King & Country war movie

King & Country (1964, United Kingdom)

Categories: courtroom movies infantry movies trenches movies

King & Country

Director: Joseph Losey

Czas: 85 minut

Laguages: English

war movies infoAdam 'Frey' Barczynski
2024-04-07 / 1970-01-01

British soldier is accused of desertion during the Battle of Passchendaele and put in front of court-martial, but the case isn’t as simple as it seems.

During World War I Private Arthur Hamp of British Army is accused of desertion during the Battle of Passchendaele. Captain Hargreaves is appointed to defend him, although it seems very straight forward case - Hamp was captured by military police while he was, as he said, "walked back to London". Hargreaves has serious doubts about the mental state of Hamp, especially when he learns his background. He joined the army at the break of was as volunteer, but now, 3 years later, he is the sole survivor of his company. It seems that Hamp had nervous breakdown and decided to return home by foot, which itself suggests he is having mental problems. During the interview with his client Hargreaves is under impression Hamp does not realize why he is being arrested. Officer tries to find out if there were any problems with Hamp before, but while speaking with the company doctor and other officers he slowly begins to reveal a completely different view on that case.

Film in a way similar to much acclaimed Paths of Glory, presenting how destructive was World War I for the minds of people involved, although it is much more a chamber drama based on the characters rather than trying to show the larger scale events. King and Country presents the drama of two people entangled in ruthless rules of the war. On one hand they try to keep alive their human nature even though around them there is nothing but pain and sufffer. But on the other hand there is their duty call that pushes them to do for their country things they do not really want to do. It draws the image how war can dehumanize the people involved. It is powerful movie, although less spectacular then Paths of Glory.

Our rating

5.2

Film value

6 / 10

Realism factor

4 / 5

Adventure factor

1 / 5

Historical accuracy

2 / 5

2024-04-07

King & Country full movie

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