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Trailer

National Theatre Live: King Lear

2018Movie3 h 47 min

Drama
81
GreatGoodWatch score
IMDb8.2

A deeply moving, relentlessly bleak drama movie about family and history, with standout performances and dialogue.

Good for friends night · thought-provoking · adults

Skip it if you need an uplifting mood · you want fast pacing · you want to half-watch while scrolling

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Not for warmth, comfort or laughs.

Movies with

Story

Considered by many to be the greatest tragedy ever written, King Lear sees two ageing fathers – one a King, one his courtier – reject the children who truly love them. Their blindness unleashes a tornado of pitiless ambition and treachery, as family and state are plunged into a violent power struggle with bitter ends.

Feels like

  • Shakespearean Tragedy
  • Tour-de-Force Performance
  • Power and Madness
  • Betrayal and Loss
  • Devastating Family Dynamics
  • Political Intrigue
  • Existential Despair
  • Epic Scope
  • Filmed Stage Production

Cast

12 of 12

Crew

Directed by
Ross MacGibbon, Jonathan Munby
Written by
William Shakespeare

Everyone

Pick a department, or search for a name or a job (“editor”, “stunt”).

Facts

September 27, 2018 · 3 h 47 min · Violence, Disturbing Imagery, Suicide Themes

Released
September 27, 2018
Runtime
3 h 47 min
Content
Violence, Disturbing Imagery, Suicide Themes
Genres
Drama
Original language
English
Made in
United Kingdom

Q&A

3 questions, like "Is National Theatre Live: King Lear worth watching?"

Questions about National Theatre Live: King Lear

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Is National Theatre Live: King Lear worth watching?

81
GreatGoodWatch score

Yes, it's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 81 (IMDb 8.2).

Will I feel good after watching National Theatre Live: King Lear?

BleakHopeful

Probably not: the title analysis rates it 10 of 10 for bleakness and 9 for melancholy, against 1 for hopefulness.

Can I half-watch National Theatre Live: King Lear?

Easy watchDemanding

No, it needs your attention: the title analysis rates it 9 of 10 for complexity and 8 for philosophical.