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Richard III
1995
This updating of Shakespeare's classic history sets the tale in a stark version of 1930's Europe and features Sir Ian McKellen as the titular ruthless malcontent out to wrest control of the throne of England from any who would oppose him. Academy Award Nominations: 2, including Best Art Direction and Best Costume Design. Read more
| Starring | Ian McKellen, Annette Bening, Jim Broadbent, Robert Downey Jr. |
|---|---|
| Director | Richard Loncraine |
| Genres | Drama |
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Critics' reviews (5)
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A fast-moving, pared-down version of Shakespeare that remains true to much of the play's poetry, concentrating on political manoeuvre and successfully translating the action to a modern setting.
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"...RICHARD III is a film to listen to as much as to watch....[The] design is perhaps the most imaginative and atmospheric use of locations in a British movie for a while..."
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This triumphant take on the Crookback king is as different from Olivier's '50s historical pageant as chalk is from... read more on Time Out
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Most helpful members' reviews (3)
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3 out of 3 people found this review helpful
Brilliantly thought out, superbly played and totally gripping
I'm not always comfortable with Shakespeare in modern dress, neither did I think that anything could top the experience of seeing Antony Sher play the role ... more
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3 out of 3 people found this review helpful
Now is the winter of our discontent.
A remarkable updating of Shakespeare's most blood-thirsty play with McKellan's Richard as an Oswald Mosely figure staging a fascist coup in 30s Britain... more
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Most recent members' reviews (2)
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1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
A horseless carriage
A genuinely creepy Ian McKellen plays Richard III in a production a million miles away from the sterile readings of Shakespeare we all used to experience at ... more
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1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
The acting in this movie is superb, a very good adaptation of the original....however, some of the characters are underplayed and the plot whizzes through, ... more
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3 out of 3 people found this review helpful
Brilliantly thought out, superbly played and totally gripping
I'm not always comfortable with Shakespeare in modern dress, neither did I think that anything could top the experience of seeing Antony Sher play the role ... more
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3 out of 3 people found this review helpful
Now is the winter of our discontent.
A remarkable updating of Shakespeare's most blood-thirsty play with McKellan's Richard as an Oswald Mosely figure staging a fascist coup in 30s Britain... more
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1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
A timeless piece Shakespeare
Placing the action in the context of the 1930's was a master stroke in this reviewers opinion. The adage that all power corrupts and absolute power corrupts... more
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1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
The acting in this movie is superb, a very good adaptation of the original....however, some of the characters are underplayed and the plot whizzes through, ... more
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1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
A horseless carriage
A genuinely creepy Ian McKellen plays Richard III in a production a million miles away from the sterile readings of Shakespeare we all used to experience at ... more
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1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
IF ONLY SHAKESPEARE WAS TAUGHT LIKE THIS FILM AT SCHOOL
Wonderful.
I originally saw this film upon its release in 1996 and was bowled over then. Watching it again the same sense of power still exerted ... more -
My kingdom for a horse,
but he's on a tank - and it's set in modern times. I'm not sure the conceit really worked. Also, although some great actors, they didn't do it... more
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1 out of 2 people found this review helpful
The costumes, music and acting were all excellent, however, unavoidably , I found the archaic language hard to follow and had to concentrate very hard to keep ... more
Critics' reviews (5)
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A fast-moving, pared-down version of Shakespeare that remains true to much of the play's poetry, concentrating on political manoeuvre and successfully translating the action to a modern setting.
-
"...RICHARD III is a film to listen to as much as to watch....[The] design is perhaps the most imaginative and atmospheric use of locations in a British movie for a while..."
-
This triumphant take on the Crookback king is as different from Olivier's '50s historical pageant as chalk is from... read more on Time Out
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"Spirited acting, machine-gun pacing and ominous Art Deco settings combine to rousing effect in this RICHARD III..."
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"...[A] cult reputation....Olivier's directorial decisions are intriguing..." -- Rating: B+
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98.8% from 18 members
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