Down with the King (2021) User Reviews

Better than some would have you believe

[james_burrill · 7/10 · 29 June 2022]

I didn't have any problem understanding the dialogue in this film. I would suggest anyone who did may not be a native english speaker.

I have seen farms run like this.

The actors were top notch. Anyone saying they weren't doesn't know what they're talking about. Just look at the imdb profiles of the actors.

I would maybe suggest that some people who have a problem with the actors and the film may have in reality problems with race.

It was ok

[raffifeld-72574 · 6/10 · 28 June 2022]

It was a bit boring and slow paced, I had to keep skipping. The symbolism at the end was like a good lesson but also kinda confusing, in fact the entire ending was a bit confusing.

Okay but definitely a 1 time watch

[marlonrbrice · 6/10 · 21 July 2022]

Big Gibbs fan and I was anticipating this film, but it was completely different than what I expected. It's pretty slow in parts. I think the main issue is the story and the script, because the actors and camera work is on point. Respectable leading debut for Freddie.

decent premise goes nowhere

[jselberg-1 · 3/10 · 8 July 2022]

Scenic shots of a rapper in rural landscape, he is a burnout who tries to take a break from his successful carreer as a gangster rapper in a remote house. In the beginning the main conflict is clearly set up: he is locked into the image he has created to keep making money, not only for himself but also his mother and daughter who depend on him. But he doesn't enjoy his work anymore.

One would expect a story of self discovery against 'fish out of water' farm work backdrop and dramatic story beats created by interactions with the small town folk and his dependants/manager pressuring him to go back to his routine. This is attempted but doesn't really work out as they didn't have any ideas for what the character could be discovering about himself, his journey turns out to be an empty failure with no insight gained or real dramatic highs and lows, all conflicts are superficial and quickly reconciled. If i understand the ending correctly, after a failed concert he quits the rap game for good and now lives in the remote house permanently. How that financially affects his family is left open.

During the whole movie the main character very rarely shares his thoughts or feelings with anyone, his conflict is kept mostly internal. This is truly puzzling, rap movies have such a great, easy, obvious way of expressing emotional states and vibes through the music, particularly the 'writing scene'. In all 'writing scenes' the character just comes up with the same old gangster rap stuff that he wanted to get away from, completely unrelated to his current experiences. Maybe this was a deliberate choice. But in that case i think there should have been a bit more focus on a comedic tone. After all there is quite clear comedy in a guy rapping about drug dealing, killing, prison, etc, while doing farm work in serene landscapes. It is also quite true to life how it is much harder to develop as a person than just changing your circumstances.

All the technical aspects were decent, nice cinematography, good acting, but the script felt only about 20-30% done.

You live on credit

[nogodnomasters · 4/10 · 21 July 2022]

Money Mercury Maxwell (Freddie Gibbs) is a rapper who needs some down time. He goes and lives in a small farm town where we meet Bob (Bob Tarasuk) a 71 year old farmer who has not retired and stays busy all the time. Mercury adjusts to country life but doesn't come up with anything new and contemplates retiring.

This is a story that goes no where. I believe the skunk was meant to a metaphor that all rappers stink and need to be let loose in the woods. It was semi-interesting but not an overly compelling story.

Guide: F-word. Sex. No nudity.

not the worst

[piraterider · 3/10 · 27 June 2022]

Not the worst film to come out of 2021 but its close

you will need subtiltes to understand what is being undertood most the time which is not great when you have english audio but cant understand whats being said the scences are however beautifully done and filmed its just ashame they could not find better actors this was the biggest downfall and as for the farming scences i have yet to see a farmer farm the way it was protraded in this film.

People complaining it was slow need to realise it was a drama not an action movie

[Shaunmatthewc · 9/10 · 28 June 2022]

I liked this film, it was different. I've heard a few Freddie Gibbs tracks and into rap but maybe I'll check out some more of his tracks now, he was good at acting. The story follows a rapper who is fed up of the music industry and goes out to live on a farm but his manager keeps hounding him to do music. It spoke to me alot because I feel sometimes people need to just take a break to think and relax without being pressured into anything by others. Solid drama.

Not The Best

[izrac · 4/10 · 28 June 2022]

I gave the movie 4 stars as it lacked a lot in the content and due to the poor audio or the lack of enunciation by the actors, it was difficult to understand what they were saying and if it was not for the subtitles, I would have been completely lost. The movie also lacked in vocabulary as it seemed the only words used were the N word and the F word.

Enjoyed!

[bmabes10 · 8/10 · 19 January 2024]

I just watched on Netflix and I enjoyed the film and before I knew it the movie was over. It was not what I expected which kept me engaged. For those who said it was slow, it was and I liked that. I understood the actors clearly so not sure why other reviewers said they couldn't. The actors were great. However, the only con is Freddie Gibbs character has an anger management problem that made me cringe the way he treated people who disagreed with him or dared to say anything negative towards him and I didn't understand the ending BUT other than that I really enjoyed it. Solid. Good job Freddie!!

Freddie Gibbs as himself basically

[chriscarlisle25 · 8/10 · 27 September 2022]

Great movie because of his charm and wit. He just has a way about him that makes me laugh and that draws me in. The man can't miss in anything he does. This movie was well shot and very chill. He plays the disillusioned and tired/fed up rapper role quite well. I feel exactly where he was coming from with rap being a violent and undesirable genre to ply your trade in. Pretty good movie with lots of moments that made me laugh, smile, and a few tense moments. This is the intention of a film and all involved did a great job! I hope to see Gangsta Gibbs in more stuff and I hope the soundtrack to this is released soon. The songs Gibbs did in this are so hard! 🔥 🔥 🔥

I liked it, and am forever a fan of Gibbs

[gthedonlouky · 10/10 · 29 June 2022]

Gibbs has yet to disappoint me from his music to his acting. The movie was a lot more artistic than I anticipated, and there is several underlying themes here that some may not understand if they haven't followed Gibbs and his experiences he's had in the music industry. But I do understand he wasn't playing himself but the reason he was perfect for the role is because of what he went through. Fans will treasure this movie, those not as familiar with him will be those that whine about the "farm scenes" not being realistic. And my guess is they have heard none of his music and don't know about his life.

Will always be a fan and I go to his shows every chance I get, the loyalty among his fans is strong and will tune in to anything he's got coming! Keep it up Freddie Kane! 100.

Brilliant!

[anthonyogoegbunam · 10/10 · 9 September 2022]

I thought this was wonderful. I can't believe I thought it was a documentary. I actually believed it was an above average documentary until I realised it was a great movie.

So many wonderful scenes and moments. Love the idea of a hardcore rapper enthralled by nature and appreciating the silence.

I only realised it was a film when Merc and Michaela started making out. I started to think "thats so fake", then it dawned on me. Well played.

If you hate this movie because you didn't understand what the actors were saying, then they did their job very well lol. This was beyond authentic. A very different type of movie. Fantastic acting. Great scenery Gibbs and Neuman were simply wonderful. Bravo!

Gangsta Gibbs is the best in the game currently!

[chawk-76623 · 9/10 · 14 September 2021]

I look forward to seeing all of his future moves because he has not missed yet! Music, movies, comedy, etc.

A little slow but Freddie Gibbs is masterful!

[jackcutrone · 10/10 · 29 June 2022]

This film is definitely a little slow but has a great story with some great acting. Freddie Gibbs is a natural and was a strain his first feature film.