Richard III

Marvellously inventive in its settings and speaking of the famous lines; a cast to dream of; great music and spectacle and McKellen gives one of his best thought out performances ever.

I have to admit a predisposition toward film adaptations of Shakespeare in general, but this is one of the most creative I've seen. Setting the play in the 1940's, with strong Nazi overtones definitely adds to the script- which loses nothing in this version. Ian McKellen is always wonderful to watch, and here his eye contact with the viewer makes one an accomplice in his nefarious schemes. While an arch-villain, McKellen's Richard is definitely the most fascinating character in the film. No cardboard here!

Good cast. Shame about the film!

I wanted to see this in the Cinema when it first came out but somehow managed to miss it and have now, 13 years later, finally corrected that omission. Was it worth the 13 year wait? You bet. This is a brilliant version of the tale. McKellen is mesmerising as Richard - who is outwardly charming, friendly and loyal while secretly scheming to take the throne. Jim Broadbent is Goebbels to McKellen's Hitler and he is strikingly amoral. The rest of the cast is largely exceptional with the possible omission of Annette Bening who seems to overact occasionally. If you liked Brannagh's Henry V then you'll almost certainly like this modern take on Shakespeare.

The film looks fabulous too with the shifting costumes and set designs reflecting the change from carefree 30's charm to Nazi-style tyranny and paranoia.

I've never read the play or seen it on stage so I don't know how much original text survives but it's quite easy to follow and who wouldn't want to listen to Ian McKellen's voice speaking such brilliant dialogue?

Highly recommended.

Fast-paced, excellent to watch, makes listening to the Bard's language a piece of cake. This film will have a lasting effect on you, especially if you care about England's History. Spell-binding action throughout. Thoroughly recommended.