Watch King Lear

King Lear is a 1983 British film adaptation of William Shakespeare's play of the same name. Directed by Michael Elliott, the film stars Laurence Olivier in the titular role of King Lear, with John Hurt as his treacherous son, and Diana Rigg as his loyal daughter. The film is set in medieval England and tells the story of an aging monarch who divides his kingdom among his three daughters based on their expressions of love for him. When his youngest and favorite daughter Cordelia refuses to flatter him, Lear disowns her and is thereafter betrayed by his other two daughters, leading to chaos and tragedy.

The film opens with a grand spectacle, as King Lear holds a ceremony to divide his kingdom among his daughters, Goneril, Regan, and Cordelia. As each daughter professes her love for him, the king rewards them with portions of his kingdom. However, when Cordelia declines to flatter him, Lear is outraged and disowns her, dividing her share between the other two sisters. This act sets into motion a series of events that ultimately leads to the king's downfall.

As the plot unfolds, it becomes clear that Lear has made a grave mistake in giving his power away so easily. His scheming daughters Goneril and Regan quickly prove to be untrustworthy, using their newfound authority to undermine Lear's rule and assert their own dominance. Meanwhile, Cordelia leaves England to marry the King of France, but returns later to try and save her father from the madness and chaos that has engulfed the kingdom.

At the heart of the story is Lear himself, a once-powerful ruler who is reduced to a broken and feeble old man. Olivier gives a masterful performance as the king, capturing both his grandeur and his vulnerability. His descent into madness is portrayed with great sensitivity and depth, as he struggles to come to terms with the reality of his own mortality and the treachery of those closest to him.

The other actors in the film are equally impressive, with Hurt and Rigg both delivering powerful performances as Lear's wayward son and loyal daughter, respectively. The film is also notable for its stunning cinematography, which captures the rugged beauty of the English countryside and the grandeur of medieval castles and courtly settings.

Overall, King Lear is a gripping and emotionally powerful adaptation of Shakespeare's classic play. It offers a nuanced exploration of power, family, and human frailty, while showcasing some of the finest actors of their generation. Whether you are a fan of Shakespeare or simply appreciate great filmmaking, this movie is not to be missed.

King Lear is a 1917 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 2 minutes.