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The Man Who Would Be King

The Man Who Would Be King

1975
Action, Adventure
2h 9m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 69.13% from 1158 total ratings

Ratings & Reviews

(1158)
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Rated 06 Apr 2007
80
94th
If every politically, culturally incorrect, ignorant movie was so funny, well acted&written&directed, the world would have been a better place. Not to forget, the real joke is played on the two englishman.
Rated 21 Feb 2007
84
79th
A great adventure, Caine and Connery are excellent together.
Rated 04 Jan 2007
92
98th
Just great. Caine and Connery showing why they are so highly regarded (when they aren't pissing about)
Rated 17 Jul 2008
99
96th
Hustons masterpiece with both leads possibly delivering the best acting of their careers (certainly the case for Connery). Unashamedly politically incorrect and chest-beatingly macho with outdated ideoligy to boot, but the film manages to overcome all those minor (yes, minor) gripes and stands as a complete and utter (I'll say it again) masterpiece.
Rated 05 Mar 2008
50
1st
Alas, I do NOT understand why this movie gets such great reviews. I must totally be missing "something" because it's one of those movies I'm really annoyed with myself for even finishing. The beginning was slightly amusing and bemusing, then the movie plodded (aided by the fact that extensive translations had to occur between the main characters and the natives). It was an unhappy movie, lacked adventure & romance--even Caine's good acting couldn't save it. A huge diasppointment!
Rated 02 Aug 2009
83
77th
It works as a fun adventure, a statement on hubris, and a comic critique of imperialism. The film's successes are largely due to the winning performances by Sean Connery and Michael Caine, but Huston shows that he's quite capable of directing an epic-style picture. It didn't sweep me off my feet, but it was a pretty good time and I have no complaints.
Rated 19 Feb 2012
85
84th
Watching Connery and Caine go all-out as thieving imperialist bastards is really entertaining. This film is great because it unambiguously shows that what they're doing is terrible, but it's wrapped up in a grand adventure package. The writing, cinematography and epic music all shape these two horrible men into brave heroes, but in the end it's just a classic tale of the price paid for greed and arrogance.
Rated 23 Feb 2021
86
94th
A surprisingly enjoyable semi-epic where everybody seems to be on top of their game. This must rank among Connery and Caine's finest work, and Huston's for that matter too. Some of the content and attitudes may seem problematic at first glance, but it all evens out by the end. Well worth seeing.
Rated 28 Dec 2006
84
90th
It is a little outdated and politically incorrect, but it remains a great film due to its rich and engaging story, as well as the fantastic performances by Connery and Caine.
Rated 22 Feb 2007
5
96th
Perfect adaptation of an exciting short story! Who wouldn't want to escape the chains of civilization with the chance to become king, a wealthy one at that! Sean Connery plays one of the strongest characters of his career as Daniel Dravitt. Daniel's near insanity coupled with Peachy's down to earth focus succeed in bringing this epic story to the screen. I believe Rudyard Kipling would be proud of this film
Rated 07 Apr 2007
100
95th
OK, it's a Great White Hunter racist fuckhead adventure movie, but it's an OUTSTANDING Great White Hunter racist fuckhead adventure movie
Rated 09 Sep 2011
88
86th
Very enjoyable high adventure, wherein Sean Connery and Michael Caine cheerfully decide to become kings of the mystical Kafiristan, then rob the place blind. How they pull it off is part of the fun; what happens next is on a different level altogether. Spirited performances from Connery and Caine, with delightful support by Saeed Jaffrey as Billy Fish, their friend and interpreter. Beautifully produced in all departments. For John Huston, a dream 25 years in the planning; I think it came true.
Rated 02 Nov 2012
4
55th
A dim-witted, juvenile adventure tale bolstered by able camerawork & charismatic leads.
Rated 23 Aug 2020
80
62nd
Enjoyably old-fashioned adventure saga is hobbled by an overdrawn first half, and a final half hour which frustrates by not detailing Connery's "decline" into avarice (this could have comprised the entirety of the second half). Echoes of Huston's own masterpiece SIERRA MADRE are welcome, and Caine and Connery both deliver forceful and charismatic performances (arguably amongst best for both in the 70s era). Stunningly photographed in widescreen and a Maurice Jarre score is always welcome icing!
Rated 06 Jul 2007
30
15th
The amazingly uneven John Huston sheds the skin of greatness he wore for Fat City and regresses back to making big-budget crap. Never mind gaping craters in the script such as the dozens of guns appearing out of thin air, with nobody to bring them, in a region where spears are supposedly the latest technology. Even if logic or continuity don't matter, the movie is in any case a snotty, orientalist macho fantasy where happy music plays in the soundtrack during mass-killing scenes.
Rated 30 Jan 2008
90
97th
A hell of a lot of fun. And somewhat overlooked.
Rated 04 Aug 2009
91
89th
Caine and Connery in high (mis)adventures of beautifully grand proportions. A rare breed of epic filmmaking. Just imagine the kind of movies we would have if directors put as much effort into their movies as Huston does here.
Rated 23 Feb 2010
97
96th
Two men reach for a chance to play at being gods and pay the price for being human.
Rated 24 Jun 2012
65
21st
Caine gives another great performance and Connery isn't far behind. Even the set up of the plot signals the audience that they should be in for a fun time. However while the actors are acting a fun filled film is not a filming. Huston seems to be mesmerized with his own talent in this movie. Every shot is slow and drawn out as if Huston hitting you over the head with his heavy handed directing. The end result is a mildly entertaining film instead of the great one it could have been.
Rated 21 Aug 2012
88
95th
It's certainly a wonder why I hadn't heard of this movie before, the story was utterly fantastic, I suppose we have Kipling to thank for that. Caine and Connery were perfect fits and the writing was tip top.
Rated 10 Sep 2012
45
26th
It's an adventure story, plain and simple - without, I fear, the gathered punch of all the ironies that end Treasure of the Sierra Madre or The Asphalt Jungle. Never mind, Connery and Caine are certain they're having a good time and delivering the goods. Christopher Plummer is a treat as Kipling. In other words, it's rather minor Huston. But if he had always wanted to do it, it must have been a relief that it turned out so well.
Rated 01 Apr 2013
80
82nd
What a great concept. Michael Caine and Sean Connery decide to walk right the hell into Afghanistan and use good old British gumption to become kings. It's hilarious how easily and immediately they succeed, but it still manages to get really dark as things escalate
Rated 04 Nov 2013
70
57th
An entertaining pseudo-epic, benefiting greatly from the terrific duo of Caine/Connery as well as by the wacky, unpredictable plot. It isn't riveting stuff and the politics felt a little shaky (smart Englishmen conquer ignorant savages) but this is an enjoyable retro adventure overall.
Rated 11 Aug 2014
80
50th
Starring three of my crowning favorite actors of all time, it's a fun and memorable folk tale, a legend, of allegiance, bravery, brotherhood, greed and megalomania with echoes of The Treasure of the Sierra Madre and Moby Dick steeped in the fanciful epic.
Rated 19 Oct 2014
70
67th
When you've got such classy actors as Sean Connery, Michael Caine and Christopher Plummer, you know you'll probably see something special. Connery and Caine work really well together. This film wasn't amazing, but it was well-made and entertaining. I did think it was a little too long, though. It's a good story about greed and ambition, and a nice companion piece to the director's earlier film, The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948).
Rated 07 Sep 2020
55
24th
Wow this is really really colonialist (though it's Kipling so who's surprised). Still watchable despite the racism though.
Rated 08 Aug 2007
95
97th
John Huston was a great director before he made this, and subsequently continued his reign of awesomeness. Despite the contempt one might feel for these conniving characters for their misdeeds, one still can't help but sympathize for them when their adventurous spirit is quelled by their conceit.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
85
94th
Ultimately, of course, the joke is on the protagonists for being so full of themselves, but along the way, it's a damn good yarn.
Rated 04 Jan 2008
91
96th
a movie that needs to be viewed and criticized by all.
Rated 26 Jan 2008
70
82nd
Pretty good.
Rated 19 Feb 2008
94
85th
Intriguing, funny, adventurous, touching.
Rated 02 Mar 2008
69
50th
# 613
Rated 19 Dec 2008
71
42nd
587
Rated 16 Jan 2009
99
99th
Who cares if it's not politically incorrect ? True brilliance, good script and dialogues and superb acting from Caine and Connery. They really show what friendship is all about. Heartbreaking. A true classic
Rated 23 Jan 2009
88
87th
The 70's was, imho, America's best era of cinema. This was probably the 11th or 13th best film of 1975... and it's mountains better than most of the fare offered by the 90's and certainly the 00's.
Rated 28 Apr 2009
91
77th
Terrific adventure tale from Huston. Connery and Caine make a great team in this one. Highly recommended.
Rated 14 Jun 2009
3
74th
Completely ignorant adventure movie, the pompous and somewhat happy score during the battle scenes were one of the many things that put me off, but it's nevertheless mildly entertaining, much thanks to Caine's presence.
Rated 25 Oct 2009
80
91st
cool story and scenery, excellent acting
Rated 14 Jan 2010
76
52nd
489
Rated 01 Aug 2010
85
82nd
I'm not sure if this is really sympathetic towards the Indian population etc. Still a great great movie.
Rated 14 Feb 2011
87
89th
Epic adventure with a brilliant lead pair.
Rated 05 May 2011
88
87th
87.500
Rated 30 Nov 2011
79
58th
#429
Rated 27 Jun 2012
84
81st
A lot of fun, strays a bit into "white man's burden" territory, but understandable given the source. A lot of drama gets unfairly crammed into the final minutes of the film, but otherwise a well made film, beautiful and well cast.
Rated 06 Mar 2013
98
99th
caine and connery just work so well together i could watch them for hours on end. the story's fantastic. loved it, and got so into it i was shocked when it was ending...went by so quickly.
Rated 29 Apr 2013
88
95th
87.500
Rated 05 Oct 2013
80
88th
An uproariously funny film, exemplary in its intelligence. Great acting, big-scale action and a wild plot.
Rated 31 Dec 2013
86
97th
yin of treasure of sierra madre.
Rated 17 Jun 2014
75
44th
This movie has not aged well.
Rated 15 Sep 2014
75
66th
A great pairing which really hammers home hubris, greed and ethics.
Rated 10 Apr 2015
81
97th
fantastic storytelling, brilliantly brought to life for the big screen
Rated 08 Feb 2016
95
85th
A-
Rated 23 Sep 2017
54
60th
A film about the imperial impulse and male partnerships shaped by the exact arc of the conventional historical narrative. A gender-based reading of this film is probably the most instructive, which is kind of surprising as at first glance it seems a rather flimsy structure. You get what you look for, I suppose.
Rated 08 Oct 2018
75
90th
Excellent scenery with an interesting story and great characer's.
Rated 12 Mar 2019
88
58th
87.50
Rated 03 Jul 2019
86
86th
Jolly good fun! I wish there were more movies like that being made today..
Rated 21 Oct 2020
90
87th
Britain: The Motion Picture
Rated 02 Jan 2021
81
78th
Caine's wife marrying Connery.
Rated 06 Oct 2021
80
78th
A good short story converted to an epic film, with adventure and a bit of eye-winking throughout (almost Pythonesque at times).
Rated 13 Feb 2022
87
66th
I don't feel qualified to review films from this era and of this stature, but this one is the reason I became fan of Connery and Caine. I can say however that the film is incredibly rich in texture, and that Afghanistan and the neighbouring regions are still a mess in real life.
Rated 16 Feb 2022
50
26th
The script is linear, predictable and presents the Indian people as ignorant and childish. Thus, with the exception of the charisma of the protagonists, the film did not please me.
Rated 29 Jul 2022
76
62nd
A perfectly solid, fun adventure film with strong comedic elements. A bit racist to modern eyes, but Connery and especially Caine both give fun performances and have great chemistry. Beautifully shot and staged. I don't think it quite lives up to the level of Huston's other major adventure films, The African Queen and The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, but it's a treat.
Rated 28 Aug 2022
70
65th
Agreeable entertainment. I was surprised this was made in 1975--it feels like one of those epic adventures that had their heyday 10 or 15 years earlier. Connery and Caine are excellent, and it's undeniably well-done...it's just not quite my thing.
Rated 21 Oct 2022
87
78th
Great classic adventure

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