Cast
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Richard Harris
as King George II
Glenda Jackson
as Queen Caroline
Frank Finlay
as Edward Coke
Jenny Agutter
as Hannah Coke
Nigel Hawthorne
as Achmet
Navin Chowdhry
as Agba
Anthony Quayle
as Lord Granville
Peter Vaughan
as Captain
Ian Richardson
as Bey of Tunis
Neil Dickson
as Earl of Godolphin
Barry Foster
as Mr. Williams
Jill Gascoine
as Mrs. Williams
Ralph Bates
as LeDuc
Joan Hickson
as Duchess of Marlborough
Norman Rodway
as Capt. 'Blueskin' Blake
Crew
Director
- Peter Duffell
Writer
- Leslie Sayle
- Phillip Frey
Producer
- Peter S. Davis
- Michael Guest
- William N. Panzer
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
King of the Wind represents a fascinating example of Adventure cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Peter Duffell brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1990, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of King of the Wind took approximately 11 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 103 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 160 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
- The screenplay went through 11 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1990, when this film was released:
- Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
- The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While King of the Wind shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, King of the Wind subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and The Great Dan Patch explore similar territory, King of the Wind stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: May 25, 1990
- Runtime: 1h 43m
