I Served the King of England (2007)
A bittersweet Czech comedy about ambition, survival, and the absurdity of history, directed by the legendary Jiří Menzel.
I Served the King of England - Movie Information
- Original Title: Obsluhoval jsem anglického krále
- Release Year: 2007
- Directed by: Jiří Menzel
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 55m
- Original Language: Czech
- Spoken Languages: Czech, English, French, German
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 11, 2007 (Czech Republic), August 29, 2008 (United States - R), July 18, 2008 (Spain)
- Alternative Titles: Jeg har betjent kongen av England (NO), Eu Servi o Rei de Inglaterra (PT), 英国王給仕人に乾杯！ (JP), Tarjoilin Englannin kuninkaalle (FI), Služio sam engleskog kralja (RS), Služio sam engleskog kralja (HR), Stregel sem angleškemu kralju (SI), În slujba regelui Angliei (RO)
- Production Companies: AQS, Bioscop, In Film Praha, TV Nova, Universal Production Partners, Barrandov Studio, Magic Box Slovakia, CET 21
- Production Countries: Czech Republic, Slovakia
I Served the King of England - Plot
Prague, Czechoslovakia, during the inter-war period. Jan Dítě, a young and clever waiter who wants to become a millionaire, comes to the conclusion that to achieve his ambitious goal he must be diligent, listen and observe as much as he can, be always discreet and use what he learns to his own advantage; but the turbulent tides of history will continually stand in his way.
I Served the King of England - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a taste of Jiří Menzel's richly crafted world:
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I Served the King of England - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Jiří Menzel
Main Cast
- Ivan Barnev
- Oldřich Kaiser
- Julia Jentsch
- Marián Labuda
- Milan Lasica
- Zuzana Fialová
- Martin Huba
- Josef Abrhám
- Jiří Lábus
- Rudolf Hrušínský
Writers
- Jiří Menzel
Producers
- Andrea Metcalfe
- Robert Schaffer
I Served the King of England - FAQs
What is I Served the King of England about?
The film follows Jan Dítě, a scrappy young waiter in interwar Prague who dreams of becoming a millionaire. Through wit, charm, and careful observation, he climbs the social ladder — but the chaos of World War II and its aftermath keep derailing his ambitions. It's a darkly comic portrait of one man's survival through history.
Is I Served the King of England based on a book?
Yes, the film is adapted from the 1971 novel of the same name by celebrated Czech author Bohumil Hrabal. Director Jiří Menzel, who had previously adapted Hrabal's work for Closely Watched Trains, wrote the screenplay himself. The novel is considered one of the great works of Czech literature.
Where can I watch I Served the King of England?
You can rent or buy I Served the King of England on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It's also available to watch for free on myfilmfriend. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date availability in your region.
Is I Served the King of England worth watching?
Absolutely. Critics praised the film as a visually sumptuous, wryly funny, and deeply humane piece of cinema. Jiří Menzel brings the same gentle satirical touch that earned him an Oscar for Closely Watched Trains, and Ivan Barnev's performance as the wide-eyed, opportunistic Jan Dítě is utterly charming throughout.
Who stars in I Served the King of England?
Ivan Barnev plays the young Jan Dítě, with Oldřich Kaiser as his older self narrating the story. Julia Jentsch brings a striking presence as Líza, Jan's German lover. The supporting cast includes Marián Labuda, Milan Lasica, Martin Huba, and Josef Abrhám — a rich ensemble of Central European talent.
Does the film have a happy ending?
It's complicated — and that's part of its beauty. Jan Dítě achieves wealth but loses everything through the upheavals of war and communist-era Czechoslovakia. The ending is reflective rather than triumphant, with the older Jan finding a quiet, philosophical peace. It's bittersweet in the best possible way.
Who directed I Served the King of England?
The film was directed by Jiří Menzel, one of the most celebrated figures of the Czech New Wave. He won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film for Closely Watched Trains (1966) and returned to Bohumil Hrabal's work decades later with this film, released in 2007.
Did I Served the King of England win any awards?
The film was the Czech Republic's official submission for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film at the 80th Oscars. It also won several Czech Lion Awards, the country's top film prize, including Best Film, Best Director for Jiří Menzel, and Best Actor for Ivan Barnev.
More About I Served the King of England
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