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The classic legend of honor and betrayal has been astonishingly re-imagined in this exhilarating action thriller that wields a profound relevance for today. Caius Martius 'Coriolanus' (star and director Ralph Fiennes) is a feared and revered Roman General, suddenly pitted against his own city and fellow citizens. Rebelling against the power-hungry designs of his manipulative mother (Vanessa Redgrave) and rejected by his own people, Coriolanus incites a riot that expels him from Rome. The banished hero joins forces with his sworn enemy Tullus Aufidius (Gerard Butler) to exact his revenge -- and determine his destiny.
Actor/Director, Ralph Fiennes brings William Shakespeare's Coriolanus to the screen in a modern setting. Fiennes plays battle-scarred General Caius Martius, who joins forces with his sworn enemy Aufidius (Gerard Butler) as he finds himself at odds with the very city he was once sworn to protect of which he has now become a pariah. I can tell you now this is not going to be for everyone because some people love anything Shakespeare and some just do not get it. Fiennes takes the Shakespeare story which to my knowledge has never been done before on film and he has created a theatrical production of the original play. The modern day setting is sure to create some extra interest in the film but it just goes to show how timeless and universal the original story actually is.
As far as the production goes everything is top-notch and the acting is amazing. Fiennes and Butler are fantastic as always but I can't leave out Brian Cox and Vanessa Redgrave who both give terrific performances as well. Like I said before this is going to be a tough sell for a lot of people simply because of the Shakespearean dialogue but if you ever had to read Shakespearean in high school or college then I highly recommend checking this out. Fiennes has taken a story from the greatest writer who has ever lived and by giving it an update into modern times he has provided it with more excitement and a bit more commercial appeal. For what it is this is a terrific film and worth checking out even if you're not a fan of dialogue.
Available of DVD and Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack both come with Special Features that include:
The Making of Coriolanus
Feature Commentary by Director/Actor Ralph Fiennes
You can order them HERE.
Released by Anchor Bay Entertainment
**** Out Of *****