The Lion in Winter
by Anthony Harvey
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Anthony Hopkins, John Castle, Katharine Hepburn, Nigel Terry, Peter O'TooleDirector: Anthony Harvey
Brand: Sony
Cinematographer: Douglas Slocombe
Editor: John Bloom
Producer: Jane C. Nusbaum
Producer: Joseph E. Levine
Producer: Martin Poll
Writer: James Goldman
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown), Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono; Spanish (Subtitled); French (Subtitled); English (Original Language), Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono
Format: Anamorphic, Closed-captioned, Color, DVD, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
Picture Format: 2.35:1
Running Time: 134 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2001-06-19
Audience Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: MGM (Video & DVD)
Movie Reviews of The Lion in Winter
Movie Review: A stunning portrayal of greed and corruption, and the price we pay for power...
Summary: 5 Stars
Katherine Hepburn is considered one of the greatest actresses to ever grace the big screen. In fact, many of her devoted fans have coined the nickname `Kate the Great' when referencing this cinematic icon. In this day and age of modern cinema being compared to this legend is one of the highest compliments any actress can hope to receive. Sadly, I have not seen many of Hepburn's films and so I am really in the dark as to the extent of her talent. But last night I sat down to watch `The Lion in Winter', a film I had heard much about but knew very little of. I am now convinced, from just this single performance, that all the praise and admiration is justly deserved (as was that Oscar win).
With quick wit and a masterfully dead-panned delivery, Katherine Hepburn scorches the screen as Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine, the Achilles-Heel to her husband King Henry II. Eleanor and Henry do not have the happiest marriage, Henry keeping Eleanor locked away for the majority of the year because of her rebellion against him. He allows her to visit for the Christmas holiday and it is during this visit that tension abounds, tension that leads to betrayal and a total collapse of family. While Eleanor is visiting she rallies behind their eldest son Richard for his right to the throne, but Henry is determined to make his youngest son John the next King. Left in the middle is Geoffrey, perhaps the most cunning of all, who devises a way of secluding the throne for himself.
Adding to the internal tension within the family ranks is the pressure being put upon King Henry by King Philip of France to give his sister Alais' hand to Richard in marriage. King Philip is a young King, but a crafty one and soon he is finding ways to destroy King Henry's rule from within his own castle walls.
The acting, for the most part, is flawless. I've already mentioned my adoration of Katherine Hepburn's marvelous performance, but much must be said for Peter O'Toole as well. It's still so shocking to me that he has yet to win an acting Oscar. The Academy must feel really stupid right about now. His fiery delivery as King Henry is brilliant to witness. Anthony Hopkins, who makes his big screen debut here, is also a marvel to watch. It's apparent from this early performance that he would one day become one of our greatest working actors. His portrayal of the determined yet haunted Richard shows control and maturity beyond his experience. Timothy Dalton also delivers a fine debut performance as King Philip, infusing enough charisma to make his cunning all the more believable. Jane Merrow is sympathetic as Alais and John Castle is phenomenal as Geoffrey. I was astounded by the depth he brought to his character, making him the most fascinating character in my humble opinion. In fact, the acting in this film is so masterful that I am pained to have to single out Nigel Terry as the biggest drawback to an otherwise brilliant film. His portrayal of John is excruciating to watch. Instead of making John a believable buffoon he creates a campy feel that takes away from the impact of the film. Thankfully the rest of the cast is so brilliant that they make up for his lack of impression.
I will add as a side note that I find it ironic how, while watching this movie, I couldn't help but draw comparisons to the marvelous Glenn Close when watching Hepburn, noticing how their acting style, even their facial features are very similar. I say this is ironic because come to find out, Close also took on the role of Queen Eleanor in the TV adaptation of `The Lion in Winter'.
Small world.
Much has been said of the Oscar winning script by James Goldman (adapted from his stage play) and much should be said. The dialog is tight and witty and, while the film is a tad wordy, it flows beautifully, remaining fresh and natural throughout. Anthony Harvey directs the film with conviction and dedication, and it shows. From the opening credits to the final frame he beautifully captures the mood presented by the subject.
`The Lion in Winter' is a stunning portrayal of the power of greed and the danger of power. Watching this dysfunctional family crumble at its very foundation is unsettling yet captivating. The film does to a degree feel dated; you can't escape that. The sets and costumes and whatnot are not as fresh and vibrant as one would witness in modern cinema (the recent `The Other Boleyn Girl' is a marvelous example of how orgasmic these modern period films can look) but what doesn't feel dated is the marvelous performances and the smartly written and intricately woven script.
`The Lion in Winter' is a brilliant testament to the fact that no matter when a film was made, if it was made right it will stand the test of time.
Summary of The Lion in Winter
Katharine Hepburn delivers an amazing (Variety), OscarÂ(r)-winning* performance 'that must be seen to be believed (Boxoffice) in this dazzling (Los Angeles Times) all-star film that is not to be missed. Behind the great stone walls of an English castle, the world's most powerful empire is in crisis. Three sons struggle to win their father's favoras well as his crown. King Henry II (Peter O'toole) and his queen, Eleanor (Katharine Hepburn), engage ina battle of royal wits that pits elder son Richard (Anthony Hopkins) against his brothers, while the cunning King Philip of France (Timothy Dalton) takes advantage of the internal fracturing in his bid to destroy their kingdom. *1968: ActressIn this 12th-century version of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Henry II of England (Peter O'Toole) and his wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine (Katharine Hepburn), meet on Christmas Eve to discuss the future of the throne. These two are having slight marital problems, as she is kept in captivity most of the year for raising a rebellion against him, and he flaunts his young mistress. Then there are the problems raised by their three treacherous and traitorous sons.
James Goldman won an Oscar® for the brilliant screenplay, based on his Broadway play. It is a tad wordy, as the action is kept to a minimum, but those words are sharp as daggers. The humor is wicked and black and delivered with very dry, dead-on precision. Sparks fly and the screen sizzles whenever Hepburn and O'Toole tango, which is often. Both were nominated for Academy Awards® for their vigorous performances. (She won; he didn't.) There's also an infamous homo-erotic exchange between Philip of France (Timothy Dalton) and Richard the Lionhearted (Anthony Hopkins). Both actors were making their feature-film debuts. --Rochelle O'Gorman
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