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Richard III

Play trailer Poster for Richard III R 1995 1h 45m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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96% Tomatometer 53 Reviews 85% Popcornmeter 5,000+ Ratings
A murderous lust for the British throne sees Richard III (Ian McKellen) descend into madness. Though the setting is transposed to the 1930s, England is torn by civil war, split between the rivaling houses of York and Lancaster. Richard aspires to a fascist dictatorship, but must first remove the obstacles to his ascension -- among them his brother, his nephews and his brother's wife (Annette Bening). When the Duke of Buckingham (Jim Broadbent) deserts him, Richard's plans are compromised.
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Richard III

Richard III

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Critics Consensus

This re-imagining of Shakespeare's Crookback King relocates the story in 1930 and features an indelible star turn for Ian McKellen as the monstrous and magnetic King Richard.

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Critics Reviews

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Tom Huddleston Time Out Apr 26, 2016
5/5
Rarely has a film used London's landmarks so cannily. Go to Full Review Kate Muir The Times (UK) Apr 21, 2016
4/5
An outrageous, wickedly funny, 1930s fascist version of the Shakespeare play starring Ian McKellen as Richard of Gloucester. Go to Full Review Peter Bradshaw Guardian Apr 21, 2016
4/5
The "fascist" staging could have been hackneyed, but Loncraine carries it off superbly as the showcase for action-thriller noir. Go to Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy Mar 12, 2026
3.5/4
A bold revision, and one that works quite well. Go to Full Review Kat Halstead Common Sense Media Sep 25, 2024
Packed full of impressive names and receiving plenty of awards nods, this cleverly adapted Shakespeare classic makes a strong impact from start to finish. Go to Full Review Farah Cheded A Good Movie To Watch Nov 25, 2023
An inspired Shakespeare update with a terrifying Ian McKellen performance at its center, this is a masterpiece of its own. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Spike D @Spike93 Oct 13, 2025 Sensational. I think Shakespeare would have loved it. See more Clinton R @CWRoss48 Sep 21, 2025 Shakespeare clearly understood without any need for a guide, footnote or what-the-hell. Olivier's and Brannaugh's word-perfect-yet-dry renditions are many levels below McKellen's tour-de-force. Excellent in every regard! See more Stephen C @bob25009 May 15, 2025 1.75 hours of royal drama. See more Rami A @Bunt101 Apr 20, 2025 Only a few Shakespeare plays can be modernized. This transformation can work only if executed correctly, and I'm pleased to say that this adaptation of the play is well done. Unlike the original, this version is set in the 1930s, which may seem unusual, but the filmmakers and Ian McKellen made it work. The performances are strong, the use of the Shakespeare script is surprisingly faithful, and the pacing is excellent. See more Jelisije J @jjosifovic Sep 17, 2024 One of the few great Shakespearean plays adapted to modern times that is held up by a great cast and with always the great Ian McKellen. See more Shioka O @RT54204327 Feb 6, 2023 Stars for Ian McKellen, powerful performance as you expect. Otherwise I wonder if this modern adaptation worked because the original is perfection. The poster is misleading, Robert Downey Jr dies in the early phase as the role suggests. The use of setting is fascinating, the battle on the Battersea power plant! See more Read all reviews
Richard III

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Cast & Crew

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Richard Loncraine

Director

Ian McKellen

Richard III

Annette Bening

Queen Elizabeth

Jim Broadbent

Duke of Buckingham

Robert Downey Jr.

Lord Rivers

Nigel Hawthorne

George

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Richard III

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Movie Info

Synopsis A murderous lust for the British throne sees Richard III (Ian McKellen) descend into madness. Though the setting is transposed to the 1930s, England is torn by civil war, split between the rivaling houses of York and Lancaster. Richard aspires to a fascist dictatorship, but must first remove the obstacles to his ascension -- among them his brother, his nephews and his brother's wife (Annette Bening). When the Duke of Buckingham (Jim Broadbent) deserts him, Richard's plans are compromised.
Director
Richard Loncraine
Producer
Lisa Katselas Paré, Stephen Bayly
Distributor
United Artists
Production Co
United Artists, Mayfair Entertainment International, British Screen Productions
Rating
R
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Dec 29, 1995, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Oct 1, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$2.4M
Runtime
1h 45m
Sound Mix
Dolby Stereo, DTS, Stereo, Surround, Dolby Digital, Dolby SR
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)
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