55
Metascore
7 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 70The New York TimesJeannette CatsoulisThe New York TimesJeannette CatsoulisThe film, fluidly shot by James Adolphus, remains deeply sensitive to the complexities of a culture whose attachment to monarchy contravenes its best interests. This dilemma is gradually becoming clear to Princess Sikhanyiso, the oldest of the king's 22 children and a student in California. Intelligent, articulate, caring and strong-willed, she could be her country's best hope.
- 63New York PostV.A. MusettoNew York PostV.A. MusettoBy far the film's most interesting subject is the king's eldest daughter, 18-year-old Princess Sikhanyiso, who likes to be known as Pashu. She's a self-styled rapper who goes to a Catholic college in California and acts like the spoiled rich kid that she is.
- 63TV Guide MagazineKen FoxTV Guide MagazineKen FoxIntelligent but incomplete-feeling documentary.
- 60Village VoiceVillage VoiceA cut above the average Quad-bound video agit-prop doc, Michael Skolnik's Without the King succeeds mostly through negative virtues.
- 50VarietyRonnie ScheibVarietyRonnie ScheibWith Swaziland providing this mother lode of material, helmer Michael Skolnik extracts only the most pedestrian of films.
- 50L.A. WeeklyErnest HardyL.A. WeeklyErnest HardyA curious mixture of banality and revelation.
- 40Film ThreatPhil HallFilm ThreatPhil HallIt is a shame the film doesn't cast a wider net into deeper political waters – the outrage is barely scratched in this production.