Watch Measure for Measure

Measure for Measure is a modern adaptation of William Shakespeare's play of the same name that takes place in Melbourne, Australia. The movie was directed by Paul Ireland and stars Hugo Weaving as the ruthless Duke, Harrison Gilbertson as the naive Claudio, and Fayssal Bazzi as the determined Angelo. The story follows Claudio, a young man who has just impregnated his girlfriend, Juliet, out of wedlock, which was considered a crime in the society he lives in. Angelo, the deputy of the Duke, enforces the law and arrests Claudio, sentencing him to death. Claudio's sister, Isabella, who is about to enter a convent, pleads for her brother's life, but Angelo demands a terrible price for mercy; Isabella must sleep with him.

The movie explores themes such as power, corruption, and morality, as the characters navigate their way through an unfair, corrupt system. Weaving's Duke character is particularly intriguing as he seems to have a hidden, more empathetic side that clashes with his authoritative persona. Gilbertson's Claudio is naive, loving, and terrified, making him a sympathetic character that the audience can root for. Bazzi's Angelo, on the other hand, is a complex character with internal conflicts between his ambition and his sense of justice.

The performances in the movie are top-notch, with Weaving and Bazzi delivering particularly unforgettable ones. Weaving's Duke is a commanding presence, with his deep and authoritative voice and his sharp features that convey both power and mystery. Bazzi's Angelo is a fascinating character to watch, as he struggles to reconcile his moral principles with the corrupt system he works in, ultimately leading him down a dark and destructive path.

The movie's setting in Melbourne adds a modern, urban twist to the play's themes, with the city's diverse neighborhoods and multicultural society serving as a backdrop for the different characters' struggles.

The movie's pacing is a bit slow, with some scenes dragging on longer than necessary, and the use of abstract visual sequences and dreamlike imagery may not appeal to all viewers. However, the movie's exploration of the human condition and the timeless themes of Shakespeare's play make it a must-watch for fans of classic literature and thought-provoking cinema.

Overall, Measure for Measure is a well-done adaptation of Shakespeare's play that manages to remain faithful to the original while adding a contemporary flair to the storytelling. The performances, especially those of Weaving and Bazzi, are outstanding, and the movie's exploration of complex themes such as power, morality, and corruption is both timely and relevant. While the movie's pacing may be slow for some viewers, it's still an excellent example of cinema that challenges its audience to think and feel deeply.

Measure for Measure is a 2020 drama. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6 and a MetaScore of 46.