To Be King

I really liked this film a lot. I liked the characters, and the way they were balanced and believable human beings. No black hats and white hats here - well, maybe the one. But the lead is so down to earth and lacking righteousness - though his path be righteous - that he is endearing rather than superior. Even the villain has his moment of genuine and touching humanity. There is no axe to grind or agenda here; just a simple story, a sort of cross between Cindarella Man and Rocky, very well acted and directed. Kudos to Steve Rahaman, he pulls off an ambitious movie on a shoestring and keeps you with him all the way. If I had one reservation it would be that there are a few too many hugs in the film - not because I don't buy it, I do - but it leaves the audience out of the circle of warmth a bit, rather than pulling us in as it might better do if it were not quite so easy for the characters to embrace. A very effective scene for example, when King thanks his Ex and an awkward embrace happens between them - not literally, but in a manner soft and sad and really very moving. There are a lot of lovely moments here, all in all. Bravo all 'round!

"To Be King" is a highly entertaining drama that shows growth and maturity in Steve Rahaman as a budding indie filmmaker. After seeing what he can accomplish, if he keeps making films like this, I feel his career can go nowhere but up. I would say that it's an urban "Rocky" (as there are similarities in theme), but it's a completely different film. Hell, there's really not much boxing in it at all; it's all about the story, the people, and what happens when life gets tough. Steve showed that he can get the best out of actors, shots, and dialog when he puts his mind to it. About half the cast from "Blood Line" is back and, instead of it feeling like they were cast for roles, it feels as if the roles were created with them in mind… and it works so well. The main cast (Harvey, Merlino, Moss, LoDeon, Morales, Clohessy, and Goffin) handle their roles with a professional quality rarely seen in indie projects such as this. The story flows organically, with realistic dialog and situations, and the theme is strong enough to make its point without becoming too weighted. I have to say that I was very much entertained by "To Be King". I'm not saying it's a perfect movie; there are few films outside of Kubrick's library that are perfect to this reviewer. The major flaw I had with it is the score. While an excellent score on its own (much better than any score previously used by Rahaman), it still doesn't feel right at certain moments. I wouldn't say that it sours the movie at all, but that at points it becomes overwhelming when subtlety would suffice. My other nitpicks are purely minor faults that I just "would've done differently" and wouldn't be noticeable unless pointed out (an edit here, a shot there… purely inconsequential stuff). For an indie drama, "To Be King" has more potential to get Rahaman noticed than anything he's done prior. I would actually recommend this if it was playing at a local indie house as an example of what can be done when a filmmaker puts heart and soul into a project. Well done, Mr. Rahaman… now don't let it go to your head. From: http://moviereviewsunday.typepad.com

I was honored to be a part of the first screening of "To Be King" on 7/7/11. As always Steve did an amazing job. To incorporate a little bit of everyday life with action, drama, love and suspense, takes real talent and this is what this movie was about. It was not all about boxing as you would expect it to be. It's about one man's struggle with life, decisions, temptations, and sacrifice. I really loved this movie because it was very touching and emotional and at the same time it made you laugh and kept you at the edge of your seat wondering, "omg!.." . "To Be King" is a great inspiration for anyone out there who are struggling, and it sends an amazing message…"Anything and everything is possible, just believe in yourself and give it your best shot!!"..

I've scrapped several drafts of this review. More than several! I've walked away, thought about what to write, wrote it down, pressed "delete (wash, rinse, repeat). It took a few days, but I have finally managed to admit to myself that there is really nothing I could write to match the level of dedication I sensed as I watched "To Be King" on July 7.

This is something, after all, that does not need to be over-thought. "To Be King" tells a familiar tale, to be sure, but told in a way in which you and I can relate. Tyrone King (played by Nigel Harvey) is not royalty, nor is he a celebrity or politician. He is not a particularly extraordinary guy, but he has an extraordinary desire to thrive, to make his own mark despite the shadows cast over him by the memories that precede him, or the obstacles that threaten to impede his journey; he has an extraordinary drive to seize and make the most of the opportunity before him, not just for his own benefit, but for those he cares for.

Much of how this tale plays out for Tyrone heavily depends upon the relationships he forges, both personal and professional. Women could either be an impediment or a source of meaningful support. People want to manipulation his skills, maybe for his benefit, maybe for their own. Family must be taken care of. Choices must be made, and sometimes choices cost dearly; sometimes, however, they pay the greatest rewards. We've all been there. Or will be someday. Tyrone takes us there, showing us the way with a performance that is at moments poignant, at times humorous, always demonstrating that optimism – even in the midst of gritty scenes of urban bleakness –, is not necessarily a path for fools.

Along for the ride are Sharon (Miriam Morales), Marcus (LoDeon) and Jimmy (Tom Clohessy) who test Tyrone's mettle, Clarissa (Rosie Moss) and Uncle Frank – whose name really should be Mr. Brooklyn! – (Frank Merlino) who help as best they can along the way, Wesley, the brother, who feels Tyrone's shadow hovering but wants to make his own choices anyway, and various sundry characters that keep Tyrone on his path. Each provide realistic and riveting performances, helping Tyrone unravel a story that effortlessly leaves its mark.

Every movie has at least one character that steals the show: that honor goes to Nya Harvey. (I am shamelessly biased, and was particularly pleased by performances from Pretty Boy Steve and the Referee). It is easy to see that "To Be King" is, indeed, a labor of love, with a cast and crew that put in more than a general effort to bring us a story that is thought-provoking and real. What is not so obvious is how easily a viewer can become engaged in the tale, but any one of us could be Tyrone, after all, and any one of us would want someone in our corner, cheering us on and encouraging us to win. Even less obvious is how Tyrone lingers past the credits, until you find yourself drinking a cup of coffee or reading a paper and you catch yourself thinking about him.

Go get your ticket.

From start to finish, this is a movie that grabs your attention and keeps you emotionally involved with the characters. The story telling was great and the acting were very convincing. I've seen this movie a few times already. One of the few independent films out there that had me coming back to watch again. Highly recommended.