Farewell to the King

source: Farewell to the King

source: Farewell to the King

This is a curious piece whose dramatic arc takes a while to reach its full speed, but builds to a climax of considerable horror, involving cannibalism, genocide, loyalty and revenge. It is, I think, a mistake to label it an action movie: it is a drama, and played with a theatricality to which the viewer must adjust. Nevertheless, once it gets into its stride this film has considerable charm. The core cast bond closely and Frank Mcrae, who plays Sgt Tenga, and Marius Weyers (Sgt. Conklin) manage to give warmth to the invaders who threaten the survival of The People of the Hills. The central relationship, between Nolte and Havers, is a fragile one which teeters on the brink of formulaic in Nolte's rescue of the sick Englishman and their mutual debts of gratitude and obligation. However, as they plunge into the conflict against the remnants of the defeated Japanese army, they each shock one another with what they are prepared to do. I think the climax of the horror, which I do not wish to spoil, is brilliantly done. I felt the protagonists' turmoil and understood their brutal reactions, while still being shocked by it. This film is open to charges of hokiness, theatricality and slowness, but, given a chance, it explores themes similar to those in The Thin Red Line; the imperialistic side effects of the Pacific war and the dehumanising effect of soldiering, against the fully human power of love and community.

It is a war movie so original I felt my heart ache when I saw the pain shown on Nick Nolte's character's face when he realizes what he must do in order to save some of his regime. Go watch this movie, the role of Nick Nolte excels anything he has done on his lifetime.

this is a little seen but worth finding war movie about one mans journey from deserter to king. nick nolte giving another fine performance and john milus directing a more personel film with incite in the way he think and feels about mans time on earth. if you like solid war movie that are not all action or all talk this has the right blend. beautiful shot so that you feel the heat and sweat of the jungle. this is old school film making so if your into michael bay stay away. but if your into history, ww2 or just a good yarn find it buy it and tell your mates about it.it may not be a classic but it should be.

One person I know saw this movie and called it "Ramblonde" after Nick Nolte's long hair. Other people have characterized as an adaptation of King Lear. "Farewell to the King" is really neither. It's a story about a man who finds his kingdom and himself against the backdrop of World War Two Borneo. The movie is touching and dramatic about a man who leaves behind a war he didn't want and everything he knew, only to have to face it again. Many questions are raised about the meaning of loyalty and honor, and who is your enemy and your friend. Not, it's definitely not a "Rambo" movie, more a tight and involving drama the way they used to make them.

1st watched 11/19/1999 - 5 out of 10 (Dir-John Milius): Unbelievable although well-played out story about an American army soldier washed up on the shore of Bornea during World War II who became a king of a headhunting tribe.Not enough understanding as to why things are happening throughout the story.

All the other posters make good points, but the one they miss is that this is first, last and simply, pure Milius. If you don't know who John Milius is you probably do not read movie credits. John Milius is a screen writer and director. Kind of a cult figure. His stock in trade is manly virtue. His detractors would use the term "macho", but that is too derogatory. Movies you may have see by him are, "Wind and the Lion, Red Dawn, Conan the Barbarian, Jeremiah Johnson, Clear and Present Danger, The Rough Riders, Apocalypse Now, Magnum Force, Dirty Harry, Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean. See a pattern here? Every one of the above movies deals with male relationships, honor, loyalty, fall and redemption. Romance relationships take a back seat to the relationships between the male characters, be they protagonists or antagonists. Jeramiah Johnson is a great example of this and shares many theme similarities with Farewell to the King. Milius the director's sense of honor transcends the norm and underscores his reputation as a Hollywood rebel and outcast. Leroyd is betrayed by his erstwhile allies symbolized by Gen. MacArthur who gives his word and violates that promise. Leroyd ultimately accepts his former hated Japanese enemy simply because he too possesses a personal code of honor similar to Leroyd. A similar scene plays out at the end of Red Dawn, where the Cuban Commander lets the dying Jed escape, carrying his dead brother (Charlie Sheen through a shared warriors sense of honor. Jed then goes to a playground to sit in a swing, presumably regaining their lost childhood in joined death. This is a familiar theme in Milius' work. Another familiar theme is that of the Rebel or loose cannon. Dirty Harry, the Marine Captain in Wind and the Lion, are just a few examples. Milius is the quintessential loose cannon in Hollywood. So he probably feels a kinship to the characters of which he writes. There are many other themes that are familiar to all his movies. The female as a catalyst and semi-tragic figure is another. His women move his protagonists to greater heights. The female at risk or her unfortunate demise drives the central character to either his doom or his redemption, or both. I have to say that I am a Milius fan. This movie is one of my favorites by him. Yes, I cringe at some of the acting, like Sgt. Tenga's horrible fake British accent (Kenyan by way of Chicago, perhaps?) The English speaking "Apaches" also make me roll my eyes. But scenes like "Advance the Colors", or Leroyd's redemption at the end of the movie, more than make up for the other lapses. This movie is good stuff. Get a six pack, or a bottle of scotch, a few cigars, some munchies and enter the world of John Milius. A world where men live by their honor, disputes are resolved man to man, and if enemies survive the ordeal, the sit down and drink to one another as survivors.

I can't explain why, but this movie captivates me. I had never seen or even heard of it, and bought it from a video store that was going out of business. And I am glad that I did. For some reason this movie stirrs emotion for me. and the last line at the end, well, you'll see, if you see the film. If you have a chance to rent this movie, do so. Even if you don't get the charge out of it I did, you will at the very least, be entertained. I recommend it. 7 out of 10

Nick Nolte stars as the enigmatic hero of this little-known but highly interesting film. Basically at war with himself, Nolte evolves from Army deserter to a genuine jungle king. He's an interesting actor, and never more so than in this movie, which is set in Borneo during World War II. It might just as easily been set in a Montagnard village during the Vietnam War. This off-beat, under-rated movie is more of a psychological study than a mindless, run-of-the-mill action flick. This movie has a lot more depth and heart than that. The locations are beautiful, the musical score is outstanding, and, as in most John Milius films, the uniforms, weapons, and other goodies are faithfully and accurately depicted with wonderful detail. This is a thinking man's "war movie". If you enjoyed "The Man Who Would Be King", you will very likely enjoy this film, too. If you can find it on video, snap it up fast!