Is Farewell to the King Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Farewell to the King is definitely worth watching if you enjoy War movies.
It features a runtime of 117 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Farewell to the King Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1989, Farewell to the King emerges as a significant entry in the War, Adventure domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of An American soldier who escapes the execution of his comrades by Japanese soldiers in Borneo during WWII becomes the leader of a personal empire among the headhunters in this war story told in the style of Joseph Conrad and Rudyard Kipling. Unlike standard genre fare, Farewell to the King attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any War is often anchored by its ensemble, and Farewell to the King features a noteworthy lineup led by Nick Nolte . Supported by the likes of Nigel Havers and Marilyn Tokuda , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Farewell to the King (1989) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Farewell to the King Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Farewell to the King is a War, Adventure film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Farewell to the King Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Farewell to the King concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to war resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the war themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Farewell to the King reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Farewell to the King Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Farewell to the King uses real-world events as narrative inspiration. As a war, adventure film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, with attention to period detail and historical context.
Accuracy Assessment: Farewell to the King adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Farewell to the King?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy War films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Farewell to the King Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $16.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $2.4M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Farewell to the King Budget
The estimated production budget for Farewell to the King is $16.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Farewell to the King
- Nick Nolte – Learoyd
- Nigel Havers – Capt. Fairbourne
- Marilyn Tokuda – Yoo
- Frank McRae – Sgt. Tenga
- Gerry Lopez – Gwai
Top Highlights
Nick NolteLearoyd
Nigel HaversCapt. Fairbourne
Marilyn TokudaYoo
Frank McRaeSgt. Tenga
Gerry LopezGwai
James FoxCol. Ferguson
Marius WeyersSgt. Conklin
John Bennett PerryGen. MacArthur
Aki AleongCol. Mitamura
Elan OberonVivienne
Where to Watch Farewell to the King Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Netzkino
BATTLEZONE Amazon ChannelParents Guide & Age Rating
Farewell to the King is rated PG-13. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6/10, and global collection metrics, Farewell to the King stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1989 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Farewell to the King movie hit or flop?
Farewell to the King has received mixed reviews with a 6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Farewell to the King worth watching?
Farewell to the King is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of War, Adventure movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Farewell to the King online?
Farewell to the King is currently available for streaming on Netzkino. You can also check for it on platforms like Netzkino, BATTLEZONE Amazon Channel depending on your region.
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How Farewell to the King Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Farewell to the King
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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