If I Were King

The narrative takes place in mid-15th-century Paris during the Burgundian siege and the reign of King Louis XI. It centers on court intrigue, shifting loyalties, and the societal divide between nobles and commoners. The era's precarious politics amplify Villon's bold exploits and the danger facing everyone in the city.

The action unfolds in besieged Paris and the royal courts of a Burgundian-era city. The streets, taverns, and palaces become stages for political maneuvering, smuggling food, and testing loyalties. The setting blends medieval Paris with the tension of a siege, where survival depends on wit as much as swordplay.

👑 Power

The film centers on power struggles between a crafty king and a bold poet who challenges court certainty. Louis XI tests loyalties through disguises and calculated moves, showing leadership as a game of strategy as well as policy. Villon's ability to influence the common people reveals how power can be wielded from the streets as well as the throne. The tension between authority and rebellion drives the plot forward.

💘 Love

Villon’s romance with Katherine DeVaucelles becomes a catalyst for action within a dangerous political landscape. Their relationship crosses social barriers and must endure the risk of discovery and punishment. Katherine’s alibi for Villon and her willingness to follow him show the depth and courage of their bond. Love complicates loyalty and complicates the sequence of events around the siege.

🗡️ Rebellion

Villon boosts morale by rallying the common people to resist the Burgundian siege. The uprising reframes the conflict from a royal contest to a struggle of ordinary Parisians. This mobilization demonstrates that grassroots action can alter military outcomes. The story suggests that true strength may lie outside the throne.

🧭 Identity

Disguise and mistaken roles propel the plot as Villon operates in plain sight yet hidden identity. Louis XI plays both noble and spectator, testing who Villon really is. Katherine sees through surfaces, while the crowd responds to the poet who keeps changing his mask. The theme shows how identity shapes fate in a dangerous world.