Cymbeline
Cymbeline

Movie spotlight

Cymbeline

2014
Movie
97 min
English

War erupts between dirty cops and outlaw bikers as a drug kingpin tries to protect his empire.

Insights

IMDb4.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes31%
Metacritic42/100
Google Users47%
Director: Michael AlmereydaGenres: Drama, Romance, Thriller

Plot Summary

In a modern New York City setting, the powerful King Cymbeline rules his empire and struggles with the fate of his daughter, Imogen. When she secretly marries the penniless Leonatus, Cymbeline banishes him and attempts to force her into marriage with the villainous Cloten. Deception, mistaken identity, and family feuds ensue as Imogen fights for her love and honor.

Critical Reception

Michael Almereyda's "Cymbeline" received a mixed to negative reception from critics, with many finding the modern adaptation of Shakespeare's play to be confusing and lacking a clear directorial vision. While some praised the performances of the cast, particularly Ethan Hawke and Milla Jovovich, the film was largely criticized for its disjointed narrative and uneven tone.

What Reviewers Say

  • The film's attempt to modernize Shakespeare's "Cymbeline" is ambitious but ultimately falls flat, resulting in a narrative that is often muddled.

  • Performances from the ensemble cast are a notable highlight, though they struggle to elevate the film beyond its script.

  • The visual style and modern setting fail to consistently connect with the source material, leading to a disjointed viewing experience.

Google audience: Google users generally found the film to be a disappointing adaptation, with many expressing confusion over the plot and a lack of engagement with the characters. While a few appreciated the unique take on the Shakespearean text, the majority felt the movie was poorly executed and failed to capture the essence of the original play.

Fun Fact

The film relocates the action from ancient Britain to a contemporary New York City, with King Cymbeline depicted as a powerful pharmaceutical CEO.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
tmdb15435519

tmdb15435519

First Coriolanus now this?! Stop. Just stop. There is a reason Shakespeare is excellent, but also centuries old. These type of films piss me off and are a great disservice to modern cinema. Almereyda and all involved should be ashamed.