Watch King Lear

King Lear, a drama film released in 1999, is directed by Brian Blessed who also played the role of the King. The movie is based on William Shakespeare's play of the same name and revolves around the themes of family, power, and betrayal. The movie is set in a mythical kingdom where the aging King Lear decides to divide his kingdom among his three daughters, Goneril (Hildegard Neil), Regan (Victoria Scarborough), and Cordelia (Beth Cooke). The distribution of the kingdom is dependent on the extent of their love for their father, as he asks them to express their love in front of the court.

The two elder daughters, Goneril and Regan, express their love for their father in dramatic and elaborate ways, while Cordelia, the youngest and most loved daughter, simply says that she loves her father as a daughter should. Her honesty and lack of flattery anger the King, leading him to disinherit Cordelia, leaving her with nothing.

The movie goes on to depict Lear's descent into madness as he realizes too late the mistake he has made in favoring his other daughters over the one who genuinely loved him. Along the way, he is betrayed by those he believed to be loyal to him, including his own children.

The role of Lear is played remarkably by Blessed, who brings both vulnerability and strength to the character. He captures the King's madness and his eventual realization of his mistake with authenticity and depth. His delivery of some of the play's most famous lines, such as "I am a man more sinned against than sinning," is powerful and moving.

Neil and Scarborough also deliver stellar performances as Goneril and Regan, respectively. They embody the ruthless and conniving nature of their characters, making it clear that they will stop at nothing to gain power and control over their father's kingdom.

Riddington, who plays the King of France and Cordelia's love interest, brings a freshness and sincerity to his role, providing a refreshing contrast to the moral decay and corruption of Lear's court.

The movie's set design and cinematography are also commendable. The mythical kingdom is brought to life through stunning landscapes and majestic castle settings, providing a backdrop to the characters' power struggles and betrayals.

Throughout the movie, the themes of family, power, and betrayal are deftly woven together, providing a thought-provoking commentary on human nature and the consequences of our actions. The movie's climax is both tragic and heart-wrenching, leaving audiences with a sense of the fragility of power and the cost of our decisions.

In conclusion, King Lear from 1999 is a well-crafted and powerful movie adaptation of William Shakespeare's play. The performances, set design, and themes make it a must-watch for those who enjoy dramas and Shakespearean plays.

King Lear is a 1999 drama with a runtime of 3 hours and 21 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.