Watch Without the King

Without the King is a critically acclaimed 2007 documentary directed by Michael Skolnik. The film presents a stirring and candid portrait of Swaziland, a small landlocked monarchy in southern Africa, which is distinguished for being one of the last absolute monarchies in the world. The movie features prominent figures including His Majesty King Mswati III, the nation's ruler, Her Royal Highness Princess Sikhanyiso, the King's oldest daughter, and Her Majesty Queen LaMbikiza, one of the King's multiple wives.

The documentary places its attention squarely on the juxtaposition of royal opulence and widespread poverty in Swaziland. Boasting a runtime of just over an hour, Without the King is an intimate look into the lives of Swaziland's royal family, exploring both its traditional beliefs and the stark realities of its subjects' daily lives.

King Mswati III ascended to the throne at a very young age after the death of his father, and with his ascent, he took on the mantle of an absolute monarch. The film provides a glimpse of His Majesty's roles and responsibilities, demonstrating how he is portrayed as a demi-god among his people, a perception anchored in traditional beliefs and customs. It is an exploration of his leadership style and the challenges he faces in balancing modernity with tradition.

Taking viewers behind the palace walls, the film sheds light on the daily activities and extravagant lifestyle of the monarchy. We see the contrast between the royal family's affluence and the dire circumstances of many Swazis living under the poverty line. Swaziland's breathtaking landscapes serve as the background for an unflinching narrative of a country plagued by numerous issues, including one of the highest HIV/AIDS infection rates in the world. This adds deeper context to the portrayal of a nation grappling with maintaining its cultural identity amid pressing health crises.

Her Royal Highness Princess Sikhanyiso offers a particularly compelling perspective as a young woman caught at the crossroads of customary duty and a longing for progression and reform. In the film, she represents the voice of the young generation, speaking openly about the challenges faced by the country, as well as her personal ambitions and dreams, which are often at odds with the expectations of royal protocol and Swati tradition.

Her Majesty Queen LaMbikiza, as one of the King's wives, provides another intriguing viewpoint. Her role in the documentary illuminates the role of women in Swaziland's royal hierarchy and offers insights into polygamy's place in the nation's culture and how it impacts the monarchy and its subjects.

What makes Without the King so powerful is not just the unprecedented access to the royal family, but also its portrayal of the voices of the ordinary Swazi people, whose lives are contrasted against the lavish existence of their ruler and his family. The film doesn’t shy away from showing the difficult living conditions and the daily struggle for basic survival faced by many citizens, effectively juxtaposing it against the backdrop of royal excess. It prompts a conversation about wealth, power, and tradition in a modern world that often clashes with these ancient practices.

The film delicately navigates the complexities of post-colonial power and its intersection with traditional governance. Director Michael Skolnik weaves together an array of conflicting opinions and emotions from various stakeholders, which include activists, citizens, and the royals themselves.

Interviews and on-the-ground footage form the crux of the documentary, creating a multi-dimensional view of a nation with deeply-rooted cultural practices. It is both an investigation into the consequences of absolute power and a study of a country at a crucial tipping point in its history. The viewer is left to weigh the beauty of age-old traditions against the pressing need for reform in a country where many are in dire need of change.

Without the King is a thought-provoking documentary that serves as a snapshot of a particular time and place in Swaziland's history. For those interested in politics, culture, and sociology, it offers an illuminating look into what happens when tradition and modernity collide. The humanitarian concerns exhibited within the narrative foster an awareness of the responsibilities world leaders hold towards their citizens and raise questions about the viability of traditional monarchies in the 21st century.

The film's exploration of Swazi culture, governance, and social issues is further deepened by its cinematic approach, which mixes the grandeur of royalty with the humility of the common man. Without the King leaves audiences with a rich tapestry of images and ideas, inviting ongoing discussion about Swaziland's future and the role that tradition should play in shaping it.