

Coriolanus
Staged at the Stratford Festival and named on many 2018 year-end critics “best of” lists, the Stratford Festival’s “riveting” and “exhilarating” (The New York Times) production of Shakespeare’s Coriolanus, has been called “the show of the decade… a landmark production for the Stratford Festival. Maybe for William Shakespeare, too” (The Globe and Mail), and “the greatest contemporary staging of this play that I have ever seen” (Chicago Tribune).
Insights
Plot Summary
In a modern, war-torn Rome, the celebrated general Caius Martius Coriolanus is despised by the common people he protects. His pride and disdain for the populace lead to his banishment, prompting him to ally with his former enemy, Tullus Aufidius, to seek revenge against the city that scorned him. The film follows his tragic downfall as his personal ambition clashes with political necessity and familial duty.
Critical Reception
Coriolanus received widespread critical acclaim, particularly for Ralph Fiennes's intense performance and directorial debut, as well as its timely and visceral portrayal of political and social unrest. Critics lauded its modernization of Shakespeare's tragedy and its powerful exploration of themes like honor, rage, and the corrupting nature of power.
What Reviewers Say
- Ralph Fiennes delivers a tour-de-force performance as the titular Roman general.
- The film's gritty, modern setting effectively amplifies the timeless themes of Shakespeare's play.
- Visually striking and emotionally resonant, it's a powerful adaptation of a classic tragedy.
Google audience: Audiences praised the film for its intense performances, particularly from Ralph Fiennes, and its compelling modernization of Shakespeare. Many found the film to be a gripping and thought-provoking experience, highlighting its raw emotion and directorial vision.
Awards & Accolades
Nominated for Outstanding Debut by a British Director at the British Independent Film Awards.
Fun Fact
The film was shot on location in Belgrade, Serbia, which was used to double for a war-torn Rome.
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