Rating: 
Summary: An absolute "must see."
Review: One of the best movies ever made. The searching questions of ethics, law and character are imminently appropriate for today's issues--this is a thinking persons' movie, and should be required viewing in all school systems. Aside from content, the acting is supurb--a masterpiece.
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Summary: An Oscar Winning Movie Still Fresh
Review: Sir Robert Bolt's " A Man For All Seasons" is a familiar story, but Bolt's telling of it is always fresh. The motion picture version won 6 Academy Awards in 1966 including "Best Screenplay" (Bolt), "Best Actor" (Paul Scofield), Best Director (Fred Zinneman), and finally "Best Picture". There are fine performances by Robert Shaw (Henry VIII), Susannah York (More's daughter), and Orson Welles (Cardinal Wolsey).The story is set against King Henry VIII's break with Rome, made necessary by his desire to divorce Catherine and marry Anne Boleyn. When Sir Thomas More refused to sign the Act of Supremacy, he was brought to trial on trumped-up charges and ultimately beheaded. More had sought refuge in the letter of the law, but he was required to state his approval of the Act in an oath --an oath which would have required him to state something that he did not believe. For More, an oath was an invitation to God to act as witness and judge. According to Bolt himself, the oath would have shattered his integrity, his humanity, that "...something within himself without which life is meaningless." Contrast More with the character, Lilly, of "The Grifters", a modern character who finds fewer and fewer things that she is unwilling to do. She will make any compromise to survive, including the attempted sexual seduction of her own son. In the end she kills him, and escapes the bloody crime scene in an elevator going ominously down...down...down. Both plays: "A Man For All Seasons"and "The Grifters" are about the "self" and express the Jean Paul Sartre view that "man is nothing but what he make of himself".
Rating: 
Summary: A well-crafted film...
Review: I first saw "A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS" in 1966 when it first came out. I was a senior in high school, and since this was the pre-hippie era, everyone was gung-ho about Sir Thomas More's duty, integrity, etc. There's no question that Fred Zinnemann crafted a masterpiece on the tiny budget allowed him by Columbia, since all the studios were losing money on talky, period pieces.The acting is incomparable, a perfect ensemble centering around the unflinchingly confident performance of Scofield (he'd done the role hundreds of times on stage). The costumes won an Oscar, and were certainly beautiful, though they were so bulky it looked really difficult for the characters to get close to each other. It won an Oscar for Cinematography, too, though the film really is somewhat of a filmed play (I thought the filming of "Hawaii" and "The Sand Pebbles",also nominated, was more breath-taking). Though these are minor problems, they are soon forgotten when one pays attention to the incredible screenplay of Robert Bolt.Loaded with passion and strong character development, it's also a valid history lesson. Don't watch this if there are any distractions (kids, company, etc.) since its maximum appreciation requires concentration. I'm also wondering why the DVD is substantially higher-priced than most others, since there are absolutely NO extras of any kind. This film is notable also for Vanessa Redgrave's unbilled film debut as Anne Boleyn, on screen for only a few minutes, but an absolutely riveting film moment. Everyone should see ths film, but I'd hesitate to recommend you buy it if only due to the unreasonable price.
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Summary: "Seasons" offers poignancy, pause
Review: Paul Scofield's quiet, dignified portrayl of Sir Thomas More is one of the most riveting performances one will ever find.With a determined, yet not brash or unseemly stance against Henry VIII (Robert Shaw, in all his young glory), More creates a devastating question for the viewer: how long do our principles remain dear to us. To discomfort? To imprisonment? To death? Perhaps one of the most endearing qualities of More's character is that he does not waver. It is a quality that is only universal in the sense that it is respected by all men and possessed by very few. In the end, perhaps the only validation More is given is the dignity of his death, his detractors exposed as dishonest, biased men. Is that enough? Certainly More was able to change little of history by the manner of his death. It did not stop the divorce OR the Anglican church. Perhaps the only prize integrity has is itself. Certainly More himself believed a much higher reward awaited him. After watching this movie, regardless of religion, you will find yourself hoping he was right.
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Summary: Powerful Film About A Man of Conscience
Review: It's obvious that "A Man for All Seasons" was originally a stage production, however, director Fred Zinnemann's mounting of Robert Bolt's play makes for a powerful cinematic experience. This is not so much a film of action but one of the internal workings of a man of integrity, Thomas More(Paul Scofield). The dilemma in making a film about the saintly is to not come of as sanctimonious and Zinnemann and his actors accomplish the trick. This is a film that translates it's ideas with great subtlely, winning it's audience over on the importance of abiding to your conscience. This is helped by a powerhouse performance by Scofield who doesn't overplay the part but is steadfast in his beliefs. The supporting players here have been impeccably cast that it's difficult for me to cite any one for individual citation. This film is deserving of the best picture Oscar that it won and it demonstrates that you can make a film about high ideals and there is an audience receptive to it. Forty years on this film has lost none of it's appeal and it's message is timeless.
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Summary: Outstanding! Should be used in schools for ethics classes
Review: I think that when statesmen forsake their own private conscience for the sake of their public duties, they lead their country by a short route to chaos.
Sir Thomas More
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Tired of Catherine of Aragorn, Henry VIII wants to wed his mistress, Ann Boleyn. What stands in his way? First the Pope, and finally, his old friend Sir Thomas More.
Before this movie, scarcely anyone had heard of Paul Scofield (More). He turns out an Oscar-winning performance as the beleagered More. You'll also recognize Orson Welles very briefly playing Cardinal Wolsey.
The movie's well-acted and a good representation of the climate of the times. I think it would be a very useful tool for teachers of English History and Literature as well.
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Summary: The cost of integrity.
Review: This film portrays the sixteenth century life and death of Sir Thomas More, a prominent member of the court of English king Henry VIII. Grounded in historical fact, this movie vividly tells the story of More's stand against the king's betrayal of the law of God -- a stand which ultimately would cost Thomas his head.
When the Catholic king Henry VIII sought to divorce his wife, Catherine of Aragon, so he could instead marry Anne Boleyn, his will was opposed by the Roman papacy as being repugnant to the clear teachings of scripture. Rather than submit to the law of God, Henry chose to rebel by having Parliament pass a law to establish the Church of England and declare Henry the head of it. In order to legitimize his claim to this new title, however, Henry needed the support of his members of state, not the least of which was Thomas More.
When presented with the king's demand to sign an oath declaring the king's rightful claim to the headship of the new Church of England, Thomas demurred but refused to state his reason for so doing. He sought protection in his silence, knowing that his refusal to sign would likely be viewed as treason, but that treason must be proved by evidence -- and he intended to give them none.
In a brilliant performance, Paul Scofield depicts Thomas in his steadfast assertion of integrity and conscience toward the law of his God. His chief accusers, namely Lords Cromwell, Norfolk, and Rich, are repeatedly confounded at Thomas' evasion of their clever snares and manipulations, designed at first to gain More's cooperation but later to get him to incriminate himself. Cromwell and the others ultimately are forced to resort to perjury, corruption, and a kangaroo court to "convict" Thomas of the crime of high treason, and to eliminate him as the last obstacle to king Henry's ambitions.
Overall I thought this movie was very well done, with top notch acting and a well developed narrative. The message is unmistakable -- that in an age of moral and ethical relativism, sometimes one must gamble all, even one's life, to cling to integrity -- and ultimately one's own soul. This parable is sorely needed in our own day. Bravo!
Rating:
Summary: A sharp portrayal of A Man of Integrity
Review: It is no coincidence that the magnificent screenplay writer of "Lawrence of Arabia" also wrote the screenplay to "A Man For All Seasons". Robert Bolt has given us two masterpieces, which have not been surpassed. The movie of the life of St. Thomas More is both realistic and moving. The key theme in the movie for me is the fact that More is not a stereotypical martyr. He unsuccessfuly attempts to avoid dying for his faith. He states "This is not the stuff that martyrs are made of". He believes that he is not strong enough to die for the faith. He eventually does receive that strength, but not before winning his wife and her blessings over.
The movie, even without its rich intellectual dialogue, can serve as a reminder of what the average person can achieve if they maintain their integrity.
Columbia always does a fine job with the picture quality of its movie releases. The picture quality of "A Man For All Seasons" is no exception. The soundtrack however is 2.0 mono. I really do not have a problem with the mono soundtrack (after all nobody watches "A Man for All Seasons" for its sound effects!) What is a bit disappointing is there is no option for Spanish dubbed. A great movie with exceptional dialogue should be enjoyed in another language. Furthermore the only other extra feature is the theatrical trailer. I am sure Columbia could have managed a better release!
Rating:
Summary: A Man for all Seasons: The timeless film
Review: This film is some of the best work hollywood has to offer. The exciting story of Sir Thomas Moore and his strength to hold on to his principles. It is a story of a man who truly knew who he was and what he stood for and the journey he went through to stand up for what he believed in. When King Henry VII wants to divorce Catherine of Aragon and marry Anne Boleyn he asked for Thomas's help but he refused because he did not believe in what he was doing. He stood up for his beliefs until his execution. I recommend this movie to anyone.
Rating:
Summary: A Man For All Seasons: A Review in Brief
Review: In my opinion, The Man For All Seasons was an excellent film as it accurately portrayed the life of Thomas More and relayed the issues regarding King Henry in a suspenseful manner. Although I was aware of the pressing issues that More was faced with prior to watching the film, I was not aware of the growing tension between King Henry and More. A Man For All Seasons proved to be both educational and entertaing. Ultimately, I learned that King Henry was desperate to receive More's support of his marriage nullification and to acknowledge him as the new supreme head of the church. A Man For All Seasons is a film for the ages. I highly reccomend this film for both educational and entertaining purposes.
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