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Richard III

Play trailer Poster for Richard III R Released Dec 29, 1995 1h 45m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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96% Tomatometer 52 Reviews 85% Popcornmeter 5,000+ Ratings
A murderous lust for the British throne sees Richard III (Ian McKellen) descend into madness. Though the setting is transposed to the 1930s, England is torn by civil war, split between the rivaling houses of York and Lancaster. Richard aspires to a fascist dictatorship, but must first remove the obstacles to his ascension -- among them his brother, his nephews and his brother's wife (Annette Bening). When the Duke of Buckingham (Jim Broadbent) deserts him, Richard's plans are compromised.
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Richard III

Richard III

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Critics Consensus

This re-imagining of Shakespeare's Crookback King relocates the story in 1930 and features an indelible star turn for Ian McKellen as the monstrous and magnetic King Richard.

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Critics Reviews

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Tom Huddleston Time Out Rarely has a film used London's landmarks so cannily. Rated: 5/5 Apr 26, 2016 Full Review Kate Muir Times (UK) An outrageous, wickedly funny, 1930s fascist version of the Shakespeare play starring Ian McKellen as Richard of Gloucester. Rated: 4/5 Apr 21, 2016 Full Review Peter Bradshaw Guardian The "fascist" staging could have been hackneyed, but Loncraine carries it off superbly as the showcase for action-thriller noir. Rated: 4/5 Apr 21, 2016 Full Review Kat Halstead Common Sense Media Packed full of impressive names and receiving plenty of awards nods, this cleverly adapted Shakespeare classic makes a strong impact from start to finish. Sep 25, 2024 Full Review Farah Cheded A Good Movie To Watch An inspired Shakespeare update with a terrifying Ian McKellen performance at its center, this is a masterpiece of its own. Nov 25, 2023 Full Review Matthew Rozsa matthewrozsa.com It is a brutal reminder that while we may be able to inoculate ourselves against diseases of the body, diseases of the mind will always flourish as long as fascist impulses remain undiagnosed. Rated: 3.5/4 Dec 19, 2020 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Stephen C 1.75 hours of royal drama!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/15/25 Full Review Rami A Only a few Shakespeare plays can be modernized. This transformation can work only if executed correctly, and I'm pleased to say that this adaptation of the play is well done. Unlike the original, this version is set in the 1930s, which may seem unusual, but the filmmakers and Ian McKellen made it work. The performances are strong, the use of the Shakespeare script is surprisingly faithful, and the pacing is excellent. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/20/25 Full Review Jelisije J One of the few great Shakespearean plays adapted to modern times that is held up by a great cast and with always the great Ian McKellen. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 09/17/24 Full Review Alan g Horrible reimagining of the classic Shakepeare play. Possibly stolen from a Goodbye Girl movie subplot. Why improve on an already famous play. Call it something else based on Richard III. Rated 1 out of 5 stars 08/08/24 Full Review Jonathan S This is the finest version of the Bard's play I've ever had the pleasure of watching. Mcclellan's Richard is both charming and monstrous. Unlike the Olivia version (which is also great), this version is a direct assault on tyranny. Each actor is well casted and executed their part phenomenally. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/16/23 Full Review Shioka O Stars for Ian McKellen, powerful performance as you expect. Otherwise I wonder if this modern adaptation worked because the original is perfection. The poster is misleading, Robert Downey Jr dies in the early phase as the role suggests. The use of setting is fascinating, the battle on the Battersea power plant! Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/12/23 Full Review Read all reviews
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Cast & Crew

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Richard Loncraine

Director

Ian McKellen

Richard III

Annette Bening

Queen Elizabeth

Jim Broadbent

Duke of Buckingham

Robert Downey Jr.

Lord Rivers

Nigel Hawthorne

George

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Richard III

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Movie Info

Synopsis A murderous lust for the British throne sees Richard III (Ian McKellen) descend into madness. Though the setting is transposed to the 1930s, England is torn by civil war, split between the rivaling houses of York and Lancaster. Richard aspires to a fascist dictatorship, but must first remove the obstacles to his ascension -- among them his brother, his nephews and his brother's wife (Annette Bening). When the Duke of Buckingham (Jim Broadbent) deserts him, Richard's plans are compromised.
Director
Richard Loncraine
Producer
Lisa Katselas Paré, Stephen Bayly
Distributor
United Artists
Production Co
United Artists, Mayfair Entertainment International, British Screen Productions
Rating
R
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Dec 29, 1995, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Oct 1, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$2.4M
Runtime
1h 45m
Sound Mix
Dolby Stereo, DTS, Stereo, Surround, Dolby Digital, Dolby SR
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)
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