Watch Richard III: The Unseen Story

Richard III: The Unseen Story is a thought-provoking historical documentary that explores one of the most controversial figures in English history - King Richard III. The film incorporates a blend of straightforward narration and interviews with several experts in the field, including Simon Farnaby, Philippa Langley, and Matthew Morris.

The movie begins with an overview of Richard III's life and reign, starting from his birth in 1452 to his death on the battlefield in 1485. The filmmakers carefully examine various historical records, including Tudor propaganda, which portray Richard III as an evil, hunchbacked tyrant who murdered his way to the throne.

However, the movie challenges this narrative by exploring new evidence that suggests that Richard III was the victim of historical smearing. One of the most compelling pieces of evidence that the film presents is the discovery and identification of Richard III's remains beneath a car park in Leicester, England.

The filmmakers do an excellent job of incorporating the historical context of Richard III's reign, including the War of the Roses, which was a series of bloody battles between the House of Lancaster and the House of York. Additionally, the movie provides background information about the members of Richard III's family, including his older brother, King Edward IV, and Edward's powerful queen, Elizabeth Woodville.

Throughout the movie, the experts cited provide a glimpse into the life of Richard III, including his achievements as king, such as the development of a fair justice system and his interest in supporting intellectual endeavors.

The film also discusses the mysteries surrounding Richard III's life, particularly the question of whether he was a hunchback. The narrator suggests that the modern diagnosis of Richard III as having severe scoliosis may be overstated, and some experts believe that he may not have been as physically deformed as Tudor propaganda suggests.

The most engaging aspect of the movie is the explanation of the research that led to the discovery of Richard III's remains. Philippa Langley, an author and screenwriter, shares the story of the years of work she and her team invested in the excavation process. The story of how her intuition led to the discovery of the remains is fascinating, and it is a testament to her passion for uncovering the truth about one of England's most intriguing figures.

As the movie progresses, the narrator provides a balanced view of Richard III, discussing both the good and bad aspects of his rule. While the film acknowledges that Richard III had some unfortunate incidents in his reign, such as the execution of his nephews, it also presents compelling evidence to dispute the idea that he was a monster.

The filmmakers do an excellent job of blending the actual historical facts with a dash of speculation and intrigue. The documentary's pace is steady but not boring, with the narration balanced out by interviews with historians and experts.

Richard III: The Unseen Story is a must-watch for history buffs and anyone interested in Shakespearean royalty. The film provides an engaging, informative, and personal journey to uncover the mysteries surrounding one of England's most famous kings. It offers an excellent opportunity to learn about the man behind the historical stereotyping and offers a fresh perspective on Richard III's life, rule, and death.

In conclusion, Richard III: The Unseen Story is a well-produced documentary that offers a fascinating and insightful exploration of a controversial figure in English history. The film offers an intriguing investigative journey, revealing a more complex and balanced picture of Richard III than many history books have provided. Whether you're a fan of historical documentaries or simply looking for a new perspective on a traditional story, Richard III: The Unseen Story is definitely worth your time.