The King Is Alive 2000
"As the sand shifts... madness nears."
Directed by Kristian Levring, *The King Is Alive (2000)* plunges eleven stranded travelers into a psychological and physical desert as they take refuge in the ruins of an abandoned African town.
Director: Kristian Levring
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *The King Is Alive* (2000) about?
A group of eleven strangers stranded in the African desert take shelter in a crumbling town, where their hope for rescue dwindles with each passing day. Seeking purpose, they choose to perform Shakespeare's *King Lear*, but their desperate act only deepens their turmoil, forcing them to face both the harsh desert and their own crumbling morals.
Who directed *The King Is Alive*?
Kristian Levring, a key figure in the Danish Dogme 95 movement, directs this atmospheric survival drama with a focus on raw human emotion and stark realism.
Who stars in *The King Is Alive*?
The film features standout performances from Romane Bohringer, Jennifer Jason Leigh, David Calder, David Bradley, and Brion James.
Is *The King Is Alive* (2000) worth watching?
For fans of intense character dramas and psychological thrillers, *The King Is Alive* offers a gripping, atmospheric experience. While not widely rated, its unique premise and Levring's direction make it a compelling watch for those who enjoy thought-provoking stories set against unforgiving backdrops.
How long is *The King Is Alive*?
The film runs for 110 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
The King Is Alive (2000): A Desert Tragedy of Survival and Shakespeare — Full Movie Info
Directed by Kristian Levring, *The King Is Alive (2000)* plunges eleven stranded travelers into a psychological and physical desert as they take refuge in the ruins of an abandoned African town. With rescue slipping further from reach each day, the group's fraying sanity is tested when they decide to stage Shakespeare's *King Lear*—a choice that only intensifies their inner conflicts and pushes them to confront their darkest fears. Shot in the scorching heat of the Kalahari, Levring crafts a claustrophobic drama where isolation and madness blur, turning survival into a battle against both the elements and the human condition.
Brought to life by a compelling cast including Romane Bohringer, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and David Calder, this Danish drama thrives on stark tension and raw emotion. As the landscape itself becomes a character, the film explores themes of desperation, identity, and the fragile line between reality and illusion. With its unrelenting atmosphere and thought-provoking narrative, *The King Is Alive* is a gripping meditation on what happens when society's rules collapse—and the choices we make when pushed to the edge.