Cast
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Alessandro Borghi
as Remus
Alessio Lapice
as Romulus
Fabrizio Rongione
as Lars
Massimiliano Rossi
as Tefarie
Tania Garribba
as Satnei
Lorenzo Gleijeses
as Purtnass
Vincenzo Crea
as Elaxantre
Max Malatesta
as Veltur
Fiorenzo Mattu
as Mamercus
Gabriel Montesi
as Adieis
Antonio Orlando
as Erennis
Vincenzo Pirrotta
as Cai
Michael Schermi
as Aranth
Ludovico Succio
as Marce
Martinus Tocchi
as Lubcef
Crew
Director
- Matteo Rovere
Producer
- Andrea Paris
- Matteo Rovere
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The First King examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Matteo Rovere 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 character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2019, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The First King took approximately 13 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $8.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 123 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 170 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 423 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The film contains approximately 1308 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2019, when this film is released:
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While The First King 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 Order, which focuses more on action than character development, The First King subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Fair Game and Caligula explore similar territory, The First King stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: January 31, 2019
- Runtime: 2h 3m
- Budget: $8,000,000
- Revenue: $2,440,478
Where to Watch
