Watch King Petar the First

King Petar the First is a historical drama film directed by Petar Ristovski, based on the true events of King Petar Karadjordjevic's life, who was the last king of Yugoslavia. The movie is set on the eve of the First World War and follows the journey of a young King Petar as he tries to navigate through the turbulent times of his country.

The movie opens with the coronation of King Petar in 1904, following the assassination of his predecessor, King Alexander Obrenovic. It then moves forward to 1914, with the events leading up to the outbreak of the First World War. Serbia, being an ally of Russia, was plunged into the war when Austria-Hungary declared war on the small Balkan kingdom.

Lazar Ristovski plays the adult King Petar Karadjordjevic, who is trying to prevent his country from being swallowed up by the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The actor does justice to the character’s complexity, portraying King Petar's courage, determination, and his drive to protect his country at any cost.

Milan Kolak plays the role of Dimitrijevic, also known as Apis, a Serbian nationalist and founder of the Black Hand secret organization, which was involved in the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne. Radovan Vujovic plays General Petar Bojovic, the commander of the Serbian army and loyal supporter of King Petar.

The movie highlights the personal struggles of King Petar, who not only had to deal with the threat of invasion from Austria-Hungary but also with the rivalry among Serbian nationalist groups. The character of Apis, with his charisma and influence, is portrayed as a man who is both an ally and a threat to the young king.

The movie is beautifully shot and the attention to detail is impressive. The costumes, the sets, and the props used in the film all help transport the viewer back in time, to the days of the early 20th century. The cinematography and the use of natural lighting create a somber, almost melancholic atmosphere, which perfectly reflects the mood of the period.

The film's screenplay is engaging and insightful, capturing the essence of the period and the characters. It shows the conflicts and power struggles within the Balkans, which ultimately led to the First World War. The story also includes the love story between King Petar and his wife, Queen Zorka, which adds a human dimension to the plot.

The music, composed by Goran Bregovic, is another fantastic element of the movie. It ranges from epic orchestral themes to traditional Serbian folk music and adds to the cultural richness of the film.

In conclusion, King Petar the First is a beautifully shot, well-acted, and emotionally engaging movie that sheds light on a less-known period of history. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in Balkan history, early 20th-century Europe, or simply wants to enjoy a well-made historical drama.

King Petar the First is a 2018 action movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 13 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.