The Lion in Winter (1968)

Unforgettable Acting and Visuals

Want to see what real talent is; then take a seat, get out the popcorn, take the phone of the hook, and enjoy one of the best acting films of all times. Wonder why Peter O'Toole, Katharine Hepburn are to be remembered as top of the chart artists- watch this film. Wonder why Anthony Hopkins is revered today in both stage and screen performances - watch this film. This film is one of very few that truly earned its keep. September 24, 2008

Top-notch period drama with great cast

THE LION IN WINTER was adapted for the screen by James Goldman from his stage hit. Director Anthony Harvey has a superb cast, with Peter O'Toole as King Henry II and Katharine Hepburn as Queen Eleanor. The first-rate supporting cast include young Anthony Hopkins and Timothy Dalton, both making their screen debuts. The original Panavision cinematography looks great in this anamorphic transfer and the Dolby Digital enhances the great film score by John Barry. Hepburn, Goldman and Barry all won Oscars.
Extras include the original trailer and a commentary by Harvey. One of the great period dramas, with some witty contemporary-sounding dialogue. Also a fine companion to BECKET. September 15, 2008

Even better the fourth time!

I saw the stage play forty years ago, and it was great. And every ten years or so, I watch the movie and enjoy it more every time.

But I have a question...

Why did James Goldman portray Henry II as a bisexual and pedophile ("Alais, in my time I've known...contessas, milkmaids,
courtesans...and novices, whores, gypsies, jades...and little boys..."), and his son Richard the Lionhearted as a homosexual?

Couldn't the story have been just as interesting and compelling, or even more so, without the homosexual fabrications? There was no historical or artistic reason to include any of that.

So, why? Could it be that Goldman was himself homosexual? Was he a closeted forerunner of today's hollywood writers, who include a homosexual character in nearly every television show and movie, to advance their own social agenda?

What other reason would there be?

June 30, 2008

Well-acted but depressing; historically doubtful

This is a great movie to watch once. But while it is clever, it is not a feel-good film. One could sum up the plot as "scheming humans making themselves and others as miserable as possible".

As a period film, it is a mix of accuracy and inaccuracy. Henry II washing his face with ice water is a good touch, but the rest of his surroundings are unrealistically primitive. 12th century life was far richer than we give it credit for. The castle should have been teeming with servants and retainers. The clothes are too simple and drab: trade routes imported materials and food as far afield as China. Henry II was arguably the most powerful man in Europe at the time--he controlled more land in modern France alone than the King of France did--and his surroundings would have reflected his status.

Henry II, Eleanor, and their three living sons did indeed meet for Christmas in 1183. But while the issues addressed--the question of succession and lordship of the Aquitaine--were real issues, the playwright has combined over 15 years of family strife into a couple days.

Henry II's fondness for his youngest son John is exaggerated: Henry wouldn't have dreamt of leaving the kingship to a younger son. The film shows John as having the IQ of a doornob, while administrative records from his reign indicate he was quite intelligent.

The film's portrayal of Richard is out of date: his weakness of character is entwined with his alleged homosexuality. Also, primary sources indicate Richard was heterosexual; the theory that he was homosexual or bisexual is based on a modern interpretation of 12th century social norms. To add insult to inaccuracy, the film shows Richard as a thick-skulled stubborn jock, while the primary sources I've read indicate he was a remarkably savvy politician and diplomat.

For a balanced, historiographically thorough treatment of Richard, read Richard I by John Gillingham It is a play-by-play history of his life, so the casual reader may want to skip parts, and refer to the index for specific issues. For a well-researched, highly readable cross-section of Anglo-Norman life in the 12th and early 13th centuries, read 1215: the Year of Magna Carta

While it is historically misleading, The Lion in Winter provides a gripping interpretation of Plantagenet family dynamics, and is a worthwhile buy for anyone who appreciates talented stage-acting and acerbic dialogue. June 9, 2008

The Lion in Winter

This is one of the best movies made! As close to Shakespeare as you can get in modern times. The dialogue is incredible,especially in the interaction of Hepburn and O'Toole. They also seem to be having such a good time with it.The whole cast couldn't have been chosen more perfectly.The tension between the brothers as they back stab at the machinations of their parents is palatable.For lovers of historical drama this is a must. For lovers of great dialogue and charisma between actors this is a must. For lovers of great film making in general this is a must! May 12, 2008

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