The Lion in Winter

Starring: Peter O'Toole, Katherine Hepburn, Anthony Hopkins, John Castle, Nigel Terry, Timothy Dalton, Jane Merrow
Directed by: Anthony Harvey
Rating: PG
Genre: Drama
1968

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: Henry II's (Peter O'Toole) three sons all want to inherit the throne, but he refuses to name his heir.

Review:

Tim: I wasn't prepared for how much I loved The Lion in Winter. This is a great movie. I really mean that- a great movie. I've seen so many movies, but there's still something so special when you come across a movie like this. It's expertly directed, amazingly acted, and is just a joy to watch. I had so much fun with this film and loved the viewing experience. This is one of those films where everything clicks- it just works.

I have to start with the cast, because they are stunningly good. Peter O'Toole just chews scenery the entire film. It's a remarkable, larger-than-life performance. He absolutely crushes this role. Every moment, every look, every word uttered is spectacular. He certainly deserved to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor. I actually think he was better than Cliff Robertson in Charly- I wish O'Toole had won. His costar, Katherine Hepburn, did hit Oscar gold, picking up the award for Best Actress (although she shockingly tied with Barbara Streisand, so we had two winners). Impressively, this was Hepburn's third Best Actress Oscar (that is crazy)- no one had ever done that before. Hepburn is really great in this film. She interacts so well with each cast member, changing her approach depending on whom she is speaking with. Like O'Toole, Hepburn gives this big, memorable performance. It really is something to behold. Watching her, I just continually thought to myself- she is truly a great actress. You don't often see such raw talent just right in front of you.

It's amazing to me that Anthony Hopkins (whom I consider one of the best actors of all time) actually gives the third best performance of the film (I doubt that's ever happened in any other film of his). Hopkins is really good and has some great moments, but he's totally overshadowed by O'Toole and Hepburn. He makes the film better, but only marginally so. Timothy Dalton was fine, he gives a serviceable performance. John Castle was a bit wooden for my taste. I really didn't care for Nigel Terry- he felt too over-the-top and not nearly believable enough. He was one of the weakest aspects of the film.

The story is so interesting- you have this dysfunctional family in the height of their power and the story is this back-and-forth, spinning, turning affair of big speeches, double crosses and betrayals, lies, and love. It felt like we were watching a family that certainly had some care for each other, but had undergone such turmoil that those feelings were buried beneath a mile of bitterness. It was incredibly entertaining to watch. While the story took some liberties with the actual, historical events, I was okay with that. This isn't presented as a fact-based history, it's a piece of entertainment (and it's so entertaining).

In addition to the Best Actress win, the film also won Best Adapted Screenplay (which was incredibly deserving) and Best Original Score. It was nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, the aforementioned Best Actor, and Best Costume Design. It could have easily won any of those- it should have won Best Actor and I'd happily argue this film is far superior to Oliver! and could have bested it for Best Picture. Any way you look at it, this is a great movie. I'm surprised you don't hear more about this film. It's not often on any "Best Films" list, although I'd consider it a classic.

I had so much fun watching the exceptionally well made The Lion in Winter. It's a big, memorable film and one that deserves to be seen.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 8


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