Review of The Lion in Winter (1968) by Andy S — 01 Jan 2018

Beautifully medieval and atmospheric. I can see where Kubrick might have gotten inspiration for his zoom in's and zoom out's that he used in Barry Lyndon even though these are two completely different time periods.

The landscape shots are beautiful. I can see some blue and red reference with the jousting scene. And it's kind of uneasy to see how Geoffrey finds pleasure in killing people. The family dynamics in this movie are so uncommon. But then again, this is medieval movie and we are talking about kings and queens.

Katherine Hepburn plays such a great part in this movie. I find her witty and clever dialogue very charming but ruthless at the same time. It's such an interesting movie because each character is vindictive or cruel or conniving, but you sort of care about what happens to them. At least I do. And how everyone is plotting against whomever for their own benefit.

This movie has some of the most phenomenal acting I've ever seen. Especially the dialogue between Eleanor and Henry. You can see they absolutely despise each other but it's with love. It's a very odd relationship which makes for an intriguing watch. Katherine Hepburn's speech about the origins of war really got to me. She states that it's people like them, "the elites" or "the people in charge", are the ones responsible for war, violence, and the many deaths of people.

The way some of the scenes in this movie unfold, you would swear that there just begging to be put into a theater play. There are so many good lines in this movie, it's ridiculous. A lot of great one-liners as well. What a twisted and unhealthy relationship between the family especially Henry and Eleanor.

Overall, fantastic movie with some of the best dialogue I've ever heard in a movie. Tension so stout, you could cut it with a knife. Some of the best acting as well with a story line not even Shakespeare could dream of. Deception and guilt lies around every corner. This is a movie I will be revisiting again.