King Lear: reviews

What the critics say average 7.3 from 12 outlets

• 9.0 SlateIsaac Butler Across the board, the acting in this adaptation is exquisite, a reminder that one of the reasons Shakespeare has persisted through the centuries is that he provides great actors with parts worthy of their gifts. Read
• 8.0 The Hollywood ReporterDaniel Fienberg Just because nobody could or should feel this is a definitive King Lear detracts only somewhat from the undeniable joy that comes from even two hours of watching Anthony Hopkins gnash his teeth, wail and go gloriously mad opposite one of the best supporting casts imaginable. Read
• 8.0 The Wall Street JournalJohn Anderson Mr. Hopkins transforms one of Shakespeare's most complex tragic figures into a frightening, ego-driven autocrat hurtling into insanity from which he claws his way back, leaving a trail of blood and daughters in his wake. Read
• 8.0 VultureMatt Zoller Seitz It's as political a production as it needs to be, and at its best, it feels as current and as timeless as a nightmare. Read
• 8.0 Common Sense MediaMarty Brown This excellent adaptation stars a world class wrecking crew of British actors, who avoid any sort of Elizabethan affectation Read
• 8.0 The Austin ChronicleKimberley Jones The whole cast – top-notch – takes Anthony Hopkins' lead and chews the scenery down to gristle and bone. Read
• 8.0 The SpectatorJames Walton And naturally, with Hopkins on board, the rest of the cast was pretty terrific as well — to the point of unexpectedly turning King Lear into something of an ensemble piece. Read
• 7.0 WETAAni Bundel Any Lear with Hopkins is a good Lear, and while this version may be thinner than most, it's still got all the moments one would wish for.
• 6.7 IndiewireHanh Nguyen Amazon's "King Lear" is by no means a definitive adaptation of what is arguably the Bard's finest tragedy, but it is a thrilling and entertaining one. Read
• 6.0 The Arts DeskAdam Sweeting Eyre's smartest move was recruiting Anthony Hopkins for the title role, and the combustible Welshman takes it to the limit. Read
• 6.0 The TelegraphEd Cumming In general there were few complaints about the all-star cast, or the script, which was chopped heavily but smoothly so that the audience could get to bed in good time. The real weakness was the setting Read
• 5.0 Entertainment WeeklyDarren Franich The gray cinematography is unforgivably mulchy, though, giving the dialogue a speechy repetitiveness. But Emma Thompson and Emily Watson shine in the crazy good cast as Lear's older daughters.