Is King Lear Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1975)

📖 The Core Premise

King Lear returns to the screen in 1975, bringing a fresh narrative to the Drama genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "King Lear, old and tired, divides his kingdom among his daughters, giving great importance to their protestations of love for him. When Cordelia, youngest and most honest, refuses to idly flatter the old man in return for favor, he banishes her and turns for support to his remaining daughters. But Goneril and Regan have no love for him and instead plot to take all his power from him. In a parallel, Lear's loyal courtier Gloucester favors his illegitimate son Edmund after being told lies about his faithful son Edgar. Madness and tragedy befall both ill-starred fathers."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Unfortunately, Michael Hordern feels underutilized in a role that lacks depth. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Drama. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is King Lear worth your time? If you appreciate Drama films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, King Lear misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 120 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.