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Poster for I Served the King of England

I Served the King of England

2007 · 1h 55m · R Comedy
Directed by Jiří Menzel

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Overview

Prague, Czechoslovakia, during the inter-war period. Jan Dítě, a young and clever waiter who wants to become a millionaire, comes to the conclusion that to achieve his ambitious goal he must be diligent, listen and observe as much as he can, be always discreet and use what he learns to his own advantage; but the turbulent tides of history will continually stand in his way.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
80%
Tomatometer
Fresh

The world it depicts is too dangerous and too lovely to classify.

Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor
Fresh

The movie is filled with wonderful moments, set pieces of absurdity, and a richness of humor. But underneath, Menzel and Hraba have a wry and sometimes painful story to tell of the history of their country in the 20th century.

Jonathan F. Richards, Film.com
Rotten

Tasty enough but inoffensive even when it should offend, provoke, startle.

Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune
Fresh

Most movies of this kind would lead towards redemption of sorts. Menzel prefers quiet introspection to loud conversion, and that's both a strength and weakness of this movie.

Peter Howell, Toronto Star
Rotten

I Served the King of England should be a brilliant picture, one last testament to the intertwined sensibilities of two brave artists. Should be, but isn't.

Rick Groen, Globe and Mail

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