Othello

it is almost a spell. of a meet after a long time. because the performance of Laurence Fishburne is amazing. the result - scene by scene he becomes Othello in a manner who escapes from a simple role. and Kenneth Branagh - yes, he gives to Iago the right word and though and intention and gesture. because this is the best good point of film - to recreate a world in each of its details. maybe, it is not the best Othello version. but it is one of the most honest. and realistic. you feel the Moor. each of his states. each traits of his jealousy and fury and doubts. maybe, it is the memorable role of Laurence Fishburne career.

I am a very big fan of Shakespeare - being an actor it almost comes with the territory, but i am not a fan of Shakespeare being cut - It should be performed as it was written. But this version by Oliver Parker seems to pull it off.

Being a touch put off by the fact that he had cast Laurence Fishburne as the moor, I watched it for the mere fact that Brannagh was playing Iago. Brannagh is the man who knows when it comes to the Bard, and being a slightly different part to play for him (and he wasn't directing it) it seemed very interesting. And he pulled off the character wonderfully.

He managed to play Iago with just enough flourish without making everything obvious. If I didn't already know the story I may have though he was telling the truth half of the time.

Fishburne himself actually gives in a good if somewhat restrained performance and Irene Jacob as Desdemona is convincing, but it is the boy from Belfast, Brannagh, who steals the show.

There are many excellent minor performances in the movie also, Michael Maloney as Rodrigo and Anna Patrick as Emilia to name but two.

Parker's direction of the piece is also very good, especially visually, the love scenes with the black/white skin are a bit obvious, but still a nice touch.

The bottom line for me, would be if you enjoy Shakespeare and Othello isn't on at your local Theatre - rent the video, or go to the cinema to see this version - you won't be disappointed. If you don't enjoy Shakespeare - watch it and be converted.

I've always enjoyed Kenneth Branagh's versions of the Shakespeare classics, as he always does a very good job, but in this movie, the one who lifts the whole movie, is none other than "the-always-great-actor" Laurence Fishburne. Surely he has made some poor choices in films, even though he's a wonderful actor, but in this one we're truly given the real Othello: the passion, the intensity of jealousy as it grows stronger alongside with Fishburne's well portrayed paranoia and, furthermore, we're finally given a black Othello!

I don't think they could have chosen a better Othello. Who else could have given him that blend of sympathy/antipathy, love/hatred and, not to forget, those fiery eyes...? Branagh is good as always, but not at his peak, Iréne Jacob's Desdemona is fairly good but a bit bleak, whilst Laurence Fishburne truly lifts it and makes it a very interesting and enjoyable movie. Do watch it.

Price's 1995 version of Shakespeare's 'Othello' keeps the viewer's interest while staying true to the story. Although shortened and slightly modified, the action never stops, so that even restless audiences will enjoy and appreciate the genius that is Shakespeare. Desdemona is played to near perfection, and the actress portraying Emilia really appears to understand the different shades of such a deep character. When my acting 11/12 class viewed the film, we were so involved that one girl actually screamed at the screen. It was an enjoyable, tragic, comedic two hours that I would definitely watch again.

While maintaining the location and time period of the original play, this film gives us a much clearer insight into Othello as a character and as a story than many of the supposedly more important versions. The dialogue is trimmed to what is essential, the settings are atmospheric, and the cast is great. You will never forget the story after you see this version.