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Edward II (1991)

R | | Drama, History, Romance | 18 October 1991 (UK)
Edward II Poster
In this Derek Jarman version of Christopher Marlowe's Elizabethan drama, in modern costumes and settings, Plantagenet king Edward II hands the power-craving nobility the perfect excuse by ... See full summary »

Director:

Writers:

(play), (screenplay) | 2 more credits »

Stars:

, , | See full cast & crew »
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5 wins & 1 nomination. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
... Edward II
Kevin Collins ... Lightborn, the Jailor
... Piers Gaveston
... Spencer
... Bishop of Winchester
... Isabella
... Kent
Jody Graber ... Prince Edward
... Mortimer
... Chorus of Nobility
Barbara New ... Chorus of Nobility
Andrea Miller ... Chorus of Nobility
Brian Mitchell ... Chorus of Nobility
David Glover ... Chorus of Nobility
John Quentin ... Chorus of Nobility
See full cast »
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Storyline

In this Derek Jarman version of Christopher Marlowe's Elizabethan drama, in modern costumes and settings, Plantagenet king Edward II hands the power-craving nobility the perfect excuse by taking as lover besides his diplomatic wife, the French princess Isabel, not an acceptable lady at court but the ambitious Piers Gaveston, who uses his favor in bed even to wield political influence - the stage is set for a palace revolt which sends the gay pair from the throne to a terminal torture dungeon. Written by KGF Vissers

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

throne | nobility | gay | king | sex scene | See All (151) »

Taglines:

A classic tale of sex, revenge, and love.

Genres:

Drama | History | Romance

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong violence and sexuality, and for some language | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

|

Language:

|

Release Date:

18 October 1991 (UK)  »

Also Known As:

Eduardo II  »
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Box Office

Budget:

£750,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$1,701, 6 May 2018, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$694,438
See more on IMDbPro »

Company Credits

Production Co:

, ,  »
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Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Color:

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Film debut of Steven Waddington. See more »

Quotes

[first lines]
Edward II: My father is deceased. Come Gaveston, and share the kingdom with thy dearest friend.
See more »

Connections

Referenced in Jubilee: A Time Less Golden (2003) See more »

Soundtracks

Jingle Bells
Composed by James Pierpont
Performed and arranged by Simon Fisher-Turner
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User Reviews

 
Thoroughly brilliant
20 March 2005 | by – See all my reviews

Edward II makes a brilliant hodge-podge of history by vaulting a sixteenth century play about a fourteenth century English king onto a dark, abstract twentieth century stage. Iconoclastic, yes; anachronistic, yes; imbecilic, no. While on the page Marlowe's poetry speaks for itself, in director Derek Jarman's hands it provides a counterpoint to the film's daring, elegant, eloquent visuals. King Edward and his lover, Piers Gaveston, are attacked by the raving heteronormative toffs for their homosexuality and Gaveston's less-than-aristocratic background. Great moments include a cameo by Annie Lennox and a bull's-eye by Tilda Swinton.
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