King Lear Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Movie Overview: King Lear
| Movie | King Lear |
| Release Year | 1982 |
| Director | Jonathan Miller |
| Genre | Drama |
| Runtime | 185 minutes (3h 5m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is King Lear (1982) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.5/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in King Lear are led by Michael Hordern . The supporting cast, including Brenda Blethyn and Gillian Barge , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
King Lear stands out as a strong entry in the Drama genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Drama narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, King Lear has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Drama fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: King Lear
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1982, King Lear is a Drama film directed by Jonathan Miller. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Michael Hordern as King Lear.
Ending Explained: King Lear
King Lear Ending Explained: Directed by Jonathan Miller, King Lear wraps up the main storyline while leaving some interpretation to viewers. The ending highlights the core drama themes developed throughout the film.
The emotional resolution focuses on the transformation of its main characters, particularly in scenes involving Michael Hordern. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
- Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the drama themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of King Lear reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch King Lear?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Michael Hordern or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Be prepared for a long sit at 3h 5m.
Where to Watch King Lear Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Britbox Apple TV Channel King Lear Parents Guide & Age Rating
1982 AdvisoryWondering about King Lear age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of King Lear (1982) is 185 minutes (3h 5m). Directed by Jonathan Miller, the film runs for 185 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.5/10, and global performance metrics, King Lear is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1982 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is King Lear worth watching?
King Lear is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.5/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find King Lear parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for King Lear identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of King Lear (1982)?
The runtime of King Lear (1982) is 185 minutes (approximately 3h 5m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
