Rating: 
Summary: The Wickedness of Iago
Review: This version of Othello is excellently done. The choice of actors is tantalizing, the stage, set by the hand of a masterful Shakespearean director, adds fresh breath to an old script, and the portrayl of Iago by Kenneth Branagh is enough to keep you glued in your chair. Laurence Fishburne is a wonderful choice for Othello. He is graceful, and stunningly beautiful even as he is forced into epelectic fits by the scheming Iago. The combintations of actors portray this film so that even a child could understand what was going on (although it is a very adult content.) The scenes and costuming are superb. A realistic stage is set in the Mediterranean, of earth tones and golden blends that set the mood for a beautiful story. After all of that though, the portrayl of Iago is the best part. He is almost likable through his evilness, and it is all because of Kenneth Branagh. The audience can tell that he has fun in this role and it sets the whole stage on fire. I thouroghly enjoyed this film, even through my tears. I could watch it a hundred times and not loose intrest.
Rating: 
Summary: Fishburne yes - Branagh no
Review: To keep it brief, I agree with Mathias' view. I loved Fishburne's portrayal of Othello, but was sorely disappointed in Branagh's Iago, played as an imp rather than an irredemable, vile, hateful villian such as only Shakespeare could create with complete credibility. I was the more dismayed at his unfortunate portrayal, having been so totally taken by Branagh's brilliant Henry V. I am likely influenced by my first exposure to Othello with Sir Laurence Olivier's Othello (most admirably done, but I was disappointed in the portayal 'in black face' - even in 1965 - when so many gifted black actors are available); and Frank Finlay's Iago was perfectly vile to the n'th degree. That production remains, for me, the definitive version just as Kenneth Branagh's Henry V, Olivier's Lear, and Zeferelli's Romeo and Juliet are their respective definitive versions.
Rating:
Summary: Fishburn At His Best!
Review: Watching this movie will prove the superb talents and versatility of Laurence Fishburn. So believable is he as the strong warrier, and yet so tender and deeply in love with his precious Desdemona. Watch Kenneth Branaugh's equally fine performance as he undermines and mentally torments the mighty Moor. If you are a Shakespeare, Fishburn or Branaugh fan - this film is an absolute must.
Rating:
Summary: Fishburn At His Best!
Review: Watching this movie will prove the superb talents and versatility of Laurence Fishburn. So believable is he as the strong warrier, and yet so tender and deeply in love with his precious Desdemona. Watch Kenneth Branaugh's equally fine performance as he undermines and mentally torments the mighty Moor. If you are a Shakespeare, Fishburn or Branaugh fan - this film is an absolute must.
Rating:
Summary: Great Movie
Review: We were studying this play in class and were then shown the movie in class. What can I say? The costumes were excellent, the locations were beautiful, and of course, the acting topped it all off. Watching this film gave me a great deal of respect for Kenneth Branagh and Laurence Fishburne. Although a lot was cut from the play, I still think that both actors gave a very powerful preformance and were able to capture the rue meaning of the play without losing too much to directorial cuts.
Rating:
Summary: Very weak...
Review: Well not the whole thing...I just want to know why the ending was changed! It's very silly they did that, and I'm surprised that Branagh allowed it! He was great as Iago, as was Fishburn as Othello, but the ending just made me mad. If not for it, I would have given it at least 4 stars. Too many of the lines were cut to warrant 5 stars.
Rating:
Summary: A passionate production
Review: While the Orson Welles version is interesting both for its visual elements and fact that it was made over several years due to financial constraints, it does not match the passion and accessibility of the Fishburne-Branagh production.Branagh's Iago is the soul of charming evil, while Fishburne's Othello is deeply moving as a man struggling against a jealousy that ultimately overwhelms him. A third performance that rates special mention is that of Desdemona's maid (a fine actress whose name I do not recall). Although this character has virtually no lines for more than the first half of the film, she adds a sad, cynical counterpoint to Desdemona's romantic idealism. Also, the production values--the setting, cinematography, and costumes--are excellent and serve the film well.
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