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Othello (1995)
Released By: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment   Rating: R   In Theaters: N/A
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Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Genre: Drama
MPAA Rating: R
Director: N/A
Language: English
Official Website: N/A
Theatrical Release: N/A
Home Video Release: N/A
Cast: Laurence Fishburne, Irene Jacob, Oliver Parker
Published ID: 6260
UPC: 053939253023,
Plot: Actor Oliver Parker made his directorial debut with this adaptation of the tragic play by William Shakespeare that abridges the original text by half and ups the quotient of sex and violence. Laurence Fishburne stars as the Moorish general Othello, who returns a hero after crushing an invasion attempt by the Turkish army near Cyprus. Pledged to marry the lovely Desdemona (Irene Jacob), Othello ignores the advice of his intended's father, who tells him that she may have a deceptive nature. Othello's aide Iago (Kenneth Branagh), jealous over the elevation of his rival, Cassio (Nathaniel Parker, the director's real-life brother) to lieutenant, begins scheming to make Othello believe that Desdemona and Cassio are carrying on an affair. On the slimmest of evidence, Iago manages to manipulate Othello's suspicious, distrustful nature. Played previously in black face on film by actors Orson Welles and Laurence Olivier, Parker's production of Othello (1995) was the first major cinematic production to cast an African-American in the title role. ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide
IDDateTimeTitleReviewHelpfulVotesTotalVotes
Branaugh's Othello Rocks
Added 6/26/2009

Without losing the Elizabethean venacular, this version of Othello rocks. The actors have the Shakespearean language roll off their tongues as smoothly as if they were reciting "Old KIng Cole." Perfect for a high school classroom if you can get away with the R-rated fantasy scenes.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
English teacher gives this DVD a "D"
Added 5/22/2009

I had heard such good things about this production, but upon viewing the DVD I am left wondering why.

Yes, the sets and costumes look great, but if you are planning on showing this movie to your students after reading the play, be warned. It is pretty explicit. There is full frontal nudity and very suggestive sex scenes. I would not feel at all comfortable viewing this with a classroom of teenagers.

Besides the overt sexuality, I found fault with Branagh's rendition of Iago (which many reviewers here seemed to praise). There were too many asides for my liking. It was like watching an episode of "Moonlighting" (If any of you remember that TV show from the 80s) where the character is constantly speaking into the camera. Rather than letting the Audience gain insight into Iago's thoughts (which is what I believe Shakespeare intended in the soliloquies), Branagh's performance became grandstanding IMO ("Look at me. Aren't I clever.").

I know that good productions of "Othello" are rare. I was told that this version was the best one. Sad to say: if this is the best one, just stick to the book. Don't include this DVD for classroom enrichment.

2 out of 2 people found this helpful.
Great Service
Added 4/27/2009

Excellent film. My order was exactly what I asked for and it was delivered very fast. Thank you so much for your wonderful service.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
othello review by bp walker
Added 4/11/2009

Excellent performances made available to me. A better brochure or written introduction would have been helpful.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
dvd
Added 3/31/2009

Great movie if you appreciate Shakespeare. It is so fananating to watch. Great Shakespearean workmanship of actors. Thanks for quick and easy sales and delivery. A++++++++++
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
Branaugh's Othello Rocks
Added 6/26/2009

Without losing the Elizabethean venacular, this version of Othello rocks. The actors have the Shakespearean language roll off their tongues as smoothly as if they were reciting "Old KIng Cole." Perfect for a high school classroom if you can get away with the R-rated fantasy scenes.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
English teacher gives this DVD a "D"
Added 5/22/2009

I had heard such good things about this production, but upon viewing the DVD I am left wondering why.

Yes, the sets and costumes look great, but if you are planning on showing this movie to your students after reading the play, be warned. It is pretty explicit. There is full frontal nudity and very suggestive sex scenes. I would not feel at all comfortable viewing this with a classroom of teenagers.

Besides the overt sexuality, I found fault with Branagh's rendition of Iago (which many reviewers here seemed to praise). There were too many asides for my liking. It was like watching an episode of "Moonlighting" (If any of you remember that TV show from the 80s) where the character is constantly speaking into the camera. Rather than letting the Audience gain insight into Iago's thoughts (which is what I believe Shakespeare intended in the soliloquies), Branagh's performance became grandstanding IMO ("Look at me. Aren't I clever.").

I know that good productions of "Othello" are rare. I was told that this version was the best one. Sad to say: if this is the best one, just stick to the book. Don't include this DVD for classroom enrichment.

2 out of 2 people found this helpful.
Great Service
Added 4/27/2009

Excellent film. My order was exactly what I asked for and it was delivered very fast. Thank you so much for your wonderful service.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
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