Review of Becket (1964) by Ratnakar S — 24 Jan 2013

Becket is the reason I still have a love for classic cinema. The conflict between Church and State, the inner dilemma of friendship vs conscience, has been wonderfully captured. Thomas Beckett owes his position as Archbishop of Canterbury to his friend King Henry II's decision.

For Henry it was more or less a strategic movie to assert the power of the Throne over the entrenched clergy. It however goes against him, when Becket feels that loyalty to God is more important than to the State.

Watch it for the sharply contrasting and equally great performances by both the leads. Peter O Toole all fire,as the arrogant, impetuous, emotionally wrought Henry II, torn between his friendship and desire for power, while Richard Burton is the ice, with his steady,subtle portrayal of the Archbishop who has to turn against his friend.