The King Maker

The King Maker is an adventurous yet gripping historical action drama that blends elements of romance, empire, mysticism, and warfare. This 2005 movie, directed by Lek Kitaparaporn, showcases an impressive cast that includes the talented Gary Stretch, veteran actor John Rhys-Davies, and the beautiful Cindy Sirinya Bishop in primary roles.

At the core of the narrative is the character of Fernando De Gama, played convincingly by Gary Stretch. Fernando is a daring Portuguese soldier who sets out on a sea journey to find his fortune and ultimately, to marry his beloved Maria. However, destiny has a different storyline planned for him. After a disastrous storm dashes his ship against rocky shores, Fernando finds himself stranded in Siam (modern-day Thailand), a land far removed from his own both geographically and culturally.

The adventure truly begins for Fernando in this new foreign land when he saves the life of the beautiful, exotic yet mysterious Maria, played by Cindy Sirinya Bishop. The twist is that this Maria in Siam isn't his betrothed, but a woman he's never met before who happens to bear the same name as his lover back in Portugal. This instant bond establishes a romantic subplot that carries through the film, creating a heart-warming contrast against the backdrop of war and chaos that surrounds the storyline.

The plot then thickens with the introduction of John Rhys-Davies as Philipppe, a treacherous and power-hungry French mercenary who has been accumulating power in the Siamese royal court. His ultimate objective is to become the King Maker by manipulating and controlling the powers that be, and to remove anyone who comes in his way. Rhys-Davies's performance succeeds in creating a character who, despite his strong villainous streak, adds many layers to the narrative, making it more captivating.

In this power struggle, the stakes are high as loyalty, courage, and passion intertwine. As Fernando gets roped into this battle for supremacy, he transforms from an outsider stranded on foreign shores into a pivotal player in the impending revolution to save the kingdom. The film explores this internal journey in Fernando's character, who is forced by circumstances to mature swiftly, contending with politics, love, and survival in equal measure.

The King Maker then becomes a tale of heroic defiance against treacherous schemes and power play, depicting the age-old human struggle between power and justice, love, and revenge. Punctuated by thrilling sword fights and dramatic confrontation scenes, the film gradually intensifies as it leads towards a climax that promises to be a nail-biting encounter.

The movie stands out for its visually stunning cinematography and engrossing set designs that successfully evoke the historical era. The depiction of Siam in the 16th century, complete with its exotic landscape, royal palaces, and bustling marketplaces, takes you on a compelling visual journey. While the storyline embeds itself into the culture and history of Siam, the touch of European attitudes and ideologies offers an engaging contrast.

Director Lek Kitaparaporn has successfully created a movie that, while being deeply embedded in the cultural milieu of 16th century Siam, has universal themes that viewers across nations can relate to. Balanced with a mix of action, drama, romance, and intrigue, it's a compelling watch that is bound to keep audiences on edge.

While the film is a historical drama, it doesn't shy away from showcasing elaborate action sequences, romance, and political intrigue. The performances by the leading actors, including Gary Stretch's portrayal of the bewildered yet brave Fernando, Cindy Sirinya Bishop's confident and charming Maria, and John Rhys-Davies's cunning and formidable Philippe, elevate the overall viewing experience.

In conclusion, The King Maker is an engaging piece of cinema that offers a captivating peek into the historical setting of Siam, whilst delivering elements of adventure, romance, and intrigue. With gripping performances, grand sets, and a plot that keeps you entangled, it’s a movie that’s bound to hold your interest right until the end credits roll.