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A 1989 British historical drama film written and directed by Kenneth Branagh in his feature directorial debut, based on William Shakespeare's history play of the same name. It stars Branagh in the title role of King Henry V of England, with Paul Scofield, Derek Jacobi, Ian Holm, Brian Blessed, Emma Thompson, Alec McCowen, Judi Dench, Robbie Coltrane, and Christian Bale in supporting roles. Nominated for 3 Academy Awards, but only won for Costume. [more inside]
posted by fiercekitten on May 24, 2024 - 16 comments

'Better a witty fool, than a foolish wit.' Filled with a cast of unforgettable characters, Twelfth Night combines cruelty with high comedy and the pangs of unrequited love with some of the subtlest poetry and most exquisite songs Shakespeare ever wrote. The Globe revisits its award-winning Twelfth Night of 2002 with an all-male Original Practices production, exploring clothing, music, dance and settings possible in the Globe of around 1601. Mark Rylance reprises his performance of Olivia in Twelfth Night, 10 years after its original premiere at Middle Temple Hall and The Globe. This production was also on Broadway where Rylance won a Tony for Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play in 2014. Shakespeare Movie Club pick for April. [more inside]
posted by fiercekitten on Apr 1, 2024 - 2 comments

Film version of the Royal Shakespeare Company's 2012 production of Shakespeare's fast-moving thriller. A vivid story about a struggle for democracy, Julius Caesar is also a love story between two men united by an explosive act of political violence. The setting is a modern African state in which the tyrant Caesar is about to seize power. Cassius persuades Brutus to join the conspirators plotting an assassination. Featuring a distinguished cast of black actors, filmed on location and in Stratford-Upon-Avon. [more inside]
posted by fiercekitten on Mar 17, 2024 - 5 comments

A murderous lust for the British throne sees Richard III descend into madness. Though the setting is transposed to the 1930s, England is torn by civil war, split between the rivaling houses of York and Lancaster. Richard aspires to a fascist dictatorship, but must first remove the obstacles to his ascension, among them his brother, his nephews and his brother's wife. When the Duke of Buckingham deserts him, Richard's plans are compromised. [more inside]
posted by fiercekitten on Mar 17, 2024 - 13 comments

In this Shakespearean farce, Hero and her groom-to-be, Claudio, team up with Claudio's commanding officer, Don Pedro, the week before their wedding to hatch a matchmaking scheme. Their targets are sharp-witted duo Benedick and Beatrice -- a tough task indeed, considering their corresponding distaste for love and each other. Meanwhile, meddling Don John plots to ruin the wedding. Was the January Pick for my Shakespeare Movie Club. [more inside]
posted by fiercekitten on Mar 17, 2024 - 20 comments