Watch BBC Shakespeare: The Tempest

BBC Shakespeare: The Tempest is a 1980 film adaptation of William Shakespeare's play The Tempest, directed by John Gorrie and starring Michael Hordern, Derek Godfrey, and David Waller. The movie tells the story of Prospero, a deposed Duke who lives on an island with his daughter Miranda and the spirit Ariel. The film takes the audience on a journey through the themes of power, revenge, and forgiveness.

The movie opens with the scene of the shipwreck that has brought Prospero's enemies to the island. These enemies include the King of Naples, his son Ferdinand, and Antonio, Prospero's treacherous brother. The main characters are introduced in this scene, where we are also given an opportunity to witness the power that Prospero possesses through his command over Ariel and the manipulation of the elements.

As the movie progresses, we see the unfolding of various subplots. Ferdinand falls in love with Miranda, and his father, the King of Naples, renounces his claim to the island. Antonio tries to oppress Caliban, the deformed native, and steal Prospero's power. The tension between the characters escalates, leading to conflicts and betrayals that culminate in a final showdown between good and evil.

The main actors deliver notable performances. Michael Hordern plays Prospero with a commanding presence, switching between his vengeful and compassionate sides effortlessly. Derek Godfrey portrays the brutish Antonio, making his character's contempt for his brother Prospero palpable. David Waller gives an engaging portrayal of Caliban, his mischievous personality not diminished by his deformed appearance. The rest of the cast also delivers solid performances, adding to the movie's overall effectiveness.

BBC Shakespeare: The Tempest is a visually stunning film, primarily due to the excellent work by the cinematographer, Paul Vombrack. The film's setting on an island offers a picturesque landscape with remarkable views of the sea and the surrounding vegetation. The set and costume designers have also done an excellent job of bringing Shakespeare's world to life.

The movie's score is also noteworthy, with the music by Stephen Oliver intertwining seamlessly with the actors' performances. The film uses music and sound effects to magnify the emotions of the characters, strengthening the movie's themes.

Overall, BBC Shakespeare: The Tempest is a standout interpretation of Shakespeare's play. Director John Gorrie has done an excellent job of conveying the themes of the text, making it both captivating and accessible for audiences. The movie combines the visual and the aural with strong direction, excellent acting, and a haunting score. The film remains one of the classics of Shakespearean adaptations, a tribute to one of the most significant playwrights in history.

BBC Shakespeare: The Tempest is a 1980 fantasy movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 3 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.