Movie Reviews for The Lion in Winter

The Lion in Winter

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Movie Reviews of The Lion in Winter

Movie Review: The "Lion" roars
Summary: 5 Stars

"The Lion in Winter" is one of the best films ever made. It has the language, scope and beauty of a great Shakespearean play. It also has two magnificent performances by O'Toole (King Henry II) and Hepburn (Queen Eleanor)and a fine early film appearance by Anthony Hopkins (Richard the Lionhearted). It concerns the struggle of Henry's three sons to take the crown and King Philip of France (Timothy Dalton) is willing to use Richard's love for him to destroy the kingdom.

Movie Review: Start to finish great performances.
Summary: 4 Stars

Great storyline. Untoppable Performances. I keep buying copies, because my friends keep making off with them. This one dosn't dissapoint.

Movie Review: Well, What Family Doesn't Have Its Ups and Downs?
Summary: 5 Stars

"Katharine Hepburn, from her first scene when she is briefly taken out of her 10-year imprisonment, shows a wonderful relish for even the most unimpressive sarcastic line. "Well, what family doesn't have its ups and downs," she says, when sodomy, patricide, treason and incest are running their daily course. There is something about an actress with this degree of presence and a wholly distinct, pleasant and idiosyncratic voice that gets her through even misplaced weepy or extravagant scenes." Renata Adler

How many times can you watch a masterpiece and not get tired of it? As many as I want. 'The Lion In Winter' is the masterpiece for me. The action takes place within one day, Christmas Eve. Henry II, Peter O'Toole is 50 years old and wants to choose his heir before he dies. He has three sons: John, his favorite; Richard, the soldier genius; and Geoffrey, reserved and quiet. Henry calls a Christmas court, letting his wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine Katharine Hepburn out of prison for the occasion. King Philip of France is also a visitor. He wants to know when his sister will be married to the heir to the throne. But, Henry has not been able to appoint an heir yet,and the girl has become his mistress. This film sjows the debut of Anthony Hopkins, as Richard the Lion-Hearted, Nigel Terry as Prince John; John Castle, as Prince Geoffrey; and Timothy Dalton, as Philip of France. This film brought forth many Oscars and they deserve to be mentioned.

Katherine Hepburn-Eleanor of Aquitaine brought Hepburn her third of four Oscars.

Peter O'Toole- Nominated but did not win-Best Actor

James Goldman- Best Screenplay

Anthony Harvey- Best Director

Margarret Furst- Best Costume Design

Because of the powerful acting we know that the outcome will be a result of power, politics and will. The stakes grow high as the film moves along until there is no game any longer. The emotional tug of war is evident between the Queen and King. The issues of trust, love and honor are at stake. Some root for the Queen and then we see w=how she destroys her family. We feel sorry for the three sons. The King is the King and is all powerful. And,the mistress is a pawn in this game.

"Jesus himself would have a hard time bringing peace to this yuletide household. Here's a family whose every deed and word is a chess move or a dagger stroke. After all, there's more at stake than merely the future of England and France. Alliances (political and sexual) rise and fall amid skillful maneuvering, clashing, and scheming for Henry's throne. At the center of this regal melee are Henry and Eleanor, whose combination of high mutual fondness and take-no-prisoners warfare -- on battlefields and in bedrooms -- make them one of cinema's great complicated relationships."
Mark Bourne

If there are any newbies out there who have not seen this film- take thee to the nearest DVD store. A film not to be missed.
Highly, Highly Recommended. prisrob 6-02-07

Movie Review: Most rewarding
Summary: 5 Stars

Absolutely excellent. The real purpose for the purchase was to have this great film on DVD. I curently have it on tape and by now it is worn out. Hepburn and O'Toole are exquisite. You feel as though you are right there in the mix of things, and oh what a mix. Would recommend it to everyone.