>>214000468
The Henriad has a very clear and relatively simple dilemma for its protagonist: he has to choose between a life of hedonism, or life as a responsible prince and king. The main force which tempts him towards the former is Falstaff, who is a representation of every vice of the noblemen of the period. Hal eventually choses to forsake Falstaff and is effectively reborn as Henry V, whose focus is on righteous war against France.
The King makes Falstaff the moral compass and guide for Hal, a total inversion of his character in the plays. Moreover, Hal in The King is a totally passive protagonist; he doesn't desire war with France, he has to be pushed into it. This culminates in the worst moment of the film, at the end when the "twist" is revealed to be that he was manipulated into the war by his advisors. The movie has nothing to say about the nature of kingship; it's a vapid, cynical subversion appealing to viewers of Game of Thrones viewers who just want to see violent political machinations for the sake of the violence and intrigue.
