Measure for Measure

Watch Measure for Measure

  • NR
  • 1979
  • 2 hr 25 min
  • 7.5  (193)

Measure for Measure from 1979 is a British adaptation of the famous play with the same name written by William Shakespeare. The movie is directed by Desmond Davis and the cast includes Kenneth Colley, Kate Nelligan, Tim Pigott-Smith, Christopher Strauli, and many others. The story of Measure for Measure revolves around a Duke who leaves his city in the hands of his deputy, Angelo. Angelo is a strict and puritanical man who is not afraid to enforce the law strictly. He decides to shut down brothels and enforce the laws on sexual morality. In the meantime, a young man named Claudio is arrested and sentenced to be executed for having impregnated his fiancée before their marriage.

Claudio's sister, Isabella, is a novice nun who is persuaded by Claudio's friend Lucio to plead with Angelo for her brother's life. When Isabella goes to Angelo to plead for Claudio's life, Angelo is captivated by her beauty and decides to make a proposition. He tells Isabella that he will spare her brother's life if she agrees to sleep with him. Isabella is stunned by Angelo's proposition, as she is a devout nun who swore to maintain her virginity.

Desperate to save her brother's life, Isabella reaches out to the Duke, who has secretly returned to the city disguised as a friar. The Duke helps Isabella come up with a plan to save her brother and expose Angelo's hypocrisy. The plot of Measure for Measure is full of twists and turns, with both serious and comic elements intertwined.

The acting in this movie is superb, with Kenneth Colley providing a nuanced and convincing performance as the Duke. Kate Nelligan is mesmerizing as Isabella, conveying a depth of emotion that is rare in Shakespearean adaptations. Tim Pigott-Smith is excellent as Angelo, providing a chilling interpretation of this complex character. Christopher Strauli is entertaining as Lucio, providing a welcome dose of humor in an otherwise serious play.

The sets and costumes in this movie are also noteworthy, with the filmmakers managing to transport viewers to the streets of Vienna in the 17th century. The cinematography is equally impressive, with the filmmakers making effective use of light and shadow to create a sense of tension and suspense throughout the movie.

Overall, Measure for Measure from 1979 is a must-watch for fans of Shakespeare and anyone interested in British cinema. The movie does an excellent job of bringing this complex play to life, highlighting the universality of its themes and characters. The performances, sets, and costumes all work together to create a vivid and engaging world that viewers will be reluctant to leave when the movie ends. Whether you are a fan of Shakespeare or not, this movie is well worth your time.

Measure for Measure is a 1979 musical with a runtime of 2 hours and 25 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.

Measure for Measure
Description
Where to Watch Measure for Measure
Measure for Measure is available to watch free on Kanopy. It's also available to stream, download on demand at Amazon Prime, Apple TV Channels and The Roku Channel. Some platforms allow you to rent Measure for Measure for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    1979
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    2 hr 25 min
  • IMDB Rating
    7.5  (193)