King of the Belgians

Seen at the Film Fest Ghent 2016 (website: filmfestival.be/en). It is very unlike the usual road movie, where the trip is used as a vehicle to glue a series of local shots together, and merely showcases landscapes, folklore, noteworthy customs, foreign phenomena, and nothing more. This one stands out for several other reasons, of which I can mention at least four from the top of my head.

Firstly, it includes contemporary issues like countries joining and/or leaving the EU, a difficult trip through the Balkan crossing many borders and meeting all sorts of people, officially and semi-officially. Secondly, the premise that Belgium and in particular Brussel as capital city of the EU, are the victim of a country falling apart when Wallonia declares its independence. Thirdly, an important role of the king is to visualize unity, but alas this time he is far away when sh*t happens, and circumstances prevent him from returning to his country ASAP. Fourthly, the foursome (or five, when we include the film maker, who has more roles than just recording events) will be forced to drop, albeit reluctantly, their original roles, eventually forgetting protocols and other things they had to uphold until this moment. A nice element is that all members of the party of five are equally important in maintaining progress or rescuing them from nasty situations when appear one after another on their trip home.

On the other hand, this company of five has incredible sorts of luck underway, be it that stubbornness and sheer determination also play an important part in the proceedings. And there are also the down-to-earth problems of cash and batteries that are neglected and incredibly never seem to occur, albeit both problems are mentioned by the film maker on only two occasions: time to recharge batteries (once he should film but he doesn't find the spot of any value), and once when their last cash was handed over to buy a boat.

All in all, although the whole situation is utter nonsense, it serves very well as a framework to link several hilarious situations together, also including some contemporary issues as icing on the cake. The party of five allows all its members to gradually drop their original roles, and to rescue the situation at several instances one by one. Even the dubious past of the film maker is partly revealed (or at least suggested), making his role carrying more weight than the proverbial fly on the wall. There is progression in the story all the time. Impossible to predict any of the turns of events we get presented, so expect to witness the unexpected. Finally, does the King get the chance to write his first speech ever without consulting "the palace" and the prime minister?? It would be a unique occurrence, but he surely will be able to pull it off once given the chance to be himself, not encapsulated in protocols and political considerations.

This was an extremely likable film. A funny, lighthearted mocumentary that will not offend anyone. (The film's mildness and utter correctness reminds me of the effects of genetic in-breeding of royal families, producing respectable, yet bland, monarchs.) That is both its best, and worst, quality. The idea for the film's narrative is so out-of-this-world that it is surprising to learn that it stemmed out of real events for the films co-creators. Like they say, fact is stranger than fiction.

The film is an extremely fun ride. I loved the documentary-style camera-work they achieved for the film: on-the-fly shots; off-kilter framing; shaky hand-held panning; and supposedly off-the-cuff set- ups. This not only permeates the mocumentary itself, we see it as an outrageous sendup at the start of the film when the royally- commissioned documentary is being made before the chaos starts. Loved the valet with the lint remover -- "ok, let's do it again."

(2) Score the different elements of the film objectively, 1 to 4, and explain your ratings.

Script/Story: 3 - excellent narrative. Loved the mocumentary conceit; the wacky travel log; the delightful Balkan country folk, from the sexy Ana with her tasting finger to the blind-tasting Yogurt crew. And am particularly delighted to learn that the co- writers/co-directors simply wrote a skeletal narrative structure and pretty much had the people casts play themselves!

Cinematography/Visual Effects: 2.5, fun. See my comment above re camera-work

Editing: 2; needs to be somewhat sharper. Loved the intimate, long-lasting shots of the King in deep contemplation. Very effective for the meaning of the film.

Sound Effects: 2, adequate

Musical Score: 1; enough of Grieg's "Peer Gynt Suite"

Performances: 2.5; I particularly loved the blandness, elegance and nobility from the actor portraying the King. Extremely measured, he showed a genuine interest in people, goodness, and doing the right thing. Wish all royals were this way.

Production Design: Sets, Locations, Costumes, etc.: 2.5; the Balkans looked fun, fitting the narrative.

(3) Would you recommend this movie to a friend? Give your reasons.

Yes, a very entertaining film and quite well made. My favorite fact about this film comes from the director's comment that the best way to comment on today's tumultuous political climate is through humor. Thumbs up.

I was quite curious to see this film, as the plot sounded promising. However, what started as a good idea turned into very dry film, due to the poor script. The screenwriter didn't really do a good research about Balkan countries, as they are so rich in culture and in this film they have just touched the surface. Shame. It was a really good idea for the film.

I loved this movie. It touched something in me that a movie hasn't touched in a long time. It might be silly because this is far from the deepest or most well executed movie that's ever existed, but it was the one for me in this precise moment.

As a Bulgarian I actually felt that this was the only movie I have ever seen that wasn't making fun of my country, rather it presented some of its realities without mocking, but through engagement and in a way appreciation. Or maybe it's just me who sees it this way, as a Bulgarian away from Bulgaria, missing everything about it.

The characters were likeable, the dialogue was well-written, the fake documentary style was executed extremely well - a 9/10 from me, and 1 extra point for the quote right at the end which, again, was something I needed at this moment in time. 10:10.

It could be a road movie, a soft satyre or a fake documentary. it use cliches and gives a courageous-provocative perspective about essential problems of contemporary world. and this is a significant good point. the bad side - sure, as Romanian I am real subjective, the image of Balkans. I understand, for a public from West, the profound believes are not easy to change. and the portrait is far to be awfull. but something remains in the circle of notes well known. the Serbians, the Bulgarians reduced at folklore and yoghourt, the Albanians. I do not ignore the good intentions and the Serbian man questions are expression of an old frustration but , maybe, out of exoticism of an initiation of the king in a form of real life , could be better tools for express that. short, a nice film. for story, perspectives about Europe and sweat - bitter story about a king who reminds, a little, the King Lear.