Complete credited cast: | |||
Anthony Hopkins | ... | Sir | |
Ian McKellen | ... | Norman | |
Emily Watson | ... | Her Ladyship | |
Sarah Lancashire | ... | Madge | |
Edward Fox | ... | Thornton | |
Vanessa Kirby | ... | Irene | |
Tom Brooke | ... | Oxenby | |
Ian Conningham | ... | Kent | |
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John Ashton | ... | Gloucester |
Helen Bradbury | ... | Regan | |
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Annalisa Rossi | ... | Goneril |
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Carl Sanderson | ... | Cornwall |
Matthew Cottle | ... | Albany | |
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Martin Chamberlain | ... | Gentleman |
In the closing months of World War II aging actor Sir (Sir Anthony Hopkins) and his wife Her Ladyship (Emily Watson) bring Shakespeare to the provinces with a company depleted by conscription. Sir is plainly unwell, discharging himself from the hospital and Her Ladyship believes he should cancel his upcoming performance of "King Lear". However, Norman (Sir Ian McKellen), his outspoken, gay dresser disagrees, and is determined that the show will go on, cajoling the confused Sir into giving a performance, one which will be his swan song. At the same time, drawing a parallel between King Lear and his fool as Norman, despite ultimate disappointment, serves his master. Written by don @ minifie-1
There's superb acting in this deep and powerful drama, adapted to the screen by Ronald Harwood, based on his own play, and ably directed by Richard Eyre. It will probably appeal only to a certain slice of viewers, those that can get into a deliberately paced and dialogue driven film and are not looking for an action flick.
The lead actors here Anthony Hopkins, Ian McKellen, Emily Watson, and Sarah Lancashire are all excellent in their roles. with a fine supporting cast enhancing the movie. To be honest, I hadn't heard of Lancashire before, but she was quite amazing in a very understated performance, and one scene with Hopkins was truly mesmerizing.
All in all, I found this film became even more powerful as it progressed and with its superb acting, writing, and direction can certainly be recommended for those that like a heavy and most well presented drama.