PG-13

Farewell to the King

In the midst of war, one man vanished into the jungle, and emerged as king.

1989 • 117 min • War · Adventure

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Synopsis

An American soldier who escapes the execution of his comrades by Japanese soldiers in Borneo during WWII becomes the leader of a personal empire among the headhunters in this war story told in the style of Joseph Conrad and Rudyard Kipling. The American is reluctant to rejoin the fight against the Japanese on the urging of a British commando team but conducts a war of vengeance when the Japanese attack his adopted people.

Our family guide

Best from age 14

Movie Knight Score

79 reviews

60 Audience · 79 · 100%

An American soldier becomes a revered king of a Borneo tribe after escaping Japanese execution during WWII. When a British commando team asks him to rejoin the fight, he is reluctant until the Japanese attack his adopted people, leading to a war of vengeance.

Violence & peril: 7/10
Language: 3/10
Drinking, drugs & smoking: 4/10
Romance & sensuality: 2/10
Scary moments: 5/10

Heads up

Depictions of wartime violence, including tribal warfare
Some alcohol consumption and smoking
Brief, mild sensuality

What it models well

Courage in battle
Loyalty to family and community
Standing up for what is right

Talk about it after

The impact of war on different cultures
Leadership and responsibility
Choosing between personal peace and a greater cause

Written by the Movie Knight editorial team for Farewell to the King. Our own words, our own scoring — always double-check against your family's standards.