The Man Who Would Be King

The Man Who Would Be King, released in 1975, is a film adaptation of a short story by Rudyard Kipling. Set in late 19th century India, the film follows the adventures of two British soldiers, Daniel Dravot (played by Sean Connery) and Peachy Carnehan (played by Michael Caine), who decide to leave their service in the British Army and set out to become rulers of the remote land of Kafiristan.

The film starts with Caine’s character, Peachy Carnehan, narrating the story of their adventure to a journalist in the year 1885. Peachy explains how he and his friend Daniel Dravot, a former sergeant in the British Army, decided to travel to Kafiristan after reading a map that showed a remote kingdom full of riches and opportunities.

The two adventurers arrive in Kafiristan disguised as locals, and they begin to win over the local people with their knowledge and skills, especially their understanding of firearms. They become popular among the locals, and soon after, they reveal their true identities as Englishmen who want to help the people of Kafiristan establish a strong and prosperous kingdom.

The locals, who have long been oppressed by their rulers, are excited about the opportunity to have European leaders, and they welcome Dravot and Carnehan with open arms. Daniel is revered as a god-like figure due to his physical size and blonde hair that is thought to be a divine symbol.

As they start to establish their rule, the two leaders implement policies that are just and beneficial to the people of Kafiristan, such as promoting trade and commerce and reducing taxes. However, they also face challenges from other tribes who are jealous of their newfound power and from angry religious factions who view Dravot as a false god.

The turning point in the film comes when Dravot proclaims himself as the true son of Alexander the Great, and according to local legends, only the true son of Alexander can claim the throne of Kafiristan. The people are convinced, and Dravot is crowned as king. However, his ultimate plan backfires, and the rest of the story follows the consequences of his ambition and how it ultimately affects the lives of those affected by his reign.

One of the key aspects of the film is the chemistry between the two lead actors. Sean Connery and Michael Caine deliver a strong and powerful performance, which added to the film's success and popularity. At the same time, Christopher Plummer, who plays Kipling in the film, provides a powerful commentary on European colonialism and its effects on the cultures and societies it affected.

The Man Who Would Be King has been a popular film classic and has received critical acclaim since its release in 1975. Directed by John Huston, it was shot on location in India and Morocco, giving the audience a true-to-life experience of the world inhabited by Kipling's characters. The film's action sequences, especially one featuring a landslide and an escape from a tribe, are considered to be some of the best in Hollywood's history.

In conclusion, The Man Who Would Be King is an epic adventure film that explores themes of colonialism, ambition, and morality. The lead actors deliver strong performances, and the film's directing and cinematography continue to captivate audiences even after four decades. It is a classic that continues to inspire filmmakers today and remains a must-watch for everyone who loves movies with adventure, action, and deep explorations of human behavior.