To Kill a King
To Kill a King

To Kill a King

2003Movie102 minEnglish

A recounting of the relationship between General Fairfax and Oliver Cromwell, as they try to cope with the consequences of deposing King Charles I.

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Insights

IMDb6.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes30%
Metacritic53/100
Google Users63%
Director: Renny RyeGenres: Drama, History, War

Plot Summary

The film dramatizes the tumultuous period of the English Civil War, focusing on the complex relationship between Oliver Cromwell and King Charles I. It explores the political intrigue, personal sacrifices, and moral dilemmas faced by those involved in the conflict, culminating in the trial and execution of the king.

Critical Reception

To Kill a King received mixed reviews from critics, with praise often directed at the performances of the lead actors, particularly Tim Roth as Cromwell. However, many critics found the film's historical accuracy debatable and its narrative somewhat unfocused, leading to a lukewarm reception overall.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for strong lead performances, especially Tim Roth's portrayal of Oliver Cromwell.
  • Criticized for historical inaccuracies and a somewhat disjointed narrative.
  • The film offers an interesting, albeit dramatized, look at a pivotal moment in British history.

Google audience: Audience reviews are generally positive, with viewers appreciating the historical drama and the acting. Some found the film to be a compelling, though not entirely historically precise, account of the English Civil War.

Fun Fact

The film controversially portrays Oliver Cromwell as a man plagued by doubt and moral anguish, a departure from more traditional heroic depictions.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
John Chard

John Chard

I was counting on you. You let me down. To Kill a King is directed by Mike Barker and written by Jenny Mayhew. It stars Tim Roth, Dougray Scott, Olivia Williams, James Bolam and Rupert Everett. Music is by Richard G Mitchell and cinema...