Watch The King Maker

The King Maker, a film released in 2005, is a captivating historical action-drama that transports audiences to 16th century Thailand, following the adventures of a foreign adventurer who becomes embroiled in the country's political unrest. Directed by Lek Kitaparaporn and featuring an impressive cast led by Gary Stretch, John Rhys-Davies, and Cindy Sirinya Bishop, the film is a thrilling and engrossing spectacle that combines period action, romance, and intrigue in equal measure.

The King Maker tells the story of Nicholas Laffineur (Gary Stretch), a Portuguese soldier who travels to the kingdom of Ayutthaya, then the capital of Siam, in search of adventure and fortune. He quickly finds himself drawn into the complex and dangerous political machinations of the kingdom, which is roiled by power struggles between factions aligned with different princes and princesses. One of these factions is supported by the Portuguese, who are seeking to extend their commercial interests in the region and serve as intermediaries between the rival Siamese factions.

As Nicholas becomes more deeply involved in the conflict, he finds himself falling in love with the beautiful and enigmatic Tien (Cindy Sirinya Bishop), a member of one of the royal families vying for the throne. Their relationship becomes complicated by their differing loyalties and the explosive violence that surrounds them, as they are forced to choose between their passions and their duty to their causes. Along the way, Nicholas also forms a close bond with the gruff and experienced adventurer Petruchio (John Rhys-Davies), who serves as his guide and mentor in the unfamiliar and perilous terrain of Siam.

The film is visually stunning, with lush landscapes, ornate costumes, and vivid depictions of Siamese culture and politics. The action sequences are choreographed with skill and precision, with intricate swordplay and martial arts battles that keep the audience on the edge of their seats. At the same time, the film is grounded in a sense of realism and historical authenticity, with an emphasis on the complex political and social dynamics of the era.

The performances are uniformly excellent, with Gary Stretch delivering a nuanced and charismatic turn as the conflicted but ultimately heroic Nicholas. He brings a sense of vulnerability and humility to the character, making him a relatable and sympathetic protagonist even as he engages in brutal and dangerous actions. Cindy Sirinya Bishop is also impressive as Tien, conveying both strength and vulnerability as a woman navigating a treacherous and male-dominated world. John Rhys-Davies is a standout as Petruchio, injecting humor and wisdom into his gruff and world-weary character.

Overall, The King Maker is a thrilling and engaging historical epic that will appeal to fans of action, romance, and drama alike. Its vivid depictions of 16th century Siam and its colorful characters and intricate plot make it a must-see for anyone interested in cinematic adventures set in exotic and unfamiliar locales.

The King Maker is a 2005 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.5.