King Richard
Ten Second Review: Whichever way you look at it King Richard is an incredible film. Superb acting of a superb story in a superbly made film. The fact it is real is just something else.
I think I may have mentioned this in this blog somewhere, but I’m a casual tennis fan. My mum quite likes it so it was regularly on when I was a kid and I have friends who play very well (and have taken me out to play) which has given me a conversational level of knowledge, but it doesn’t go much further than that. I do however have an interest in great athletes and the Williams sisters are certainly that.
King Richard tells the story of Richard Williams and his daughters. From an early age he had a plan for them and he wasn’t going to stray from that plan for anyone. At every stage the world doubts him and his daughters, but one by one they all see him proved right.
As with real history, film history is littered with moving sports stories, but occasionally, as with real history, one crops up that makes a real dent in the genre. It just so happens that this film is based on real history. On that note, special credit must be given to the team(s) in charge of bringing the look of this film to life. The clothes, the sets, the advertisements dotted around the courts, it situated this film so perfectly within an era that it felt at times like watching historical footage rather than a film.
It’s sad to say, but none of that would be worth the tremendous effort it must have taken if the film wasn’t worth watching and I’m glad to say that at almost every level it aced. It’s honestly not worth mentioning how good Will Smith was at this point. He is whatever character he turns up to play and this is no different. Special mentions go to Aunjanue Ellis and of course the incredible young talent of Demi Singleton and Saniyya Sidney. I think there’s a version of this film where they are just there to offer background support to Smith as he gives us a one man show, but they all own the film in their own right. From their moments of quiet power to their out and out scene stealing, they’re brilliant.
I understand that there has been some criticism about omitted elements to Richard’s story, but as is often the case with a biopic, it can be difficult to include all aspects a person and their story. I think what’s key is did they rescue him from all criticism, deifying him at all levels? I think while you will leave screenings undoubtedly assured of his drive, you don’t leave thinking him a nice person. Loving, clever and protective, certainly, but the film doesn’t promote him as faultless. I would be more likely to take up this criticism of omission if the film had tried to hide all faults, but it’s a film not a TV series. You have to edit somewhere and it already has a hefty runtime.
This might be my only major snagging point with the film. My most common return when I suggest a film to a person is “how long is it?” I think there’s many people that would enjoy this film that might be put off by the runtime. I’m not immediately sure of where or what I’d edit (they was certainly so much more they could have included), but more for the aim of reaching more people, I think it would help. It’s a powerful story with a powerful message, the fact it’s based on reality is just something else. I’m sure many would not only enjoy seeing it play out but gain something from watching it.
This isn’t really a tennis film, it’s a film about family that has tennis in it. Be warned that it is also not the story of the Williams sisters, but as the title suggests, it’s about their dad. Well made and eye opening, it’s slightly daunting runtime melts away as you sit on the edge of your seat willing real life events to happen. Catch it on a cold evening or a Sunday afternoon and let it warm you through.
