A Crowning Achievement
Added 11/7/2009
Hoping for riches beyond belief, two British officers set off into the blank spots on the map with only a few crates of guns and the willpower to become more. They have a plan, too, and it involves creating a powerbase that will make them rich beyond their meager means. When they find themselves surrounded by gold and thought to be the rightful heirs of alexander the Great's riches, however, the two find themselves caught in a golden web that promises to either make them god-men or make them deadmen. All because of the masonic symbol, a nice little arrow, and the color of their skin.
While many movies boast of having a powerful cast and a great script, this movie really does have both. It begins with two powerful actors that want to be more than common soldiers, and so they tempt fate and cross over some horrific terrain. When they get to wherever they are going, they show the people rifles, begin setting up camp, and find themsleves getting more material gains. Then they hear of a temple on top of a sacred mountain and decide that they should go there and see what they can get from the seemingly peaceful people that stand guard over a mountain of gold and gems. The real power is not in the gold and jewels, however, but is instead hinged around the the acting prowess of our two main characters. One begins to believe himself a god and the other begins to wonder why they don't take the loot and split. Add to that woman problems - or obsession and the want to have it all - and you have yourself a tale that has stuck with me since i was a little kid. It has left my side as Christmas presents, as birthday gifts, and as other forms of tribute to get people to never forget it, either. and that is because it is a classic, and the story it tells rivals many of the things that people hold in the highest regard.
If you have never heard of the movie, you need to drop everything and order it now. you will feel reward right away, and you will thank yourself for listing to the cash that wanted you to spend it. If you have heard of it but have not seen it in a long time, watch it again and see it in a different light. Every few years I notice something different here, something I thought I had a grasp on, and that is enough to convince me to say that is worthy of keeping around forever. An army of people agree with this accessment, too, with the movie finding itself voted into the Top 20 movies of all time by lists like TMC, many guidebooks, people that really do not matter, and so on. The one person that does matter is you, though, and seeing this will make you rememeber what it was like to watch a movie that was bigger than life and that made you wonder if the characters could hold the cards in check or if they would see their kingdom come crashing to dust.
I cannot profess enough elation at having been given this movie when I was younger. Buy it and know that some things are worth stepping back decades for.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
|
The Man Who would be King
Added 8/23/2009
This is one of the best movies , I've seen. It was entertaining and easy to watch for Freemasons and non-freemasons alike. I endorse this movie , Sean Connery and Michael Caine do a wonderful job , in thier roles.
0 out of 1 people found this helpful.
|
Suitable for Children?
Added 7/15/2009
First, I would like to say that I have not seen this movie, yet.
Second, I would like to say that I would very much like to see it, but am not sure as to whether or not the film is appropriate for my family to view. The film is rated PG, but is tagged on [...] as containing "female nudity", "bare butt"s, and "male nudity".
I researched this movie on dozens of other sites and read every review on it, but none answered my question, "Does this movie contain nudity?"
So, if someone could answer this question, I would very much appreciate it. I am 17 years old, and still live with my parents. I am also an old movie buff. Generally, however, my family doesn't like films with bad content. So, if any IMDb members could Add a Content advisory for parents, or do the same thing here, I would very much appreciate it.
Looking forward to seeing this film if appropriate for family viewing.
PS, if anyone does bother, don't simply say yes or no. It would be nice if you could give unbiased information of what is in the movie.
Thanks.
2 out of 5 people found this helpful.
|
Excellent movie - spoiled by uncontrolled subtitles.
Added 6/30/2009
'The Man who would be King', is a classic tale - and this movie makes just about the best of it quite easily. The acting, the script, the direction and the all round production OF THE MOVIE, is superlative. The actual movie warrants a full Five Star rating.
HOWEVER, the copy I received split the movie into two halves. This is far from satisfactory - even if there are no other faults, omissions and production problems. My DVD started with bang, but had sub-titles emblazoned under the picture. This was extremely distracting and ruined full enjoyment of the wonderful movie. I tried, many times, to find an 'editing' page (as is so often available) whereby I could delete the sub-titles, but none was available. BUT WAIT - After turning the disc and watching the entire second half, there appeared on screen a 'Title Page' - such as I had sought earlier. It appeared possible to cancel the sub-titles - except that when one returned to the first half, the sub-titles returned to mock me!!
I am truly at a loss to understand how this complete 'Horlicks' could come to exist. Many things come to mind - including the thought that maybe, just maybe, a madman had edited the movie!
I repeat, the story and the movie are truly first class. If one enjoys a good rollicking adventure movie, this is definitely your 'cup of tea'. Caine and Connery are superb - truly superb. However, sadly, you need to steel yourself to suffer endless subtitles throughout this DVD.
1 out of 2 people found this helpful.
|
Kippling at his best.
Added 4/28/2009
Classic video and a classic epic. I recorded this 20+ years ago on VHS from the Hallmark Classic Channel.
This is an educational story fit for every age group (especially in today's time).
Huston at his best.
2 out of 2 people found this helpful.
|
A flick worth the popcorn, drink, and soda
Added 11/8/2009
Great flick, although a little bit skewed historically. This film is loosely based on the kidnapping of an American woman and her children in Morocco during the Theodore Roosevelt presidency. Sean Connery (who I still cant believe would ever come across as a Russian submarine captain) plays the loveable Berber rogue who kidnaps Candace Bergen (who plays the strong willed American woman he kidnaps) as a way of protesting the Sultan of Morocco's government, whom he considers under the influence of European powers. Both play their parts well and are a pleaseure to watch playing off each other. Of particular note is the late Brian Keith, who plays Theodore Roosevelt. He is exactly what you would think Teddy was like (except for his particular feelings about Marines, an outfit he would have preferred transferred to the Army had it not given him particular political leverage in unsheathing his 'Big Stick' policy). Another memorable character is John Huston, who plays Teddy's Secretary of State John Hay. Adventure is the name of the game with a few tender moments thorwn in. If you are a horse lover, you may have cause to whince on some of the action scenes. All in all a movie that delivers alot of action and wont dissappoint
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
|
Time casts a harsh light on this film
Added 8/30/2009
When produced, this film was probably dazzling and exotic. Handsome Sean Connery plays the Arabian prince, full of bravery and daring. Candice Bergin plays the American beauty, elite in her social class but a strong mother with an impeccable character. Brian Keith plays the frustrated President Teddy Roosevelt, forced to make hard decisions that are in the best interest of the American people while showing compassion for the kidnapped American millionaire and her children. The coastal scenery is lush and the desert scenery bleak but beautiful. The story is one of romance where East meets West and all parties turn out to be honorable and heroic.
So why is this movie problematic in 2009?
This film was made at a time when white characters were shown to be intelligent, brave, and industrious when compared to persons of color. Therefore the Arabs in the film are depicted as clownish. There is a scene where the kidnapped family fights Arab bandits and an American child is able to fight the bandits and win. This seems odd. The Arabs are portrayed to be corrupt and their hereditary leader is portrayed as a cartoonish clown. Sean Connery plays the part of the uncle of the Arabian ruler, called the Raisulis, now involved in a rebellion of sorts. But it is never clear what the rebellion is all about. We never understand why the Raisulis kidnaps the American woman and her two children. Brian Keith does the best job in the film playing Teddy Roosevelt. But the blunderbuss gun-boat diplomacy practiced by the Americans is portrayed in a positive light. The conception of the United States' diplomatic players and their abilities as a bunch of gun slinging, wild, cowboys is out of date. It may have been entertaining in 1975 but current world conditions reveals this drama to be stereotypical in a disturbing way. Paul Bowles' Sheltering Sky is a far more sinister but accurate account of West misunderstanding East.
0 out of 3 people found this helpful.
|
Snoozefest
Added 5/26/2009
This is low grade 1960s-70s calibre TV style acting.......Connery as an Arab isn't convicing for even a second....The landscape camera work is breathtaking at times.....This is cornier than the worst of John Wayne films......It had to of cost a lot of money to make this hunk of crap.......This is a bland movie...Bergen is stale too.
0 out of 7 people found this helpful.
|
