Ian McKellen has been one of the most versatile actors for many years. One of his most pronounced roles was in this adaptation of William Shakespeare's "Richard III". Taking place in a fictional version of 1930s England, it depicts Richard as a fascist wannabe dictator. His flags and rallies look like something right out of Nazi Germany.
I should admit that I've never read Shakespeare's original play or seen a production thereof - I don't even know that much about the War of the Roses - so this is my introduction to it. The movie has made me eager to see it. Fine support comes from the rest of the cast as assorted relatives, consorts and aides. The movie could be seen as a warning about autocratic leaders, especially as we currently see ascendant authoritarianism around the world. I recommend it.
PS: McKellen later played a Nazi in Bryan Singer's "Apt Pupil", while John Wood is best known as Prof. Falken in "WarGames".
I should admit that I've never read Shakespeare's original play or seen a production thereof - I don't even know that much about the War of the Roses - so this is my introduction to it. The movie has made me eager to see it. Fine support comes from the rest of the cast as assorted relatives, consorts and aides. The movie could be seen as a warning about autocratic leaders, especially as we currently see ascendant authoritarianism around the world. I recommend it.
PS: McKellen later played a Nazi in Bryan Singer's "Apt Pupil", while John Wood is best known as Prof. Falken in "WarGames".