Movie spotlight
Troilus & Cressida
The bitter Trojan War drags on - the Greeks blame Achilles' apathy for low morale, while Troy's hero Hector challenges one of the enemy to a personal duel. And after her father exchanges Cressida for a Trojan prisoner, the war becomes personal for her distraught lover Troilus.
Insights
Plot Summary
This BBC Shakespeare production brings Homer's epic tale of love and war to the screen. Set against the backdrop of the Trojan War, it follows the ill-fated romance between the young Trojan prince Troilus and the beautiful Cressida. Their love is tested by the brutal realities of the protracted conflict and the shifting loyalties of the Greek and Trojan leaders.
Critical Reception
As a BBC Shakespeare production, 'Troilus & Cressida' was primarily aimed at a scholarly and theatrical audience. Reviews at the time often focused on the fidelity to the text and the directorial choices in staging the complex and often cynical play. Its reception was generally positive within its niche, appreciated for its serious dramatic interpretation.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its faithful adaptation of Shakespeare's text.
Noted for strong performances in a challenging play.
Recognized for its serious dramatic interpretation of the themes.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this specific 1981 production is not readily available.
Fun Fact
This production was part of the ambitious BBC Television Shakespeare series, which aimed to film all of Shakespeare's plays over a decade.
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