Richard III

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Richard III

R

Released Dec 29, 1995

1h 45m

Drama

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96%

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52 Reviews

85%

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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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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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Tom Huddleston

Time Out

Rarely has a film used London's landmarks so cannily.

Rated: 5/5

Apr 26, 2016

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Kate Muir

The 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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Clinton R

Shakespeare clearly understood without any need for a guide, footnote or what-the-hell. Olivier's and Brannaugh's word-perfect-yet-dry renditions are many levels below McKellen's tour-de-force. Excellent in every regard!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/21/25

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Stephen C

1.75 hours of royal drama!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The USA grossed over $2,400,000.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/01/25

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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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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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