
Movie review
The King
Woke Score
Lower is better
- Release Date
- October 11, 2019
- Age Rating
- R
- Runtime
- 140 min
Where to Watch
United States · Last checked 5/14/2026
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Breakdown
Factors & Ratings
These are the editorial factors and ratings behind our score for The King.
Representation / casting choices
Period-appropriate European cast fits the 15th-century English and French setting with no visible diversity emphasis, race or gender swaps, or identity signaling in marketing or reviews.
Political / ideological dialogue
Explores burdens of leadership, war costs, and court manipulation in plain historical terms without modern activist slogans or ideological lectures.
Identity-driven story themes
Late scene gives Catherine a sharper, confrontational role that challenges the king’s ego and male pride; this modern tweak is noticeable but secondary to the main kingship and war story.
Institutional / cultural critique
Shows palace corruption and personal costs of aggressive power and male ego through the young king’s story; points remain tied to medieval events rather than current activist framing.
