Kings (2017 film)

Kings is a 2017 English-language crime drama film written and directed by Deniz Gamze Ergüven. It is her second feature film, following her critically acclaimed debut, Mustang. The film stars Halle Berry and Daniel Craig, and is set against the backdrop of the 1992 Los Angeles riots, sparked by the acquittal of police officers involved in the Rodney King beating.

The film follows Millie (Halle Berry), a hardworking foster mother struggling to protect her numerous children in South Central Los Angeles, and her unlikely connection with her neighbor, Obie Hardison (Daniel Craig), a reclusive and troubled man. As the city erupts in violence and unrest following the verdict, Millie and Obie must navigate the chaos and danger to ensure the safety of Millie's foster children and find a way to cope with the destruction around them.

Kings explores themes of racial injustice, poverty, social inequality, and the struggles of marginalized communities. While the film aimed to provide a nuanced perspective on the events surrounding the 1992 riots, it received mixed reviews upon release, with critics often praising the performances of Berry and Craig but criticizing the script and direction for being disjointed and lacking in depth. Some also questioned the historical accuracy and the portrayal of the riots themselves. The film had a limited theatrical release and did not achieve significant box office success.