MovieChat Forums > The Lost King (2023) Discussion > I liked it

I liked it

posted 2 years ago by huwdj (4563)
4 replies | jump to latest

It's another little British triumph over adversity type story and it could have been twee and trite but it's not. Sally Hawkins drives it forward with the help of a recognisable cast and scenic locations, and even if it's the kind of film that (almost certainly) won't win any awards it's enjoyable and satisfying.
The story is about a woman, Philippa Langley, who becomes obsessed with finding the body of King Richard III. It's probably not too big a spoiler to say that she does, but only to have Leicester University step in and pinch the credit for all her hard work.
Apparently Leicester University are somewhat unhappy with their portrayal in this film. I have to say that I remember the story but I don't remember Philippa Langley's name so I'm going to suggest there is some truth in her version.
Anyway, I enjoyed the film and now I'll have to read her book upon which it's based.

[–] jinker (73) 2 years ago

She clearly became obsessed with his whole story and of course the university of Leicester led the project to find King Richard III’s remains so they were going to put themselves up front when he was actually found. There’s been a lot written about their involvement and it shames them they weren’t honest about who drove the thing from inception.
I visited the cathedral where his tomb is but I can’t help feeling he should have been laid to rest in York. Politics at work.
The real Philippa makes an appearance in the church scene and I wonder what she makes of the film?

[–] huwdj (4563) 2 years ago

She's got an exec producer credit on the film - I'm going to assume she approves 😀
The film didn't seem to have much time in the cinema - barely a week in my part of the world though I've noticed it has limited occasional showings in some cinemas since. I wonder if that was always the plan or if it failed to find an audience?

[–] bistritapcv (1692) a year ago

Her husband looked familiar. I must have seen him before.

Strange relationship they had?

Also did it seem everyone was named "Richard"? At least 3 people.

[–] rnmboon (387) 7 months ago

There is a documentary about the discovery and she doesn't look too great in it. Yes, she initiated the whole thing but the university did all the work with regard to the dig and the identification. And in the documentary she did not come across very likeable or happy about the university being in the limelight. She seemed especially unhappy about the discovery that Richard III indeed had a crooked spine. That was apparently something that the "Ricardians" always denied. I haven't seen this film but even beforehand I doubt that it is going to portray the actual events somewhat fairly.