chalamet, it received no major movie nominations. His central role in the film as Henry V of England is the driving force behind its gripping storyline.

“Chalamet not only showcases his remarkable acting skills but also solidifies his status as a true movie star. Unlike many actors who might gravitate toward light-hearted roles or superhero franchises, he is strategically selecting projects that highlight his talent and keep him in the conversation for awards, demonstrating a commitment to meaningful filmmaking without compromising his artistic integrity.”

The historical drama has been a hit with some backlash about the accuracy of events surrounding Henry’s reign, although it acts as an adaptation of the plays and not real-life events in documentary form. Viewers can’t help but watch it for the epic battle, the growing romances and, of course, the incredible acting.

Upon taking on this huge role at the time, Chalamet claims it was “terrifying”, especially when it came to the battle scenes. His focus, he says, was on “surviving” rather than trying to look tough, as he intended for it to be a messy and realistic portrayal of combat during that era.

It was a film that never made its way to cinema and instead was a digital release on Netflix back in October 2019, and fans have continued to discover it on the streaming platform ever since.

The King continues to divide viewers but remains available to stream on Netflix now if you’re looking to throw yourself into a new hsitorical drama.

SOURCE: EXPRESS