Mimesis at the Movies: King of Hearts

This month we will be watching Philippe de Broca’s "King of Hearts" (1966). Please join our discussion on Thursday, August 7th at 7:30 PM (ET) on Zoom. The event is free, but you must sign up with Humanitix (below) to receive the link. 

Essentially, this film is a satire of war. Set in October 1918, the retreating Imperial German army devises a tactic for killing Allied troops with no concern for civilian casualties. The ruse is uncovered, but only in part. Madcap absurdity ensues.

Many characters are introduced. Most fit neatly into one of three categories: intelligence officers making war plans, civilians who’ve learned enough to flee, and a sequestered group of non-combatants who are largely oblivious to the war and utterly ignored by those fighting it or running from it.

The titular King of Hearts finds points of access to each of the three groups. He must choose.

The movie can be streamed for free on Tubi. As always, if you don’t watch the film, we invite you to attend the conversation anyway. A plot summary will be provided.

Mimesis at the Movies is a live open-to-all video-teleconferenced conversation that meets under the auspices of Theology and Peace. On the first Thursday of each month, we discuss a film suggested by a participant. We are on the look out for stories that depict interpersonal growth nurtured through shared desires.