Solemplex
To me, this movie is perfection.
Brightlyme
i know i wasted 90 mins of my life.
Smartorhypo
Highly Overrated But Still Good
PiraBit
if their story seems completely bonkers, almost like a feverish work of fiction, you ain't heard nothing yet.
jimel98
I saw this movie for the first time last night on Encore. I missed the first few minutes of it but got into it quickly. To start, the cast in VERY impressive and each one, as I saw it, lived up to my expectations of what they would accomplish.Is this movie fast paced and full of excitement? I would have to say no, but if you filmed a movie version of "Macbeth", would it have you on the edge of your seat? Probably not and you might have a difficult time understanding just what the hell they were actually saying. Fantastic story, but you have to take your time with it, it not exactly an action drama is it? Some may feel its slow paced and flat. I could not disagree more vehemently. I found it well paced and with a cast like this one, who wants to rush anything? No, it's not everyone's cup of tea and some may compare it unfairly to "Richard the Third" with Ian McKellen (which was phenomenal AND in the original dialogue) but they're two very different movies. I'll just leave off by saying, if you have ANY interest in Shakespeare, give this a shot, I don't think you'll be disappointed.
scribill
Checked this film out because of a positive review in the New York Times. Really captures the spirit of the Bard's play in a modern gangster setting. Doesn't romanticize the gangster life like other contemporary films in the genre. Doesn't pull any punches. Goes for the jugular instead, literally. Easy to see how top of the line actors like Stieger, Turturro, Boyle, Farina and Tucci were attracted to this low budget project. A daring experiment which shows how the themes and narratives of Shakespeare transcend time and place, Dark. Stylish. Intense. Very original adaptation with real flair. Would love to see it projected wide screen in a revival but will settle for the DVD release for the time being.
backstajbhs
This is an awesome adaptation of a great play. I am a big fan of Turturro's company of players - they work as a true ensemble. The settings, the use of Uncle Will's language - everything works for me. I was introduced to the film by my father, who was doing research for a stage production he was appearing in as the Porter. I was particularly taken by the way the plot and characters played into the New York gangster genre. I I have used this film from time time when studying the Scottish play with my students and find that it actually helps them understand the original a bit better - I suppose they related to the more contemporary setting.
manymilestraveled
This is definitely worth checking out if you enjoy the story of "Macbeth". The challenge of turning the characters into mobsters was met well. It was done creatively, and it follows all the main points without cheating. John Tuturro and Peter Boyle are good; everyone else is fine. If this was a completely original work, it would rate lower, but I think it is very good considering what they were trying to do, and that's why it is ultimately satisfying. The other comments posted by another viewer are undeservedly harsh. It's a bum wrap. Again, if you like "Macbeth", this is pretty cool. If you love iambic pentameter and period pieces, go rent Roman Polanski's version of "Macbeth", or something of Shakespeare's with Kenneth Brannagh.