The Tempest [DVD]

Usually appreciative of Judy Taymor's work but whilst visually at times arresting, is spoilt by casting of Miranda and having Russel Brand whingeing and tossing his way through the proceedings and spoiling it like he usually does to anything he appears in. Helen Mirren okay as Prospero and the guy who plays Ariel is incredible. Everything else is truly mediocre except Russel Brand, who is pretentiously, ignorantly, stupidly crap! So there!

You'd need to know the play to comment in depth on this adaptation, but it certainly makes you want to explore it further. The lines - many of which have been taken on as figures of speech - are superbly recited, the switch from male to female of the main character seems wonderfully justified by Helen Mirren. Every actor brings his particular note and expertise, so that, through the visuals, it still comes across as a text first and foremost. The images, having said that, are out of this world, the island setting being as volcanic and wild as you could wish for. Ariel and Caliban share the honours for the most mercurial performances, the former (Ben Whishaw) benefiting from some extraordinary CGI which made it seem like a meaningful opening out of what the play is. Caliban (Djimon Hounsou), meanwhile, has the most fantastic presentation, with two-tone skin, and some scaly aspect - strange, and beautiful as a Michelangelo sculpture! The version seems to take strangeness and beauty of language as the twin starting points, leading a continuous dance through air, fire and water.

This is totally enchanting. Is is supposed be because the story takes pace on an enchanted island. The words are absolutely beautiful because they are Shakespeare but all the actors are superb the colours the textures the framing of the shots are absolutely beautiful. Ariel is amazing a mix of acting and film techniques. I can't think of anything that could have been done differently to improve this superb production.

Loved Helen Mirren as Prospera what an awesome twist. The story was really easy to follow because of the actors skills. Although I really loved the actor that played Caliban and he was very nice to look at IMO. He isn't supposed to be he is supposed to be ugly and repulsive.Also a bit disappointed that so much was missing from the play. Still well worth a watch.

Powerful portrayal of Prosperi by Helen Mirren aides and abetted with an excellent supporting cast. I would have appreciated subtitles because the background noise was off-putting at times. It’s not as if there is a lack of texts for this drama - only minor alternative readings would be required due to the different gender references. A Tour de Force and another stunning piece from Julie Taymor.

I've heard that when this film originally came out it was panned by the critics. I must say I have no idea why, it's a gorgeous piece stunningly filmed and exquisitely acted. I felt that the relationship between Prospera and Ariel was particularly affecting, the genderswitch of the main character bringing out a maternal affection that for the spirit that is obviously lacking in other interpretations. Ben Whishaw is wonderful as Ariel alternately whimsical and fierce and Helen Mirren brings out a deep and abiding strength of purpose in Prospera that yields to her child's needs at the end. If I had any criticism it would be that I'm not fond of Russell Brand in general but there's an argument to be made for his kind of manic performance in the role he has. In short, I enjoyed it thoroughly.

This version is lots of fun. Students need to be aware that it is a version of the Tempest, and that certain things have been changed so they need to be familiar with the text as well, but as an enjoyable overview/introduction to studying the Tempest, this is a great film to watch.

After reading Hag-Seed by Margaret Atwood (read it - it's great) I decided to watch The Tempest. I really enjoyed this film. Helen Mirren is excellent and it's really interesting to see actors such as Chris Cooper performing Shakespeare.