Leadership in Times of Turmoil
“Look at the faces of the men seated at the table. I do believe they wish you well. But I also see that they have their own kingdoms behind their eyes”
— Queen Phillipa
The King (Netflix 2019) is a movie that rewards an earnest viewer. The length and pace makes it difficult to pay attention in a time where we are used to 2 hours of Chris Hemsworth destroying giants with lightning bolts and hammer. Nonetheless it is crammed with important leadership lessons, great acting, and sweet bowl cuts.
The King opens on turbulent times for England. The kingdom is at war with Scotland. They are dealing with a Welsh rebellion. England’s king Henry IV is of failing health and mind. Tensions between France and England are on the rise. The English people are agitated.
Henry IV’s potential successors, Prince Henry V (aka Hal) and Prince Thomas are wildly different personalities. Hal is estranged from his father and does not care for the trappings of royalty. He drinks and parties. The younger brother Thomas is refined and has accepted that he will likely succeed his father.
King Henry IV falls ill and summons his hungover son Hal. When Hal arrives in the King’s court (13:48), Richard promptly insults him, announces that Thomas will succeed as King, and says there…
