Richard III

A brilliant, epic filming of Shakespeare, by the master, Laurence Olivier. His performance, straight from his stage version of the play, is definetly the pinnacle of this film (it was Oscar nominated) but that is not to detract from the other... Full review

It was Olivier's production of HENRY V that led to his showing what a creative producer/director of film he could be. His Oscar came from his "Freudian" interpretation of HAMLET. But I suspect that most people would say his greatest... Full review

It's quite a gap that Laurence Olivier covers between his portrayal of heroic Henry V and the evil Richard III. But he certainly does cover it well.In fact this production boasts the talents of five knighted thespians in its cast,... Full review

It is kind of sad to know that this was Lord Laurence Olivier's last film by the works of William Shakespeare simply because it failed in the movie theaters. Besides Olivier's performance, there was Sir John Gielgud, Sir Cedric Hardwicke,... Full review

This is Shakespeare's tale of lust for the crown of England.Richard,Duke of Gloucester wants the crown.Richard,Duke of Gloucester is play brilliantly by Laurence Olivier.He will murder members of his own family.King Edward IV of England is Richard older brother.King Edward IV... Full review

This is Shakespeare's tale of lust for the crown of England.Richard,Duke of Gloucester wants the crown.Richard,Duke of Gloucester is play brilliantly by Laurence Olivier.He will murder members of his own family.King Edward IV of England is Richard older brother.King Edward IV... Full review

Film versions of Shakespeare's plays are almost always lousy, so it's something of a pleasure to encounter one that's watchable. Laurence Olivier's *Richard III* is certainly that, though don't expect the grandeur or cinematic excitement of his own *Henry V*.... Full review

That "Richard III" is one of the all-time great acting performances is hard to argue with. In the title role, Sir Laurence Olivier manages to be rousing and hate-inducing, menacing and amusing, often all at once. He was the world's... Full review

Henry V was said to be Laurence Olivier's greatest screen role for British Propaganda reasons... he inspired England etc. during World War 2; there is no denying it, his Henry is brilliant. But he surpasses his own genius as Richard."Now... Full review

Personally, I think this is Shakespeare's most entertaining work. The evil but brilliant Richard has got to be a favorite for any actor. License to really go nuts and just be pure villain. Olivier's interpretation dwells on the cerebral side,... Full review

The film is successful in conveying the actress' love of Shakespeare, but doesn't offer much more. Shakespeare's Women & Claire Bloom is an hour long film looks at this talented actress and the way she approached the Bard's plays. ... Full Review

Criterion's DVD of Richard III is a handsome presentation free of unnecessary frills. Their opinions have many answers about the adaptation of the play, including Olivier's dropping of key lines. ... Full Review

Laurence Olivier's Richard III is one of the stagiest versions of Shakespeare you'll find on film, and it's also his least faithful work, chopping and editing the Bard's play willy-nilly. The few scenes of action are impressive, but they are few and far between. ... Full Review

That is not to imply that the film isn't good. The acting in this film is simply superb. Richard was born lame and deformed, but with a piercing intelligence and ruthless ambition. ... Full Review

Fifty-one years after Richard III premiered on NBC, the very same day of its theatrical release, Olivier's masterful film gets the deluxe Criterion Collection DVD treatment with this two-disc edition packed with worthwhile extras. Finally, the 12-minute "behind the scenes" look at the making of Richard III provides an entertaining "foretaste" of the film to come. ... Full Review

The Tempest, a play by the "greatest story thief of all time," has been reduced to three actors and 90 minutes by Ottawa's Company of Fools. ... Full Article

To mark its tenth anniversary in 2010, Shakespeare Festival St. Louis will attempt the Everest of English-language theater: "Hamlet." That's an exciting prospect, but it's also a year away. ... Full Article

A few scenes suggest that this could be Harry Potter and the Hormones of Fire. But the fourth screen installment keeps an even balance between damsels and Death Eaters. ... Full Article

The film shows us only a quarter or so of this play, said to be the most often performed of the bard's works, but it has some very good explanations of the historical background of the play. It shows some ... Full Article

It's hard to imagine anyone better than Laurence Olivier playing the twisted, lurching, serpentine Richard III, a Shakespearian villain that might even give Iago the shakes. ... Full Article

Laurence Olivier's third Shakespeare film, after HENRY V and HAMLET, and in some ways the most suitable of the three for his rather cold talents. ... Full Article