Richard III (1995)
Ian McKellen's chilling, career-defining turn as Shakespeare's most cunning villain, reimagined as a 1930s fascist tyrant.
Richard III - Movie Information
- Original Title: Richard III
- Release Year: 1995
- Directed by: Richard Loncraine
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, War
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 44m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 29, 1995 (United States - R), February 12, 1996 (United Kingdom - 15), April 18, 1996 (Italy), November 9, 1996 (South Korea - 18)
- Alternative Titles: III. Richard (HU), Riccardo III (IT)
- Production Companies: Mayfair Entertainment International, British Screen, United Artists, First Look Pictures, Bayly/Paré Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Richard III - Plot
A murderous lust for the British throne sees Richard III descend into madness. Though the setting is transposed to the 1930s, England is torn by civil war, split between the rivaling houses of York and Lancaster. Richard aspires to a fascist dictatorship, but must first remove the obstacles to his ascension—among them his brother, his nephews and his brother’s wife. When the Duke of Buckingham deserts him, Richard’s plans are compromised.
Richard III - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see McKellen’s magnetic villainy in full force:
I can smile, and murder while I smile
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Richard III - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Richard Loncraine
Main Cast
- Ian McKellen
- Annette Bening
- Jim Broadbent
- Robert Downey Jr.
- Kristin Scott Thomas
- Adrian Dunbar
- Maggie Smith
- Tim McInnerny
- Edward Hardwicke
- Nigel Hawthorne
Writers
- Ian McKellen
- Richard Loncraine
Producers
- Stephen Bayly
- Lisa Katselas
Richard III - FAQs
Who plays Richard III in the 1995 film?
Ian McKellen delivers a mesmerizing performance as Richard III, a role he also played on stage and helped adapt for the screen. His portrayal of the scheming, charismatic tyrant is widely regarded as one of the finest Shakespearean performances ever committed to film.
What is Richard III (1995) about?
Set in a fictional 1930s England gripped by civil war, the film follows the ruthlessly ambitious Richard III as he manipulates, seduces, and murders his way to the throne. Director Richard Loncraine reimagines Shakespeare’s villain as a fascist dictator, drawing chilling parallels to the rise of real-world authoritarian regimes.
Why is Richard III set in the 1930s?
Screenwriters Ian McKellen and Richard Loncraine deliberately transplanted Shakespeare’s play to a 1930s fascist milieu to make Richard’s hunger for absolute power feel viscerally modern. The setting draws unmistakable parallels to the rise of Hitler and Mussolini, giving the story a sharp political edge that resonates far beyond the medieval original.
Is Richard III (1995) based on a true story?
It’s based on Shakespeare’s play, which is itself loosely inspired by the historical King Richard III of England. The film takes considerable creative liberties, transposing events to a 1930s fascist setting. The real Richard III remains a contested historical figure — far more complex than Shakespeare’s theatrical villain suggests.
Where can you stream Richard III (1995)?
You can stream Richard III on fuboTV, MGM+, Philo, The Roku Channel, Tubi TV, and Hoopla at no extra cost. It’s also available to rent or buy on Fandango At Home. Availability may vary by region, so check JustWatch for the most up-to-date options near you.
What is the age rating for Richard III (1995)?
Richard III carries an R rating in the United States, reflecting its scenes of violence, political brutality, and mature dramatic content. In the United Kingdom it was rated 15. It’s best suited for older teens and adults who can appreciate both its Shakespearean language and its dark, unsettling themes.
How long is Richard III (1995)?
The film runs for 1 hour and 44 minutes (104 minutes). It moves at a brisk, confident pace for a Shakespeare adaptation, keeping the political intrigue and character drama tightly focused without sacrificing the richness of the source material.
How was Richard III (1995) received by critics?
Critics embraced the film warmly, praising Ian McKellen’s electrifying central performance and the bold 1930s fascist reimagining of Shakespeare’s text. Reviewers highlighted Peter Biziou’s striking cinematography and the film’s wit and visual invention. It holds a strong reputation as one of the most inventive Shakespeare adaptations of the 1990s.
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