Richard II (1997)

The incompetent Richard II is deposed by Henry Bolingbroke and undergoes a crisis of identity once he is no longer king.

Director:

Deborah Warner

Writer:

William Shakespeare (play)

Stars:

Fiona Shaw, Graham Crowden, Richard Bremmer

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Fiona Shaw	...	Richard II
Graham Crowden	...	John of Gaunt
Richard Bremmer	...	Henry Bolingbroke
David Lyon	...	Thomas Mowbray
Paola Dionisotti	...	Duchess of Gloucester
John Rogan	...	Lord Marshall
Julian Rhind-Tutt	...	Duke of Aumerle
Phil McKee	...	First Herald
Kevin McKidd	...	Henry Percy
Jem Wall	...	Second Herald
Henry Ian Cusick	...	Green
Nicholas Gecks	...	Bushy
Donald Sinden	...	Duke of York
Sian Thomas	...	Queen Isobel
Struan Rodger	...	Earl of Northumberland

Storyline

The incompetent Richard II is deposed by Henry Bolingbroke and undergoes a crisis of identity once he is no longer king.

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Plot Keywords:

man played by woman | filmed play | shakespeare's richard ii | based on play | character name in title | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Did You Know?

Connections

Version of The Wars of the Roses (1965)

User Reviews

It really does not capture the spirit of what is one of Shakespeare's most underrated plays...

Fiona Shaw as the Richard II is perhaps an attempt to link the young king's reign with that of Elizabeth I, however the artistic intentions of the director divert away from the character of Richard and the role of kingship in the play. The staging is unimaginative and there is little symbolism apparent on the profound themes that Shakespeare explores. A really poor attempt to dramatise what is a very good play.

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Company Credits

Production Co:

Illuminations

Technical Specs

Runtime:

127 min