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Summary: An movie that can be greatly learned from
Review: This movie was excellent and provided a moral lesson that all can identify with and follow. The perfomances were outstanding and the dialogue was captivating. Allthough the movie is farely old i enjoyed very much and it kept my attetion. The oscar was well deserved, it just doesn't get much better than this. I am glad i watched this movie and can have this movie as a constant reminder to practice what you preach. i amnot going to summerize the plot because its better if you go into the movie not knowing anything just like i did. Definatley a must see.
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Summary: Inspiring: Required viewing for all statesmen and citizens.
Review: Brilliant? Perhaps. Worth watching? Absolutely. Intelligent? Yes. Inspiring? Completely. "A Man For All Season" is a political drama, recounting the story of the statesman Sir Thomas More (with an Academy Award winning performance by Paul Scofield). Elevated to the position of Lord Chancellor of England to King Henry VIII, Thomas More finds himself at the heart of the struggle between church and state. To legitimatize the divorce of his queen Catherine of Aragon and his subsequent marriage to Anne Boleyn despite the objections of the pope, King Henry seeks the support of Thomas by proclaiming himself the head of the church. But in the clash of wills that ensues, Thomas proves to be a man of principles. He experiences an increasing sense of isolation as he keeps both his principles and his wit, and refuses to compromise his beliefs. The politics and characters are somewhat complex, but the character of Thomas More stands out as an inspiring light. When the whole world stands against him, he stands up for the truth as a witty and compelling lawyer, even if it means losing his income, prestige, family, and life. More's principles are juxtaposed with his unprincipled son-in-law Rich, who is a prime example of the spineless thinking of those whose opinion varies as soon the wind of political change blows ( "Why, Richard, it profits a man nothing to give his soul for the whole world ... But for Wales!") More maintains that his allegiance to God supercedes his allegiance to the king - "I die the King's good servant...but God's first." Perhaps it is more accurately stated by another reviewer: "He does not protest England's corruption, but the Crown's attempt to corrupt him." My only criticism is that More is presented as a saint without flaws. How true and accurate his story is recounted I cannot judge. Certainly the eloquent use of the language is not very realistic, but that is because the movie originates in a play (by Robert Bolt). In the final analysis, the eloquent word usage actually raises the movie to a higher level, and the wit and articulation probably serves to increase appreciation with repeated viewing. A rarity in comparison to most modern movies, there is little objectionable content (besides a few incidences of blasphemy such as "Goddammit"). There are also some moments of beautiful filming. This movie gathered six Academy Awards in 1966, including best picture, best actor, and best director. It is certainly dated, both in terms of the possibilities of movie-making in 1966, and the sixteenth century era of Henry VIII which it depicts. But the idea of standing up for your principles is a timeless characteristic that should be a goal for us all. In an age of where lawyers and statesmen have little respect, "A Man For All Seasons" offers something for all of us to aspire to.
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Summary: A grand theme. A grand story. And a clash of wills.
Review: This 1966 film won an Academy Award for Paul Scofield who played the role of Sir Thomas More. It's set in 16th Century England and is based on the true story of King Henry VIII, who, because he wanted to divorce his wife, defied the Pope and named himself the head of the Church of England. Sir Thomas More, however, was a highly principled man. He felt the King's action to be wrong. A clash of wills ensues. Sir Thomas More is imprisoned. And later beheaded. This is a grand theme and a grand story. The England of those days is recreated and the costumes are magnificent. The language however, made me wonder because, even though the dialog seemed authentic, it did not sound like Shakespeare's English. It was also not as fast moving as Shakespeare would have written it. I found myself bored in parts. It did make me think, though, about the system of justice that has existed in England since the Magna Carta, and how fortunate we Americans are to have this as our background. True, it did not work out so well for Sir Thomas More, but at least there's a judge and a jury and a quest towards justice. Other systems of government might have dealt with what the King saw as a betrayal in a much more expedient way. All the actors, including Wendy Hiller, Robert Shaw, Orson Wells and John Hurt were excellent. They could not have done a better job. The film is as timely today as it was then. It's about a question of morals and a person willing to go to his death because of his principles. This is an important theme. I like it. I just found I could get up, leave the room, come back and they'd still be dealing with the same thing, only from another slightly different angle. To me, this is tedious. I do recommend the film however. It is certainly worth watching.
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Summary: A FILM FOR OUR TIMES
Review: Historical epics and period pieces usually re-write history to excess and the same can be said for this movie to a lesser degree. A Man for All Seasons depicts Sir Thomas Moore as a kind and saintly man, when in fact he recommended and supported the burning of heretics (well, what do you expect from a lawyer?). Be that as it may, this is a wonderful film about all that is good in the human spirit wonderfully personified by Paul Scofield's subtle, but powerful performance. And obviously, it's also a good and definitive portrayal of the rights of the individual being trampled by the malignant perrogative of the nation state. Beyond all doubt this is the proverbial classic, the meaning and impact of which being immune to time and changing perceptions.
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Summary: Some strong performances and ideas, but thin.
Review: Who is Sir/Saint Thomas More? Or better yet, what? As depicted here, he is an odd mix of hero and stooge, wise man and pedant. That artful mix is the strength of this story of the life of a remarkably intelligent and, in his own, bent way, couragious man. For, if nothing else, More had the fortitude to give his life for his beliefs, even if those beliefs were inexplicably odd. The story is told against the backdrop of a corrupt Roman Catholic church, and a corrupt king, Henry XIII. Henry, mad, passionate, and lecherous by turn, enters the story as a man without an heir, and interested in dumping his queen for a woman who can produce the next king. The Pope, leader of a corrupt legion of priests, bishops, and cardinals who have more carnal than knowledge, stands firm that no divorce will be allowed, and thus no remarriage. As we meet More, it appears that without his participation to one degree or another, Henry will not be able to switch wives as he had planned. There is a bit of confusion here as Henry at first seeks an annulment, it appears, and then later seeks to gain the blessing of More that his marriage ought to be treated as void ab initio. In any event, the Pope ultimately says no to Henry's plans, and then the pressure is on More, a dear friend of the looney king, to find a way out. More refuses to do anything which might conflict with the will of the Pope, and thus the battle is joined--either More will side with Henry, at the expense of Rome, or he will stand firm with the Pope--putting everything he knows and loves at risk. Here's the ultimate problem--one with the story as much as the film. For as bright and honorable as More might be, his honor leads him to support a church that is corrupt to its core. It also leads him to be intellectually and emotionally brutish and self-deceptive by turns. Certainly, he was a man of principle, but to what end? There is much to admire in him, but just as much to leave you shaking your head and wondering whether he was just a smart guy with a martyrdom complex. This movie has some beautiful cinematography, and some nice acting turns, including by Scofield, who won an Oscar for portraying More. Orson Welles looks like a bloated corpse, but nonetheless provides an nice performance as a thoroughly corrupt Cardinal who is perplexed by More's decision to allow something as silly as private morality guide his public acts. In this regard, it is an especially timely commentary on a church which seems to have changed very little in 500 years.
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Summary: "What is an oath , but words we say to God."
Review: Words from Thomas More to his daughter , Meg , in Robert Bolts play "A man for all seasons". In this age , image is power and youth is held up above all else as the holy grail. Integrity , wisdom , sound judgement and learning count for nought. An age where President Bush has 'researchers' scouring through Winston Curchills wartime speechs to borrow phrases that will lend his words 'tone' and authority and historical resonance because he is incapable of writing his own. An age where Thomas More would never have attracted the wrath of a great Leader because he would have been patronised into obscurity by a society who hold notions like "Personal Integrity" to be quaint and embarassing. We are too sophisticated and media savvy nowadays to be impressed by honesty and truth in our leaders and if any of them truly held on to their personal beliefs (despite political and economic pressure) we would label them 'cranks'. Morality is now studied in class or in 'units' or seminars as a part of some course or other. It is not developed as integral part of ones deeply held sense of 'self' as displayed so remarkably in the film by actor Paul Schofield. Thomas More is played with great authority and panache as a learned , just , witty and down to earth character. His nemesis is Richard Rich , superbly played by John Hurt , who finally seals Thomas Mores fate with a gross perjury. (In return for a title and 'position' in Henry VIII's court from his mentor the slimey but all too recognisable Thomas Cromwell. The Kings 'Mr Fixit'.) A great film with a great climax in the shape of a 'fixed' trial and an impassioned speech from More which I could not help but replay at least four times over to enjoy again and again the poetry and rising fury of a man who would not yield to mere fashion (at the cost of his life) in order to 'Rubber stamp' a monarch setting himself above God.
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Summary: Fantastic!
Review: I just saw this movie on video. Every actor in this movie delivers a fantastic performance that the people they play in the movie would be quite proud of them. King Henry VIII (not the big, obese Henry, but a younger, happier one) is planning to divorce his wife Catherine of Aragon, but his new Lord Chancellor Sir Thomas More (who has replaced the dead Cardinal Wolsey) is wary of the idea. When King Henry follows through with his plan and designates himself head of the Church of England, Thomas More refuses to accept the Act, sending him straight to the Tower. In between, many things happen, including betrayal, scenes of life at Court, and some heated arguments. This movie deserves the 5 stars I gave it, and the Oscars it won. Paul Scofield, although he doesn't resemble the real Thomas More in appearence, delivers a spectacular performance, perfectly capturing Thomas More's personality that is known throughout history. Susannah York is brilliant in her role as Margaret Roper, Thomas More's beloved daughter, and she is quite pretty also. This is a must-see for any enthusiast of Tudor England
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Summary: "Ever after thy calm look I for no storm."
Review: Recently I discovered that one of the most notable historical dramas of the 1960s had somehow managed to escape my eye for over thirty years. A highly honored film (winner of six Academy Awards in 1966, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor) with a wonderfully talented cast, a fantastic screenplay, and a fascinating historical figure as its subject. And yet a film I had never seen - until last week, that is, when I bought a DVD copy of it. The film: "A Man For All Seasons," starring Paul Scofield, Wendy Hiller, Robert Shaw, and John Hurt; directed by Fred Zinneman; and written by Robert Bolt. A wonderfully acted, historically accurate, and moving account of the life of one of the great men in English history: Sir Thomas More, English lawyer, scholar, statesman' and a victim of the wrath of King Henry VIII. "A Man For All Seasons" is Robert Bolt's beautiful screen adaptation of his own highly successful and award winning stage play of the same name. It's a reasonably accurate accounting of the events of the last years of Sir Thomas More's life. Our story begins with Sir Thomas being summoned to court by the fat and aging Cardinal Wolsey (played by Orson Welles), then Chancellor of England. More must answer for his opposition to Henry's proposed divorce and remarriage. King Henry VIII especially wants Sir Thomas's approval for his divorce and marriage. The royal court now begins a zealous campaign to get More to change his mind. Thomas Cromwell (played by Leo McKern, of Masterpiece Theater's "Rumpole of the Bailey" fame), one of the King's secretaries, attempts to pressure More through trumped up charges of bribery. Sir Thomas is repeatedly summoned to court in the middle of the night and questioned about his beliefs. Even Sir Thomas's closest friend, the Duke of Norfolk, (played by Nigel Davenport) attempts to convince Sir Thomas to acquiesce. Finally, Parliament passes an act requiring all Englishmen to take an oath of loyalty to the King "as head of the church in England." But Sir Thomas More stands fast upon his principles. He will not budge. The rest is history. Watch the film to see with what great dignity and honor Sir Thomas More confronts his accusers and, ultimately, death itself. "A Man For All Seasons" is one of the finest historical dramas I've ever seen. The acting is simply superb throughout. Paul Scofield imbues the character of Sir Thomas More with just the right amount of pious reserve combined with a self-assured, keen intellect. Robert Shaw brings a slim, youthful, and uncouth vigor to the part of Henry VIII. It was easy for me to imagine Henry just as he was portrayed by Shaw. And Leo McKern is deliciously malevolent as the sycophantic, insidiously conspirational Thomas Cromwell. Robert Bolt's Academy Award-winning screenplay fairly crackles throughout the movie's two hour running time. Although there's precious little action, the dialogue is brisk and commands the viewer's attention. It's beautifully eloquent as well. "A Man For All Seasons" is a historical drama with a deeper message: how do we human beings reconcile our core values and principles with outward pressures to conform to society's rules? In Sir Thomas More's case, we find a deeply religious man confronted with the greatest dilemma of his life. All his life he's been taught to be loyal to both his God and to his King. Until Henry's divorce and remarriage, it seemed that these two loyalties were completely compatible. Yet, when they came into conflict, More made an choice that seemed relatively easy. His faith in God, always unshakable, took primacy over the demands of his King. When put to the test, first choices - especially when they're easy on the surface - frequently become the source of our greatest trials. This was never more true than for Sir Thomas More! Unremitting pressure was placed on him to cease opposition to the King. He was deprived of his wealth; held up to public ridicule; falsely accused of wrongdoing; and imprisoned for his beliefs. While in prison, he was deprived of his books, pen, and paper. His family importuned him to change his mind. Yet this tower of integrity never wavered from what he knew was the correct course of action. Even his words to his executioner were those of a man steadfast in his values and principles. Great lessons, these - especially nowadays, when our values and principles seem all too easily compromised by a society that demands that we "fit in," "look good," and "be cool." Yet, as "A Man For All Seasons" so eloquently teaches us, there have been, down through history, men and women who have served to remind us of that higher call to follow a deeper, more noble set of values and principles. People like Sir Thomas More - scholar, statesman, and martyr to his faith.
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Summary: "Will you come with me then, for fellowship?"
Review: The full quote is actually, Duke of Norfolk: "Come with us, Thomas, for fellowship!" Thomas More: "And when we die, and you are sent to Heaven for doing your conscience and I am sent to Hell for not doing mine, Will you come with me then, for fellowship?" What More WON"T do for fellowship, or anything else, is put his stamp of approval on King Henry VIII's divorce of Katharine of Aragon, marriage to Ann Boleyn, and declaration of himself as Head of the Church of England. Times are difficult in England. There is intrigue everywhere, as overreaching men seek to take advantage of the new world order to settle some old scores and climb over the graves if necessary of those they help to depose. Thomas More (Paul Scofield) is an honest judge who becomes Chancellor of England on the death of Cardinal Woolsey (Orson Welles). Woolsey has tried in vain to secure an annullment of Henry's first marriage from the Pope, and narrowly escaped death in the Tower by simply up and dying anyway. It isn't long before More's ethics and honor are tested by the King himself (Robert Shaw) and found maddeningly disappointing for that monarch. More tries to find his refuge in silence, neither affirming nor denying the king's right to his actions. But in the turmoil surrounding the break with Rome, More gets dragged in to the Tower and then to trial for his refusal to climb on the bandwagon, so to speak. Paul Scofield does a wonderful job as Sir Thomas More, and one wonders why his career, at least in America, didn't take off: he's great and he won an Oscar to boot, yet he didn't become an Olivier, or what we would have today in Hopkins. Wendy Hiller turns in a fussy performance as More's nonunderstanding wife. She loves her husband, but is deeply resentful over his decision to go all the way with his moral stance. Susannah York plays More's feisty daughter Margaret, an unusually well educated lass who rattles off Latin effortlessly when the King deigns to quiz her on his visit to Chelsea. Our villains are excellent, notably Leo McKern as the crafty Cromwell, who starts as Secretary to Woolsey and works his way up to a position of supreme power, and John Hurt as the sycophantic Richard Rich, who More fatally befriended just before the movie's start. And Orson Welles? Rather like his turn in "The Third Man", Welles has one real scene, but makes the most of all his vocal tricks and alternately sly and lazy glances when at the movie's outset he tries to intimidate More into aligning himself with the coming world order. "A Man for All Seasons" is a fine film, and well deserving of its Oscars and fame. If, in these morally troubled times of ours, you seek a good man as earnestly as Diogenes, then Scofield's Sir Thomas More is your man.
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Summary: Sir Thomas Moore Rocks!
Review: One of the best ever. if it's something you like, check out "A Lion in Winter" and "Anne of a Thousand Days". You'd probably also enjoy "Elizabeth", the one with Cate Blanchet
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