The Lost King

Most viewers will know the remarkable story of how the remains of King Richard III were found. It's a story which could have made satisfying movie, however, the producers of The Lost King have decided to play with the facts quite a bit to try to make it into a quirky 'ealingesque' comedy drama. It doesn't really work, especially fantasy sequences where the king appears, and it doesn't help that the main character is mis-cast and, and I thought a bit underplayed too. I still enjoyed the film, but it lacked real impact. The Lost King is worth a watch if you're at a loose end, but I suggest viewing the C4 (UK) documentary online for the real story.

Amateur historian Phillipa Langley becomes fascinated with the life and death of the much maligned Richard III, she seeks funding, and the hunt begins. If you're a fan of British feel good comedies such as Fisherman's Friends and Kinky Boots, those films of triumph over adversity, this will definitely hold your interest. It's a truly fascinating story, and one of the only times I've ever seen Richard III given a bit of positivity in a film, he is often much maligned, known for Shakespeare's play, and for killing his way to the throne. When the news of this broke it was an unbelievable story, so much controversy, so many view points, I remember it breaking on The BBC, it was quite something. There are a few snippets I learned about Richard III, and some of the things he brought about. Sally Hawkins is tremendous, she captivates from start to finish, despite a marvellous line up, including Steve Coogan, Harry Lloyd and James Fleet, she really does shown through. It's a great film, 9/10.

Not exactly 15 minutes of fame but I won a berth in the cathedral at Richard's reinterment. As a result I was very excited about this film and it really was a wonderful movie with Sally Hawkins and Steve Coogan portraying these recent events with sensitivity and class. I liked the use of Richard's ghost to enhance the storytelling and the use of poetic licence did not damage the integrity of what happened. Visually, the sets were accurate and all the main characters are represented. Although I would liked to have seen the addition of Michael Ibsen who provided the DNA proof. But as a film about a topical story, it was a lovely satisfying movie.

Today I virtually traveled to the UK with this good film, Located in Edinburgh and Leicester, it tells the true story of Ms. Phillipa Langley, an amateur historian who discovered that Richard III was not the usurper king, murderer of nephews to gain access to the throne, hunchbacked and hated, thus portrayed a century later by Shakespeare ("this is the winter of our discontent", "my kingdom for a horse"). She goes on all the way to find the real Richard. A true story very well told. It invites you to continue reading on a fascinating matter, to value the passion and work of a "normal" woman who almost alone has achieved so much, to reassess a king and his entire reign beyond Shakespeare's famous work. Criticism has been harsh on this movie. Couldn´t say why. I loved it.

Phillippa Langleys story is one of the most extraordinary I have ever heard. Richard III was also one of the more interesting historical royal figures. Imagine you died and your worst enemies decided to start a PR campaign against you, and you weren't there to defend yourself? Add to that they never found your body when it was custom to be buried with high dignity and with pomp and ceremony. Fast forward to present day and like many of us, particularly in western society, Phillipa finds herself overlooked, misjudged and underestimated all whilst battling a debilitating, stress triggered illness. Many of us can relate to that and pseudo 'well-being' token help offered in corporate environments where people are in reality discriminated against for showing signs of mental health triggered issues. This story will resonate with many and life affirming for anyone who feels boxed up and set-aside. Sally Hawkins as Phillipa is brilliant and really draws you into her world of battling through to reach her incomprehensibly difficult goal to find Richard. Harry Lloyd is also a mesmerising presence as a somewhat spiritual guide as king Richard. Subtle, humorous and charismatic he cuts a handsome, ethereal figure as he first appears staring up at Phillipa, stirring a wave of emotion as his eyes beckon her to her mission. Steve Coogan is his ever slightly sarcastic humorous self, but with an undercurrent of respect and understanding that there's more to his ex-wife than meets the eye. Ever since Mark Addy sat in his shed, cling filming his belly as 'big man' Dave in The Full Monty the nation has felt affection for him. So as the lead archaeologist dealing with his own feelings of being set aside you feel that thread of affection. Being from Leicester this film was always going to be interesting to me. Yet the newspaper reviews I read weren't great. I went along to the cinema with a hint of reserve and came out feeling elated. I loved the film more than I dared to hope. I felt it's focus on the determination of the human spirit of both the living and the dead was communicated in a way befitting the subject matter. After all life is all about searching and finding and understanding the truth. This film I felt encompassed that and left me feeling that nothing is futile.

As an avid follower of the story of the finding of Richard III in a car park in Leicester, I was very excited to find it showing at my local cinema on my day off. It started well and Sally Hawkins is a great actress but bears little resemblance to Phillipa Langley, who does appear in a very short cameo. Steve Coogan is great as Phillipa's estranged husband and I loved the little historical twist that I won't mention and spoil for those who haven't seen it yet. However, what happened to Turri King? Not one mention of her in the whole film! I've just watched a documentary which she presented, and she was involved right up the day before they realised their "hunch" was more than likely correct (sorry couldn't resist) after revealing the curvature of the spine. Seems sad that Phillipa wasn't given the credit she deserved and also that Turri has been strangely erased. Nevertheless, it was an enjoyable film.

To say what bbc and ingenious really went after when making this rather royal historical flick, about finding the remains of, the prince's killer, hunchback king richard the 3 of england who fell in a battle in the late 1400's. Because its definately not a comedy, rather a dead serious flatwitted semibiographical tweet about a woman who through signs and illusions gets a huch where richard may lay burried, a bountyhunt that has ridden the archeological societies of britain for centuries, and sets out on a quite mellow and mentally ill ridden crusade to find the pitch where he should be. Well, its well acted, its score roars at you when dialouges pause, and the slight bit of mystery is there. But youre left with a feeling , was this a scam or really the truth? Watch it for what it is, british tv films are usually quality stuff, especially when huge actors takes part, so a hesitant recommend from the grumpy old man.

I found the film to be excellent with the cast,even Steve coogan underplaying his usual self.sally Hawkins Carrys the film and Stephen frears gives the actor plenty of screen time.there has been a lot of naysayers both on social media and in the news.about the journalistic licence given to the storyline.ok so the Leicester university was set up yo be the bad guys with Lee ingleby being singled out,but what they miss it's only a film,and it where myself being shown in a bad light I too wouldn't be happy,but let's call up another success for the British film industry,along with Mrs Harris we might not manage hollywoods output but we have heart to our films.