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Othello (1995)
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Reviews Counted: 40
Fresh: 27
Rotten:13
Average Rating: 6.1/10
Consensus: Perhaps less than the sum of its parts, Othello is still highly entertaining, and features excellent performances from Laurence Fishburne and Kenneth Branagh.
Runtime: 2 hrs 5 mins
Genre: Dramas
Synopsis: An intense adaptation of Shakespeare's classic tragedy about the Moorish general who "loved not wisely, but too well" -- and so is duped by his evil aide into thinking that his wife has been... An intense adaptation of Shakespeare's classic tragedy about the Moorish general who "loved not wisely, but too well" -- and so is duped by his evil aide into thinking that his wife has been unfaithful. As war between Venetians and the Turks rages in the 16th century, Othello weds the beautiful Desdemona and promotes Cassio over his longtime assistant, Iago. Othello prepares to celebrate his marriage, but Iago -- furious over Othello's snub -- has dastardly plans in store for his employer. Iago begins to poison Othello's mind against Desdemona, claiming that she's having an affair with Cassio; he even manages to produce "proof" of the infidelity. It doesn't take long for the jealous general to start believing Iago's allegations, and he winds up on the path of destruction. [More]
Starring: Laurence Fishburne, Kenneth Branagh, Irčne Jacob, Nathaniel Parker
Starring: Laurence Fishburne, Kenneth Branagh, Irčne Jacob, Nathaniel Parker, Michael Maloney
Director: Oliver Parker
Director: Oliver Parker
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Reviews for Othello
Laurence Fishburne is an actor of no little talent, but he lacks Othello's martial bearing and heroic stature.
Branagh, as Iago, is so obviously the best thing in this largely uninteresting interpretation that you feel sorry for him when he inevitably bites the big one.
A decent but not great version that makes Shakespeare's reliable play accessible, but the acting is uneven: Branagh is witty as Iago, Fishburne looks but doesn't sound right, and Jacob is pale as Desdemona.
An entertaining, respectful adaptation that plays like an erotic thriller with Elizabethan language.
Fishburne gives an amazingly chilling turn; when his Othello receives the Bad News about his lady love, Fishburne positively radiates homicide.
Mr. Branagh's superb performance...guarantees this film an immediacy that any audience will understand.
Every character is balanced by another similar or contrasting one, yet Parker does little to help the viewer make these associations.
Recommended only to those who haven't yet seen enough Shakespeare on film.
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