Critics Reviews
User Reviews Critics Reviews
| Aug 23, 2005DVD Talk
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
| Feb 24, 2004DVD Talk
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
filmcritic.com
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
DVD Talk
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
Reel.com
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
Exclaim! Canada
Still, this is a highly enjoyable film, well worth watching.
His third offering, Richard III (1955), is perhaps less of a cultural monument, but like the play itself, it has remained a favourite with audiences, featuring Shakespeare's most charming villain slyly killing a dozen odd family members to place himself on the throne.
... Full Review