Born a King (2019): Cast, Ratings & Box Office
Born a King is a 2019 historical drama directed by Agustí Villaronga, starring Abdullah Ali as Prince Faisal, Laurence Fox and Lewis Reeves. It runs 1 hour 43 minutes and earned $844,774 worldwide. Its Echo Score is 81/100.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 43m (103 min)
- Director
- Agustí Villaronga
- Original language
-
Arabic
- Studio
- Celtic Films Entertainment
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Born a King About?
The premise of Born a King without spoilers.
In 1919, fourteen-year-old Faisal, an Arab prince, is sent from the deserts of Arabia to London by his warrior father, Prince Abd Al-Aziz. This coming-of-age story follows Faisal’s journey as he undertakes a crucial diplomatic mission. His task is to secure the formation of his country amidst high-stakes political negotiations and cultural differences. He must navigate a new world while carrying the weight of his nation's future.
Born a King Themes & Keywords
· 9 tags- arab
- arabic history
- saudi arabia
- arab culture
- title in title
- ottoman empire
- turk
- arabian peninsula
- three word title
Born a King Cast & Characters
Abdullah Ali leads the cast as Prince Faisal, with Laurence Fox as Laurence of Arabia and Lewis Reeves as Prince of Wales. Directed by Agustí Villaronga; 18 actors are credited in all.
-
Director Agustí Villaronga
- Abdullah Ali as Prince Faisal
- Laurence Fox as Laurence of Arabia
- Lewis Reeves as Prince of Wales
-
Kenneth Cranham as Lord Curzon
Also Starring in Born a King
· 14 more- Rubén Ochandiano Al Thunayyan
- Ed Skrein Philby
- Celyn Jones Winston Churchill
- Hermione Corfield Princess Mary
- Lily Newmark Sarah
- James Fleet George V
- Simon Paisley Day Sir Montague Smythe
- Aidan McArdle Humphrey Bowman
- Marina Gatell Stella
- Khaled Saqer Ibn Luwai
- Samuel Adewunmi Marzouq
- Rafi Wilder Kim Philby
- Rawkan Binbella Emir Abdul-Aziz Bin Al Saud
- Meg Lake Queen Mary
Born a King Reviews & Ratings
Our Echo Score gives it 81/100, strongest in art & craft (90) and weakest in story & flow (70).
Born a King Echo Score Breakdown
The film delivers a proud portrayal of early Saudi history, supported by striking visuals and earnest performances. Reviewers applaud the direction, cinematography, and production design, noting that the story holds attention and evokes emotion. Criticism centers on uneven dialogue, occasional historical inaccuracies, and omitted key events in King Faisal’s life. Despite these shortcomings, the movie succeeds as an engaging, culturally resonant drama that will appeal to both regional and international audiences.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 90
Direction and cinematography receive consistent praise for their polished execution and evocative palette. Reviewers highlight the film’s high production values, sharp visual quality, and elegant recreation of early‑20th‑century Saudi settings. No significant criticism of the visual craft is noted, resulting in a strong assessment of the film’s artistic and technical competence.
- Character & Emotion 78
Acting is described as largely effective, with many reviewers noting nuanced and spot‑on performances that convey cultural authenticity. Emotional resonance is achieved through moments that elicit laughter and tears. However, some criticism points to clunky dialogue and occasional lack of depth, suggesting uneven character development across the ensemble.
- Story & Flow 70
The narrative is praised for its engaging and coherent plot that maintains audience interest from start to finish. Reviewers commend the film’s ability to portray a significant historical period while delivering emotional stakes. Nonetheless, concerns arise over omitted key events and a script that occasionally feels forced, tempering the overall storytelling strength.
- Sensory Experience 88
The film’s soundtrack and sound design receive positive remarks, complementing the visual style with a cohesive auditory atmosphere. Cinematography is highlighted for its lush composition and effective use of lighting, reinforcing the period setting. No major sensory drawbacks are identified, resulting in a strong sensory experience that supports the film’s overall impact.
- Rewatch Factor 80
Several reviewers express a strong desire to recommend the film and view it repeatedly, citing its cultural significance and emotional resonance. The compelling story and high production quality are seen as factors that encourage repeat viewings. While historical omissions may reduce some viewers’ inclination for a second watch, the overall appeal remains solid, suggesting good rewatch potential.
Born a King Box Office
Born a King grossed $844,774 worldwide.
Worldwide gross
$844.8K
- International
- $844.8K
Born a King Also Known As
5 alternative titles, including “ولد ملكا” and “Nacido Rey”.
- Also known as
-
- ولد ملكا
- Nacido Rey
- 生即是王
- Рожденный королем
- 본 어 킹
Seen Born a King?
Movies Like Born a King
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including The Black Prince, The King and Queen of the Desert.
-
The Black Prince 2017 -
The King 2019 -
Queen of the Desert 2017 -
The Man Who Would Be King 1975 -
Prince 1969 -
King Richard and the Crusaders 1954 -
The Prince of Darkness 2002 -
Farha 2021 -
Lawrence of Arabia 1962 -
Captain Abu Raed 2007 -
Return My Heart 1957 -
Lawrence of Arabia: The Battle for the Arab World 2003
Born a King FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, post-credit scenes and language of Born a King, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Born a King?
Born a King runs 1 hour 43 minutes (103 minutes).
When was Born a King released?
Born a King was released on April 25, 2019.
Who directed Born a King?
Born a King was directed by Agustí Villaronga.
More films by Agustí Villaronga Who is in the cast of Born a King?
Born a King stars Abdullah Ali as Prince Faisal, Laurence Fox as Laurence of Arabia and Lewis Reeves as Prince of Wales, among 18 credited actors.
How much did Born a King make at the box office?
Born a King grossed $844,774 worldwide.
Does Born a King have a post-credit scene?
No. Born a King has no extra scene during or after the credits.
What language is Born a King in?
The original language of Born a King is Arabic.
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