Overview
A gripping tale of ambition and faith as two brothers clash for the future of their nation.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Moderate
- theatrical
- fervent
- confrontational
- historical film night
- musical film marathon
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The succession struggle is conveyed through a large-scale musical film combining dramatic scenes with rock-inflected songs and staged performances.
István and Koppány contest not only the Hungarian throne but also whether Hungary will adopt Christianity or retain pagan traditions.
The battle after Géza's death is presented as determining Hungary's political and cultural future.
The film adapts a musical work whose songs and performances give the historical characters strongly stylized, symbolic voices.
Films like Stephen, the King, and why
János vitéz
historical musical drama using songs and performance to dramatize national identity and political succession
Jesus Christ Superstar
stylized historical musical centered on political power, cultural transformation, and competing belief systems
The Lion in Winter
epic musical treatment of dynastic conflict, religious authority, and the formation of a nation
Movie Details
- Director
- Gábor Koltay
- Release Date
- 1984-04-19
- Runtime
- 93 min
- Rating
- 7.3 / 10 (13)
Cast
- László Pelsőczy
- Miklós Varga
- Gyula Vikidál
- Katalin Berek
- Bernadette Sára
- Máté Victor
- Juhász Jácint
- Lajos Balázsovits
- Gyula Deák Bill
- Feró Nagy
Common questions
- What is Stephen, the King about?
- A landmark Hungarian rock musical dramatizing the succession crisis that decides whether the nation embraces Christianity or preserves pagan tradition.
- What is Stephen, the King like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Stephen, the King as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Stephen, the King violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Stephen, the King as moderate.
- Which films are like Stephen, the King?
- Films with a similar feel include János vitéz, Jesus Christ Superstar, and The Lion in Winter.
- How long is Stephen, the King?
- Stephen, the King runs 93 minutes.
