The Lost King

Is the Common Sense rating for a different director's cut or something? It is quite off! For reference, I just saw this in America in theaters. The current review NEEDS to be amended because it lists violence when there is none at all, and neglects to mention MULTIPLE sexual dialogue and intimate scenes. One of the first scenes has a sexually objectifying attempt at a joke, using a *distinctly* inappropriate word for genitals which just made me dislike the protagonist from the get-go. It started the whole movie off on a bad foot for me. In this reinforcement of patriarchal ideas, the lead female character expresses her frustration about work by equating a certain type of genital with power, saying it would solve her problems, and her ex-husband adds another stupid joke to connect this to his own sexual status. The conversation is hugely problematic, for children AND adults, because it implies female bodies are ineffectual or undesirable to own. It is one of the first things we hear her say, but it doesn't sound like an actual woman would say a thing like that...which makes sense considering both writers of the movie are not women. There are also some sexual tension and 1 kissing scene between the divorced adults, probably lasting a minute in total silence. Eventually one of them says "Do you really want to go down this road?" and they agree to stop there. Nevertheless this scene may be awkward and confusing for children, especially with a family member sitting next to them. Another misogynistic, slightly sexual joke involves the ex-husband breaking up with someone for what he claims is her boring personality, until (after questioning) he admits the true reason was her feet "were big." This apparently was an issue for him. Philippa, who could have criticized her ex for such a shallow judgement, just laughs and nods with nothing to say. For a movie with a lead female, plenty of patriarchal notions are being repeated, reinforced, and shrugged over. Overall the movie has some redeeming moments. One interesting aspect is: multiple (4+) men in the movie dismiss Philippa's "feelings," claiming facts are what matter. Despite this, we are shown that the sole reason for the successes were her intuition. This movie also demonizes Leicester University quite significantly. The portrayal of the King was excellent and touching at times, and the actor was wonderful. There was no violence at all besides seeing Richard III's skeletal remains, which were yellowed with age with his jaw open and spine curved. It might be a bit scary for very young children. I didn't mention it all, but other moments in the film also felt frustrating and strange in terms of gender. All in all, a strangely patriarchal movie that does elicit curiosity about the true story that inspired it.

Brilliant and inspiring. We prefer historical fiction as a family over all the violent, fanciful made-for-kids productions. Great choice for Mother’s Day!