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Coriolanus is on iPlayer now (Image: Publicity Picture)
This war film has been labelled as “haunting’ and marks a British acting legend’s first time behind the camera as a director.
Award winning British actor Ralph Fiennes bravely chose to make his directorial debut with an adaptation of none other than William Shakespeare’s tragedy, Coriolanus.
As if that wasn’t enough of a challenge, he also stars in the lead role of the 2011 film as the arrogant and fearsome general who finds himself at odds with his people.
Supported by a stellar cast including Gerard Butler, Vanessa Redgrave, Brian Cox and Jessica Chastain the intense take on the Bard’s work received widespread critical praise.Fans believe it proves the relevance of the timeless story in modern times, calling it ” and signifies the directorial debut of a British acting legend.
Acclaimed British actor Ralph Fiennes boldly decided to make his first foray into directing with an adaptation of William Shakespeare’s tragedy, Coriolanus.
It was directed by, and stars, Ralph Fiennes (Image: Publicity Picture)
Not content with just directing, he also takes on the lead role in the 2011 film as the haughty and formidable general who finds himself at odds with his own people.
Backed by a star-studded cast including Gerard Butler, Vanessa Redgrave, Brian Cox and Jessica Chastain, this intense interpretation of Shakespeare’s work garnered widespread critical acclaim.
Fans have hailed it as “daring” and “powerful”, asserting that it demonstrates the enduring relevance of the timeless tale in contemporary times, with its themes of class, betrayal and power. It is currently available for streaming on BBC iPlayer, reports the Mirror.
It’s streaming on iPlayer now (Image: undefined)
The film was shot in Serbia and Montenegro and is set in a modern, war-ravaged, Balkan-esque location that refers to itself as Rome. The story centres around the formidable soldier Coriolanus (Fiennes) who, despite being a war hero, despises the poor and makes no effort to conceal his disdain for them.
Urged on by his ambitious mother Volumnia (Redgrave), he ventures into politics but his fury towards the starving populace results in his banishment due to his views and arrogance. He then allies with his sworn enemy Tullus Aufidius (Butler) and they march on the city, plotting to obliterate Rome.
Upon its release, the film garnered widespread critical acclaim for its timely political themes, modern setting and compelling performances.
The Guardian wrote: “At once visceral and intelligent, this beautifully acted, vividly staged film brings a powerful, challenging honesty to bear on class, political life and the demands we make on our leaders. It reaches out in many different directions, and in ways that Shakespeare could never have foreseen.”
It secured a nomination for a Golden Berlin Bear award and Fiennes earned a BAFTA nomination for his first directorial effort. Nevertheless, it struggled to achieve commercial success at the box office.
That hasn’t prevented enthusiasts from expressing their admiration for the film though. On Rotten Tomatoes, where it boasts an impressive 92% approval rating, one viewer said: “Fantastic film and such a great way to show the relevance and modernity of a story 2500 years old and written 400 years ago. The dialogue is haunting and powerful. Would absolutely recommend this!”.
Volumnia (Vanessa Redgrave) & Young Martius (Image: Publicity Picture)
Another simply added: “A unique and daring movie,” whilst a third cinema recommended it for an excellent evening’s viewing. “For those who take elemental pleasure from hearing Shakespeare’s beautiful verse delivered this well, your evening will be well spent, and as a piece of drama, Coriolanus still packs a punch,” they wrote.
Coriolanus is currently streaming on BBC iPlayer.
