Prospero's Books
Prospero's Books

Movie spotlight

Prospero's Books

1991
Movie
126 min
English

An exiled magician finds an opportunity for revenge against his enemies muted when his daughter and the son of his chief enemy fall in love in this uniquely structured retelling of the 'The Tempest'.

Insights

IMDb6.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes67%
Director: Peter GreenawayGenres: Drama, Fantasy

Plot Summary

Prospero, the Duke of Milan, is usurped by his brother Antonio and exiled to a remote island with his daughter Miranda. Over twelve years, Prospero, a powerful sorcerer, raises Miranda and uses his magic to manipulate events and people, eventually orchestrating a complex revenge plot upon his return to Milan.

Critical Reception

Prospero's Books was met with a mix of admiration and bewilderment. Critics praised its visual opulence, ambitious artistic vision, and Gielgud's performance, while some found its narrative dense and overly complex. It gained a cult following for its unique aesthetic and intellectual themes.

What Reviewers Say

  • Visually stunning and rich in symbolism.

  • An ambitious, if sometimes impenetrable, adaptation of Shakespeare.

  • John Gielgud's performance is a highlight.

Google audience: Audience reception data is not readily available.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the Palme d'Or at the 1991 Cannes Film Festival. Won the Golden Osella for technical achievement at Venice Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The film features over 500 nude performers to represent the island's spirits and inhabitants, a decision that sparked considerable discussion and controversy.

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