Watch The Happy Prince

The Happy Prince is a 2018 period drama film written and directed by Rupert Everett, who also stars in the lead role as Oscar Wilde. The film chronicles the final days of Wilde's life, as he reflects on the past and confronts the reality of his present situation. The movie is a poignant and moving story of love, loss, and the enduring power of creativity.

The Happy Prince is set in the late 19th century and starts with Wilde's release from prison after serving two years for sodomy. Wilde, once a celebrated author and playwright, is now a broken man, shunned by society and abandoned by his friends. He spends his days walking around the streets of Paris, impoverished and in ill health, and finds solace in his memories and imagination.

The film explores Wilde's relationships with his wife Constance (Emily Watson) and his lover Lord Alfred Douglas (Colin Firth), both of whom are no longer a part of his life. Wilde's relationship with Douglas is particularly tumultuous, as their love affair led to his conviction and imprisonment. Even though Douglas had betrayed him and caused him so much pain, Wilde cannot help but feel drawn to him.

The Happy Prince also depicts the plight of Wilde's other friends and acquaintances, who struggle to accept him back into society. He is seen as a pariah, and people avoid him like the plague, showing him nothing but disdain and contempt. It is a harsh reality that he must come to terms with, and although it pains him deeply, he refuses to give up his love for Douglas. In many ways, he is still the same man that he always was, humorous, witty, and full of life, but now the world has become a much darker place for him.

Throughout the film, Wilde reflects on his past successes as a playwright, his life before his imprisonment, and the people he loved, as the audience sees glimpses of his former glory. The movie shifts back and forth between the past and present, revealing the tragic contrast between Wilde's current state and his former brilliance.

The Happy Prince is a visually stunning film, with exceptional cinematography, production design, and costumes, set against the backdrop of Paris. The movie is a stark reminder of the harsh realities of life, the vagaries of society and the strength of the human spirit, even in the face of adversity.

The performances in the film are outstanding, especially that of Rupert Everett, who is almost unrecognizable in his role. He brings a level of depth and nuance to his portrayal of Oscar Wilde, that is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Emily Watson and Colin Firth also give strong performances, as Wilde's wife and lover, respectively.

In conclusion, The Happy Prince is a powerful and poignant film that delves deep into the life of Oscar Wilde. It is a moving and at times harrowing story, that explores themes of love, loss, friendship, and the human condition. The film captures the essence of Wilde's genius, while at the same time, exposing the cruel reality of his downfall. It is a must-see movie that will appeal to anyone who loves period dramas, great storytelling, and superb acting performances.

The Happy Prince is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3 and a MetaScore of 64.