King of Hearts (re-release)

King of Hearts (re-release)

Year: 2003

Runtime: 102 min

Language: French

Director: Philippe de Broca

DramaComedyWar

During World War II, a bewildered Scottish soldier, Charles Plumpick, is mistakenly placed in command of a deserted French village inhabited by escaped asylum patients. Assuming the role of "King," he finds himself dealing with the eccentricities of his subjects while also facing the serious task of disarming a bomb. Amidst the absurdity, Plumpick must learn to adapt and find a surprising connection with the unconventional community under his charge.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen King of Hearts (re-release) yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – King of Hearts (re-release) (2003)

Trace every key event in King of Hearts (re-release) (2003) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

German Army Retreats

In November 1918, the German army retreats from Marville, a French town that had been occupied throughout World War I. The tension in the town escalates as the remaining citizens prepare for potential threats from the departing soldiers.

November 1918 Marville
2

Bomb Threat Uncovered

A member of the French resistance discovers that the Germans have planted a bomb somewhere in Marville, set to explode at midnight. He quickly informs a nearby British regiment and urges the town's citizens to flee the impending danger.

Marville
3

Colonel Orders Mission

Colonel MacBibenbrook decides to send Private Charles Plumpick, a nonviolent Scotsman known for his poetry, into Marville to disarm the bomb. This decision highlights the contrasting methods of dealing with conflict during the war.

British Army Camp
4

Charles Arrives in Town

Upon his arrival, Private Charles is quickly chased by the remaining German soldiers. In a frantic attempt to find safety, he takes refuge in a local insane asylum, marking a pivotal turn in his mission.

Marville Insane Asylum
5

Inmates Mistake Charles

The asylum's inmates believe that Charles is the 'Le Roi de Coeur' or King of Hearts who has returned to them. Their joyful confusion leads to a celebration within the asylum as they mistake him for their beloved monarch.

Marville Insane Asylum
6

Inmates Escape and Celebrate

Taking advantage of the chaos, the inmates escape the asylum and roam the empty town, embracing their past occupations and indulging in whimsical activities. Their carefree spirit contrasts sharply with the earlier tension of the town.

Marville
7

Charles Discovers New Role

Charles eventually regains consciousness and mistakenly believes that the townspeople he meets are actual citizens rather than the escaped inmates. They crown him King of Hearts, imposing a sense of duty on him to protect them.

Marville
8

German Soldiers Return

As some German soldiers return to Marville, a comical turn of events occurs when the inmates, embracing their newfound freedom, steal their tanks and chase them away. This unexpected response highlights the absurdity of the situation.

Marville
9

Charles Falls in Love

Charles meets Coquelicot, a young woman working in a brothel, and quickly falls in love with her. She has been assigned to provide companionship for him, deepening his commitment to finding the bomb and ensuring her safety.

Brothel in Marville
10

The Bomb's Location Revealed

After piecing together clues, Charles realizes that the bomb is located in the town clock. In a race against time, he climbs the clock tower to prevent the imminent explosion as midnight approaches.

Midnight Clock Tower, Marville
11

Bomb is Disarmed

Just as the clock strikes midnight, Charles successfully disarms the bomb just in time. The inmates celebrate his bravery, deciding to hold a festival in his honor for a grand three years, reflecting their joyous outlook on life.

Marville
12

British Army Arrives

As the celebrations are in full swing, the British army arrives in Marville, unaware that the eccentric group they are encountering are not citizens but the escaped inmates. Colonel MacBibenbrook mistakes the situation for a triumph.

Marville
13

Climactic Battle

The peaceful atmosphere abruptly shifts when a German regiment marches back into town, leading to a climactic battle between the two armies. This conflict ends in tragedy as both sides suffer losses, highlighting the futility of war.

Marville
14

Townspeople's Return

Following the battle, the townspeople return to Marville, reclaiming their home now steeped in chaos. The melancholy reality of war sets in as the inmates slowly make their way back to the asylum.

Marville
15

Charles's Final Decision

After receiving medals for his bravery yet feeling detached from reality, Charles chooses to shed his former identity. He walks naked back to the asylum, willingly rejoining the inmates, embracing the absurdity of life.

Marville

Last Updated: June 11, 2025 at 15:03

Unlock the Full Story of King of Hearts (re-release)

Don't stop at just watching — explore King of Hearts (re-release) in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what King of Hearts (re-release) is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

King of Hearts (re-release) Summary

Read a complete plot summary of King of Hearts (re-release), including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

King of Hearts (re-release) Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in King of Hearts (re-release)

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape King of Hearts (re-release). Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in King of Hearts (re-release)

More About King of Hearts (re-release)

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about King of Hearts (re-release): box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About King of Hearts (re-release)

Similar Movies to King of Hearts (re-release)

Discover movies like King of Hearts (re-release) that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.