Is Once Upon a Time, There Was a King... Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1955)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 1955, Once Upon a Time, There Was a King... represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Family, Comedy, Fantasy category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into A selfish self-centered widowed ruler, barely tolerated by his subjects and called appropriately enough, 'King Myself, First' asks his three daughters to name the measure of their love for him. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Family, Comedy, Fantasy are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "A selfish self-centered widowed ruler, barely tolerated by his subjects and called appropriately enough, 'King Myself, First' asks his three daughters to name the measure of their love for him. When one of them says, "more than salt", he banishes her from the kingdom. Not understanding what she meant the King assumes love can only be measured by precious metals or one's own talent, the 'correct' answers from his other two daughters. The arrogance of the King leads him to gather all the salt in the kingdom and destroy it. Of course, this backfires as he slowly learns the universal value of the substance, and of course, the essence of his daughter's reply. With the help of the wise and magical old 'herb woman', the King also learns what it means to be a true and wise ruler."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The performance by Jan Werich is nothing short of transformative, providing an emotional anchor that tethers the film's more abstract concepts to a relatable human experience. Jan Werich captures the nuance of the script with a performance that will likely define their career for years to come.

The direction by Bořivoj Zeman is marked by a bold and uncompromising hand. Technically, the film is a tour de force. The cinematography makes exceptional use of light and shadow, creating a visual language that mirrors the character's internal journey. The soundscape is equally impressive, with a score that is both haunting and celebratory, perfectly aligned with the thematic progression of the plot. The pacing, over its 107 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Once Upon a Time, There Was a King... truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Family, Comedy, Fantasy, then this is a mandatory viewing experience, a film that will haunt your thoughts long after you leave the theater.

The film's ability to transcend its genre labels is why it has earned its 8/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Once Upon a Time, There Was a King... explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1955 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Bořivoj Zeman respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Once Upon a Time, There Was a King... is a rare gem that rewards the audience's attention with a profound and lasting impact. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Jan Werich or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Once Upon a Time, There Was a King... is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.