Without the King
September 2008 Reviewed by: Marc Mickelson Format: DVD	(all ratings out of 5): Overall Enjoyment Picture Quality Packaged Extras Sound Quality

"It's good to be the king," the iconic line from Mel Brooks' The History of the World: Part I, could be uttered by the monarch to whom the title of Without the King refers, King Mswati III of Swaziland, the last absolute monarch on the continent of Africa. He has all of the trappings of a king, including loyal subjects, but some of the women in his life are less devoted to him and less compliant. First of his dozen wives, Queen LaMbikiza speaks her mind instead of the party line, and her eldest child, Princess Sikhanyiso, is heading off to college in the US, where her considerable privilege will be challenged.

In these days of politicians who protect themselves from any kind of personal scrutiny, Without the King gives a surprisingly candid view inside the life of a modern head of government. There's much to see, including a citizenry made restless by crushing poverty and the world's highest HIV infection rate. Mobs of disillusioned young men -- a catalyst for violence -- are ready to take to the streets, but the king seems little concerned. He's good-natured and kindly, and he's also disconnected from his people. As his daughter begins to exert her independence, showing true concern for her country, he is unable to adjust and follow her lead, absolute power clouding vital issues absolutely.

Unfortunately, the DVD has no extra features -- not even government-made videos showing the ample natural beauty of Swaziland. A shame. The picture and sound vary based on the materials used -- often handheld video but sometimes archival footage, including an especially interesting account of King Mswati's coronation as a teenager. English subtitles are used throughout the movie, often helping with the strong accent.

Without the King depicts the roots of a generational conflict, but the movie was made for Western audiences, who have little or no concept of royal power and the lavish lifestyle it entails. It's hard for us to have any real sympathy for the king and his family, especially as their carefree life of privilege is juxtaposed against the discontent and suffering of so many Swaziland citizens. We hope that the king's US-educated daughter will be able to exert real influence, but it's hard to see how this will happen in a government whose power is passed down the bloodline from male to male.

The movie has greater insight into the problems in Swaziland than the king displays. Here's hoping he watches it a few times and takes its message to heart.

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