"The Man Who Would Be King" is a good adventure film and historical epic. Despite having many advantages, the movie is hampered if not derailed by failed comic relief and unlikely supporting characters.
The film is well cast, with Sean Connery and Michael Caine playing the leads. John Huston, a force behind many great films, is the director. The sets and costumes are excellent. You feel as if you are actually there in remote Karafistan.
The story is also very good, providing two useful if familiar morals. Lust for power and greed can do you in, and you can't fool all the people all the time.
Connery and Caine are 19th century British soldiers stationed in India. They are expelled from the Army due to roguish behavior, such as theft, gun-smuggling and blackmail. They decide to visit remote Karafistan, install themselves as rulers there, and plunder their reputed treasure. Their plan goes very well, until Connery discovers that he would prefer to remain as King, rather than flee with the loot.
Roxanne, the young woman that Connery weds, is played by Shakira Caine. She is the real-life spouse of Michael Caine.
What bothered me most about "The Man Who Would Be King" is the conceit of the main characters. Caine delivers a line similar to "He's not a God, but an Englishman. The next best thing." The soldiers truly believe that it is their right to slaughter, mislead and plunder Karafistanis if it serves their interests. Early in the film, Caine throws a subservient Indian out of the window of a moving train. This is supposed to be humorous. The Englishmen consistently are able to fool Indians and Karafistanis, who ought to know better.
It may well be true that during the British occupation of India, the British soldiers thought little of their Indian 'subjects'. Yet the film's sympathies lie clearly with Connery and Caine. The audience is expected to identify with them, and even approve of the murderous civil war that they cause in Karafistan.
Upon reaching Karafistan, the two soldiers immediately encounter the only man who speaks English in the entire country. He's Billy (Saeed Jaffrey), an Indian who serves as their interpreter. For some reason, Billy offers unconditional loyalty to the Englishmen during their first meeting. The first local ruler (Dogmi Larbi) that the soldiers encounter is conveniently an obliging fool.
Despite all my complaints, I have to admit that the cast, sets, costumes, story and score are all very good. Putting aside the political incorrectness and dubious humor, "The Man Who Would Be King" is an entertaining adventure film. (66/100)
Two engaging soldiers of fortune ply their less than respectable trade in 19th century India. They contrive and carry out a daring plan to become rule...More at Family Video
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