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King Lear

1970·Movie
2h 17min·PG-13
68
GoodGoodWatch score

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Masterful craft, high energy, light on feelings.

Energy

Nerve-racking and violent

Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.

  • Tension9
  • Violence7
  • Scare5

Heart

Deeply moving and profoundly sad

Much of it is about family.

  • Pathos10
  • Family Dynamics10
  • Melancholy9

Humor

Plenty of sharp wit

  • Wit & Wordplay8
  • Satire & Parody4
  • Cringe Humor3

World

Family, politics, and the mind

Lived-in and easy to get lost in.

  • Dialogue Centrality10
  • World Immersion8
  • Rewatchability7

Craft

Standout performances, dialogue, and characters

Layered plot that rewards full attention.

  • Acting10
  • Dialogue Quality10
  • Character Depth10

Style

Standout cinematography and editing

  • Cinematography8
  • Editing8
  • Visual Stylization7

Who it's for

AdultsSolo WatchThought-Provoking

Skip it if

You need an uplifting moodYou want fast pacingYou want to half-watch while scrollingGraphic violence bothers you

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About

King Lear is a proud man who solicits praise from his three daughters in return for inheritance of the kingdom. Daughters Goneril and Regan profess their affection vehemently. Cordelia, who does not respect the process her father has chosen, does not humor him. Lear's perceived rejection from Cordelia leads to her banishment, thus splitting the kingdom between the other two. This hasty decision becomes his fatal error.
Shakespearean TragedyPsychological DescentFamily BetrayalPolitical Power StruggleExistential DreadMasterpiece PerformanceBleak & DevastatingPoetic DialogueMental InstabilityHistorical Drama

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about King Lear

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream King Lear legally?

You can watch it free with ads on Tubi TV. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is King Lear worth watching?

68
GoodGoodWatch score

Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 69/100 (IMDb 7.2). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is King Lear rated?

PG-13ViolenceDisturbing imagerySuicide themesStrong language

It's rated PG-13 in the United States. Content advisories: violence, disturbing imagery, suicide themes, and strong language.

How long is King Lear?

2 h 17 min

King Lear runs 2 h 17 min.

What language is King Lear in?

English

It was made in English. Produced in Denmark, United Kingdom.

In how many countries can I watch King Lear?

4GBGGIEUS

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for King Lear in 4 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.