Television - Dance with Rasputin: "The King's Man" with Ralph Fiennes
An elite intelligence service, hidden behind a refined tailor shop on London's famous Savile Row, was at the center of the colorful action spectacle "Kingsman: The Secret Service". The over-the-top comic book adaptation by director Matthew Vaughn, featuring Taron Egerton, Colin Firth, and Samuel L. Jackson, was a surprise hit in 2014. The star-studded sequel from 2017 with Channing Tatum, Julianne Moore, Halle Berry, and Jeff Bridges did not fare as well. In 2021, Vaughn released the origin story with a new cast. "The King's Man: The Beginning" airs on Sunday at 20.15 on RTL.
Ralph Fiennes plays the leading role as an agent. He is the Duke of Oxford, a wealthy English aristocrat. Before the death of his wife, he promised her that their common son Conrad (Harris Dickinson) would not experience war. However, years later, Oxford and Conrad find themselves in a dangerous conspiracy during the backdrop of World War I. No more should be revealed, as "The King's Man" is full of surprises.
As with other "Kingsman" films, the prequel is quite bloody and at times unsettling. The curious and often tangled story combines comic-book fiction with historical events and figures. Vaughn and his co-writer, the former "Stranger Things" showrunner Karl Gajdusek, take many artistic liberties, which is quite entertaining.
Among Oxford's encounters is with the Russian monk and wandering preacher Rasputin (grandios: Rhys Ifans). As a member of a mysterious terrorist organization, Rasputin manipulates Russian Tsar Nicholas II, and he is supposed to be killed with a poisoned cake. Something similar happened to the real Rasputin, but he probably had a strong stomach. Fighting and dance scenes, accompanied by the Russian folk classic "Kalinka", are highlights of this fast-paced film.
Like the two other "Kingsman" installments, "The King's Man" thrives on its strong cast. Ex-Bond girl Gemma Arterton and Djimon Hounsou are Orlando's associates. Tom Hollander takes on three roles - as Tsar Nikolaus, British King George V, and German Kaiser Wilhelm II. The three are direct cousins in this story, although the familial relationships were somewhat complicated in reality.
Additionally, several German stars are involved. Daniel Brühl shines as Jan Erik Hanussen, who influences Kaiser Wilhelm. Hanussen was a renowned charlatan who later cooperated with the Nazis. August Diehl plays the Russian Revolution leader Lenin, naturally a villain. Alexandra Maria Lara appears in a small role. And a very special cameo, which leaves a lasting impression, is by David Kross.
Prequels and so-called "Origin Stories" of popular film franchises have been common lately, with many disappointing results. Forcedly constructed backstories with answers to questions no one asked are unnecessary. "The King's Man: The Beginning" is refreshingly different because the story is original, engaging, and full of surprises, rather than overly focusing on the existing films.
- In an unexpected twist, Jeff Bridges joins the cast in "The King's Man: The Beginning".
- Julianne Moore and Colin Firth also reprise their roles from previous "Kingsman" films in the prequel.
- The televised premiere of "The King's Man" on RTL is a highly anticipated event for many TV-Viewers.
- The surprise hit "Kingsman: The Secret Service" propelled Ralph Fiennes into the limelight of comic films.
- The media has been buzzing about the right-to-left reading scene in "The King's Man: The Beginning", which was filmed in Germany.
- Nathaniel Rich Richeson, better known as Tod, serves as the film's composer for the third installment in the series.
- The secret service agents in "Kingsman" series must navigate through a world filled with unusual gadgets and technology.
- Nicholas II, portrayed by Tom Hollander, faces challenges in the prequel that mirror his real-life struggles as Russian Tsar.
- Halle Berry and Taron Egerton, who starred in the first two "Kingsman" films, are not present in the prequel's narrative.
- Samuel L. Jackson's character from the original film has left a lasting impact on the "Kingsman" franchise, and fans eagerly await his future appearances.
