Movie Review: I Served The King Of England

From early childhood one senses the values instilled in Jan Dite. Told in a very smart flashback form by actor turned director Jim Menzel we hone in on the value system of young Jan. Over time we see Jan reminisce about his past and learn of his preoccupation with wealth. Get rich schemes and the odd swindle make up Jan’s mindset and not before long we see his youthful charm land him at a restaurant in cosmopolitan Prague.
Through various stints as a waiter this lad learns all about the lifestyles of the rich and famous. Privilege comes easy for these fat cats and our lower class worker wants to get in on the gravy train. Somehow Jan becomes the master of his own fate and begins a path of conquest that sees him move rapidly among the service class to penetrate the outer veneer of the wealthy set. Along the way there is ample opportunity for our poor boy to befriend countless ladies of means who enjoy his company.
Tense times, however develop in Europe when Hitler’s war machine descends on the once quiet Czech community. Excesses from the past come under even more scrutiny as Hitler’s killing machine pits locals against one another in a fight for survival.
Smart and stylish I Served the King of England is a savvy look at one man’s ascent up the social ladder and effectively shows the way an invading force can impact on local citizenry. Very good in the title role as the younger Jan is Ivan Barnev who comes across as part klutz/part entrepreneur. Engaging bouts with a series of gorgeous women further enliven this story that’s quirky and fun to witness with great voyeur appeal.
Fresh stories don’t often originate out of Hollywood.