The Lost King

audience Reviews

, 92% Audience Score
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    Could have been better, but the story alone makes the movie. I wish that they could have called out the University etc better. Saw on hulu.
  • Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
    Anything, and I mean ANYTHING with Sally Hawkins in it is a treat, and this was no exception to that. Her understated performance was pitch perfect and blended perfectly with Steve Coogan's delivery. Their (in filmdom, anyway) unconventionally friendly - affectionate, even - relationship as exes could be a lesson to us all. And most other roles were pretty good; didn't like the PR fellow from Leicester U; I thought he played a pretty cliched baddie. My two complaints: the "invisible Richard" was kind of kitchy to me. I think it actually detracted from the movie. I think the director took a risk and that it didn't work. Should have found another perspective on her drive to find Richard. And the other complaint: the Uni stealing her thunder and virtually all of the credit smacked of "The Dig" and how the British Museum took all the credit (and the boat) in that one. Maybe it was true? But I recall the event 12 years ago in the news and I'm pretty sure it was individuals, not the Uni, that got the credit.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    The triumph of a will to succeed over the ego's of the establishment. It really issue a charming film. Sally Hawkins is as always, pitch perfect. She brings you through the gamut of human emotions of knowing you are right, but so many not willing to help. Great cast, story telling and direction. Pacing was great.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    The movie tackles so many themes, but the one that got me was the unwarranted disdain that professional academics have toward those without lofty degrees — but who have the drive and spirit and interest to contribute meaningfully to conversations and debates. The movie's ending spoke volumes, splitting off into 2 very different settings, only one of which genuinely has much to do with knowledge and truth. Sally Hawkins is extraordinary, always transforming into the character she plays. I am going to read Philippa's book!
  • Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
    This is a fascinating film based on a fascinating real story… about how amateur historian Philippa Langley's unrelenting research led to discovery of the remains of King Richard III under a carpark in Leicester, having been through lost for 500 years. History aside, however, it is also life-affirming in its reminder of the power of tenacity against all odds and opposition.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    Vaguely funny and full of historical information. Director Stephen Frears' British comedy-drama The Lost King (2022) is all about Richard III. If that doesn't interest you, you may not like this one. It has tons of research from writers Steve Coogan and Jeff Pope about Richard III and the real Philippa Langley's research. It's so strange to put Richard III's spirit in human form for Sally Hawkins to speak to throughout The Lost King. I did not know much about Richard III, but this has historical facts and real anti-University of Leicester opinions here. The university stole all the credit for Philippa's work and research, basically. It's fascinating to see both sides of Richard III's history. Editor Pia Di Ciaula's cuts are pretty sharp and keep the pace feeling upbeat. Cinematographer Zac Nicholson's is pretty and bright, but rather ordinary. The Lost King does not feature fantastic filmmaking, but just amusing humor and information. It could have been funnier instead of so dramatic. Sally Hawkins' charming lead actress performance makes the movie as pleasant as it feels. Her heartfelt performance sells you on the importance of this finding and how hard Philippa Langley worked. Steve Coogan starts as a bit of a jerk as Philippa's ex-husband, but he ends up very supportive and nurturing. Harry Lloyd is formidable as the actor playing King Richard III. I liked his presence as the king despite how odd it makes the movie. Mark Addy is excellent as the scumbag archaeologist Richard Buckley, who takes credit and receives the higher order of merit for the discovery. Lee Ingleby is insufferable as the University of Leicester deputy registrar Richard Taylor, who steals all credit for the dig in favor of the university. It's all awful how none of these supposed scholars would fund or help her cause. James Fleet is pleasant as the smart and supportive medieval historian John Ashdown-Hill, who helps Philippa. In short, The Lost King is compelling and entertaining with lots to say about Richard III.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    I liked this movie in every way. Had never heard of it, so it was a surprising find. Great story line with a tremendously talented actress lead and strong supporting cast. Charming.
  • Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    Fantastic in every way!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    I loved this movie, based on a true story, about one ordinary Scottish woman's search for the resting place of Richard III and for the truth about his life and legacy. It reminded me so much of the obsessive quests of writers and academics.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    No expensive special effects, no shoot-outs, no explosions. Just a good story based on true events. Very enjoyable.