Evil Richard plots his path to rule and layers that path with bodies of friend and foe alike.Evil Richard plots his path to rule and layers that path with bodies of friend and foe alike.Evil Richard plots his path to rule and layers that path with bodies of friend and foe alike.
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- TriviaSince the play was written, new information has come to light concerning the historical Richard III. Firstly, though he did suffer from scoliosis (curvature of the spine) he was not hunchbacked or otherwise severely misshapen. Likewise the claim that he was born with a full set of teeth has no basis in fact. These were most likely rumors started by the Tudors to demonize the king they overthrew in order to claim the throne which got mixed up with the truth over the years. Historians remain divided as to his character, though it is widely believed that he did not commit murder as wantonly or eagerly as depicted in the play. Again, his political enemies painted him as a villain and that is the image that has survived.
- ConnectionsFeatured in WatchMojoUK: Top 10 Benedict Cumberbatch Performances (2018)
Featured review
Richard III's rise and fall
'The Hollow Crown' is a highly intriguing and mostly great series, all round exceptionally well made and acted (even in my least favourites of the series 'Henry V' and 'Henry VI Part 1') with the odd issue here and there. A must see for anybody who wants to be more familiar with Shakespeare's historical plays or wants to see accessible productions of high quality throughout the entire series. Loved the whole of the first season, though ever so slightly disappointed by 'Henry V', while being less taken with Season 2.
Found this 'Richard III' to be superb, and despite having yet to see a bad production of 'Richard III' of the ones seen 'The Hollow Crown's' production is one of the best in my view. It is easily for me the best of the Season 2 "War of the Roses" productions, being the only one of the season to completely bowl me over (though there are a lot of great things with the 'Henry VI' productions, especially Part 2), and the best of 'The Hollow Crown' series since 'Henry IV Part 2'. Though that may not be a popular opinion and am not going to hold it against anybody who disagrees as long as they have nothing against me.
'Richard III' is one of Shakespeare best known historical plays along with 'Henry V' and the best known of the "War of the Roses" plays. Can see why, Richard III is one of Shakespeare's most fascinating characters, and not just as a "villain", and he was also interesting as a historical figure. 'Richard III' may not be among my favourite Shakespeare plays, but it is so easy to seee why it is performed frequently and why it is so widely discussed.
Visually, 'Richard III' looks fabulous and of the productions seen of the play it is the best-looking. Like with the previous 'The Hollow Crown' productions, the never too flashy and sometimes intimate photography is equally striking, not quite as cinematic as the previous 'The Hollow Crown' productions but one still cannot believe that it is not a film instead of being made for television. The costumes, scenery and locations are the very meaning of lavish and quite evocative. Never do the production values come over as too chaotic or too restricted. The music has presence but never felt like it was over-scored.
Shakespeare's text is as ever intelligent, poetic and emotive, also that this is more complete than the 'Henry VI' productions means this is more coherent and jumps around much less, while this is yet another beautifully directed production of 'The Hollow Crown'. The direction is compelling and didn't get overly-busy or dull, neither did it feel emotionally cold and is opened up enough that it never becomes stagy or too much like a filmed play. There is a lot going on in the quite complex plot, without feeling rushed or over-complicated, meanwhile there was intimacy and breathing space without being static. The dark, bold tone of the 'Henry VI' productions is maintained here, but personally find it more tasteful here and that any brutality isn't taken too far.
All the performances are spot on, with the powerful and goosebump-inducing but never stock Richard of Benedict Cumberbatch standing out. He handles the physical side of the role very well too, it must have been very uncomfortable physically getting into the role (being a scoliosis sufferer who had back surgery eight years ago so know what it's like) but Cumberbatch doesn't look taxed at all. Have seen criticisms of Sophie Okonedo being out of place, personally don't think it really matters at all and interpretation wise she nails Margaret, she doesn't over play the ruthlessness and has touching moments. Ben Daniels shows a loyal yet conflicted side to Buckingham. Judi Dench is sincere in her role.
To conclude, brilliant way to finish a fine series. 10/10
Found this 'Richard III' to be superb, and despite having yet to see a bad production of 'Richard III' of the ones seen 'The Hollow Crown's' production is one of the best in my view. It is easily for me the best of the Season 2 "War of the Roses" productions, being the only one of the season to completely bowl me over (though there are a lot of great things with the 'Henry VI' productions, especially Part 2), and the best of 'The Hollow Crown' series since 'Henry IV Part 2'. Though that may not be a popular opinion and am not going to hold it against anybody who disagrees as long as they have nothing against me.
'Richard III' is one of Shakespeare best known historical plays along with 'Henry V' and the best known of the "War of the Roses" plays. Can see why, Richard III is one of Shakespeare's most fascinating characters, and not just as a "villain", and he was also interesting as a historical figure. 'Richard III' may not be among my favourite Shakespeare plays, but it is so easy to seee why it is performed frequently and why it is so widely discussed.
Visually, 'Richard III' looks fabulous and of the productions seen of the play it is the best-looking. Like with the previous 'The Hollow Crown' productions, the never too flashy and sometimes intimate photography is equally striking, not quite as cinematic as the previous 'The Hollow Crown' productions but one still cannot believe that it is not a film instead of being made for television. The costumes, scenery and locations are the very meaning of lavish and quite evocative. Never do the production values come over as too chaotic or too restricted. The music has presence but never felt like it was over-scored.
Shakespeare's text is as ever intelligent, poetic and emotive, also that this is more complete than the 'Henry VI' productions means this is more coherent and jumps around much less, while this is yet another beautifully directed production of 'The Hollow Crown'. The direction is compelling and didn't get overly-busy or dull, neither did it feel emotionally cold and is opened up enough that it never becomes stagy or too much like a filmed play. There is a lot going on in the quite complex plot, without feeling rushed or over-complicated, meanwhile there was intimacy and breathing space without being static. The dark, bold tone of the 'Henry VI' productions is maintained here, but personally find it more tasteful here and that any brutality isn't taken too far.
All the performances are spot on, with the powerful and goosebump-inducing but never stock Richard of Benedict Cumberbatch standing out. He handles the physical side of the role very well too, it must have been very uncomfortable physically getting into the role (being a scoliosis sufferer who had back surgery eight years ago so know what it's like) but Cumberbatch doesn't look taxed at all. Have seen criticisms of Sophie Okonedo being out of place, personally don't think it really matters at all and interpretation wise she nails Margaret, she doesn't over play the ruthlessness and has touching moments. Ben Daniels shows a loyal yet conflicted side to Buckingham. Judi Dench is sincere in her role.
To conclude, brilliant way to finish a fine series. 10/10
helpful•21
- TheLittleSongbird
- Aug 22, 2019
Details
- Runtime2 hours 9 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.78 : 1
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