Michael Skolnik's documentary focuses on the world's last absolute monarchy, the Kingdom of Swaziland in southern Africa. Here, King Mswati III and his 13 wives live in the lap of luxury in the midst of one of the world's poorest countries, where the life expectancy is 31 years (the world's lowest) and the prevalence of HIV/AIDS is 42.6% (the world's highest). The average Swazi makes 63 cents a day, and the nation itself is heavily reliant on outside relief agencies for food. Any attempt to examine this grave situation is squashed by a ban on political parties and a police presence that keeps dissenters in check (or in jail). Unfortunately, Skolnik conducts such a soft interview with the king that the monarch comes off as a benevolent and fairly benign presence. Worse is the overemphasis on the king's daughter, Princess Sikhanyiso, a pretty but vapid young woman who only learns about the economic inequities in her country after going abroad for college studies in California. To its credit, the film does expose the astonishing poverty and miserable living conditions of the majority of Swaziland's people and captures their desire for change, but the sense of outrage here is barely scratched. Not recommended. [Note: DVD extras include a five-minute “Orphaned by AIDS” featurette, an interview with government official Clifford Mamba (4 min.), extended scenes with Queen LaMbikiza (4 min.), an interview with the World Food Programme director of Swaziland (4 min.), an interview with King Mswati III's oldest brother (2 min.), an interview with attorney Leo Gama (2 min.), a “Coming Home” location featurette (2 min.), the brief segment “Rapping with the Princess at Venice Beach,” and trailers. Bottom line: a fine extras package for an uneven doc.] (P. Hall)
Without the King
First Run, 84 min., in English & siSwati w/English subtitles, not rated, DVD: $24.99, July 22 Volume 23, Issue 4
Without the King
Star Ratings
As of March 2022, Video Librarian has changed from a four-star rating system to a five-star one. This change allows our reviewers to have a wider range of critical viewpoints, as well as to synchronize with Google’s rating structure. This change affects all reviews from March 2022 onwards. All reviews from before this period will still retain their original rating. Future film submissions will be considered our new 1-5 star criteria.
Order From Your Favorite Distributor Today: