Product Details

• Actors: Ralph Fiennes, Gerard Butler
• Directors: Ralph Fiennes
• Format: Color, NTSC, Widescreen
• Language: English
• Subtitles: English, Spanish
• Dubbed: English
• Region: Region A/1 (Read more about DVD/Blu-ray formats.)
• Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
• Number of discs: 2
• Rated: R (Restricted)
• Studio: The Weinstein Company
• DVD Release Date: May 29, 2012
• Run Time: 124 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (193 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B0059XTUT0
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,720 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
  • #14 in Movies & TV > Blu-ray > Military & War
• Learn more about "Coriolanus [Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo]" on IMDb

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Actor-director Ralph Fiennes may not appreciate the comparison, but his modern-dress version of Coriolanus sometimes plays like William Shakespeare by way of Fight Club. In this case, Volscian leader Aufidius (Gerald Butler, nicely understated) plays the Tyler Durden role in that his character doubles as a living conscience. Fiennes's bullet-headed, battle-scarred General Caius Martius may be willing to put his life on the line for his people, but he has no interest in actually listening to their concerns, a development that anticipates the Occupy movement. As Rome's food supply dwindles and rioting begins, Martius suspends civil liberties, and heads off to battle against a man he both despises and admires (and Fiennes doesn't shy away from intimations of same-sex attraction). In the script by Gladiator's John Logan, automatic weaponry replaces swords, contributing to an especially visceral Shakespearean adaptation (Hurt Locker cinematographer Barry Ackroyd's handheld camera work reinforces the rough-hewn quality). At home, Martius's wary wife (Jessica Chastain) and proud mother (Vanessa Redgrave) fear for his life, while his most ardent supporter, Senator Menenius (Brian Cox, excellent), defends him against his detractors, like Tribune Sicinius (James Nesbitt). Though successful on the battlefield, the political neophyte--now known as Coriolanus--soon finds himself an exile, eventually aligning with Aufidius, but what looks like a turncoat move proves more complicated. If Martius starts out as a Fiennes villain in the vein of Amon Goeth, he gradually transforms from a monster into a man. Too bad politics favors the less complicated types. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Product Description

The classic legend of honor and betrayal has been astonishingly re-imagined in this exhilarating action thriller that wields a profound relevance for today. Caius Martius 'Coriolanus' (star and director Ralph Fiennes) is a feared and revered Roman General, suddenly pitted against his own city and fellow citizens. Rebelling against the power-hungry designs of his manipulative mother (Vanessa Redgrave) and rejected by his own people, Coriolanus incites a riot that expels him from Rome. The banished hero joins forces with his sworn enemy Tullus Aufidius (Gerard Butler) to exact his revenge -- and determine his destiny.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

116 of 128 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent film December 21, 2011

By Adam

Format:DVD

This is a tight, well-crafted script by John Logan. Cutting Shakespeare can be difficult and he did an excellent job, along with Ralph Fiennes of getting us the information we need to follow the story while still keeping us interested.

Fiennes is very, very good in this. His intensity blazes throughout, as a soldier's soldier and a man with little to connect him to the people outside of his comfort zone--aka the battlefield.

Vanessa Redgrave is, as always, compelling as Volumnia. She will definitely be up for some awards for this performance.

Just to comment on the first post made--

This movie is nothing at all like Luhrmann's Romeo and Juliet. Luhrmann's film was Shakespeare on acid [i very much liked that film as well]. This is something completely different. Simply labeling it 'a grown up R&J' does a disservice to Coriolanus. Just because it's modernized doesn't make it similar, at all.

It is Shakespeare, so for the first few minutes while you're getting used to the language it will throw you off. But the actors are so skilled in this film they make sense of the text for you, so you can understand and enjoy the use of Shakespeare's language. There are some wonderful soliloquies in the movie as well. If you don't like Shakespeare or you don't want to pay attention, don't see it, simple as that.

65 of 73 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars His pride, his fall February 4, 2012

By Edward

Format:DVD

Shakespere's late military drama "Coriolanus" is rarely staged. Perhaps the most famous modern production was at Stratford-upon-Avon: during the run Olivier injured himself in his spectacular death scene and had to be replaced the next performance by a young Albert Finney, leaping into stardom. To my knowledge the new movie version is the first time the tragedy has been filmed, and a very impressive début it is. Ralph Fiennes, who seems to have made a career playing aloof patronising men (Eugene Onegin, et al), is making his own directorial début, guiding himself in a strong performance as the fatally disdainful patrician. He has placed the 5th Century BCE story in our own 21st Century with almost depressing relevance: the military invasion, the political back-stabbings, the bloody assassination are all alarmingly suitable. Most of the violence is presented in the opening sequence, as the Romans storm Carioli and Caius Marcius single-handedly defeats the citadel, earning himself the honorific title Coriolanus. Both Carioli and Rome seem to be suffering inner-city blight as filmed by cinematographer Barry Ackroyd, but, considering the bleakness of this story, his neorealistic vision is apt. The acting of Fiennes's supporting cast is also realistic, no one attempting a "grand" style, yet remaining faithful to Shakespeare's expression. Brian Cox is especially good as Menenius, and his scenes with the two conspirators played by James Nesbitt and Paul Jesson are some of the best in the picture. (By the way, during the crawl credits at the end, we learn that two of the Roman citizens have been christened Cassius and Tamora, dark characters from other tragedies....) Vanessa Redgrave is Volumnia and gives the part a great deal of stern dignity, never allowing her formidable character to become nasty. Volumnia is first and foremost a mother. (Interesting note: Miss Redgrave, who is the daughter of Sir Michael Redgrave, has yet to become Dame Vanessa. She is, of course, a political activist.) Gerard Butler, as Aufidius, is the only cast member who seems to be slightly out of sync, though his hunky presence makes him a believable warrior. The picture is only about two hours long, so needless to say a lot of Bard has been excised; but John Logan's screenplay retains enough of the plot and poetry to make this a worthy Shakespearean production. Read more ›

45 of 51 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Corruption, Oppression And Warfare: This Shakespearean Interpretation Seems Incredibly Modern And Relevant May 29, 2012

By K. Harris HALL OF FAMETOP 10 REVIEWER

Format:Amazon Instant Video

NOTE: The dialogue in this film is NOT in contemporary English, but taken from actual Shakespearean text. DO NOT PURCHASE THE FILM UNLESS YOU KNOW THIS!

A lot of people have attempted modern, updated or anachronistic interpretations of Shakespeare's great works. While some have been fantastic, just as many have fallen short of their potential. It's really about finding the right contemporary setting in which to locate the piece. For my money, 1995's "Richard III" (headlined and scripted by Ian McKellen and set in war torn England during the second World War) is one of my all time favorites. Truthfully, I've read my share of Shakespeare but "Coriolanus" is not one of the plays I was familiar with--here it is adapted by three time Oscar nominated screenwriter John Logan. I think this probably serves Ralph Fiennes' interpretation quite well, it is not as overworked as other Shakespeare offerings. Fiennes takes the directorial reins and stars in "Coriolanus" and the result seems incredibly timely and powerful. With much of our world engaged in ongoing civil strife, this narrative plays to the identifiable concepts of government corruption, oppression and insurrection, and military coups and guerilla warfare. Seriously, it's as if it was written today! I guess some things never go out of style.

"Coriolanus" opens up as a Roman General (Fiennes) staves off the invading forces of an opposing army led by Gerald Butler. But Fiennes, despite his service, is not a beloved figure. Although he tries to abide by the needs of his advisers/allies (chiefly Brian Cox and James Nesbitt), his domineering mother (Vanessa Redgrave), and his faithful wife (Jessica Chastain), he seems unable to appease the demands of the oppressed masses.... Revolution is in the air, and Fiennes is betrayed by everything he has sworn to uphold. Cast out, his loyalties shift and his thoughts of revenge grow. This being Shakespeare, you know you're headed to some final bloody confrontations before we can determine where true allegiances lie. This nightmarish vision is filled with graphic violence, realistic warfare, and truly great performances. For those that get put off by the difficulty of the language, this is a surprisingly accessible and understandable film. It's gritty and in-your-face, and it's easy to get caught up in the action even if the Shakespearean dialect frightens you.

Fiennes gives himself one of the best roles he's had in years. He proves, once again, why he is an A-list talent despite some of the parts he's accepted lately. It's nice to see Butler try to stretch as an actor, he's fine if not particularly revelatory. Brian Cox is always a welcome addition. He stands as the calm within the storm while James Nesbitt perfects an oily and untrustworthy menace. Jessica Chastain (2011's busiest actress) doesn't have a lot to do, but the great Vanessa Redgrave gives a towering performance. In the end, this is a classic tragedy that seems incredibly believable and modern. It's very well made and plays largely as an action epic. A great experiment that really works, this is an easy recommendation for adult audiences. About 4 1/2 stars. KGHarris, 5/12. Read more ›

46 of 56 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant retelling of Shakespeare's tale January 29, 2012

By Dr. James Gardner VINE™ VOICE

Format:DVD

Ralph Fiennes' "Coriolanus" is magnificently staged, well-acted, and retains the beauty of Shakespeare's language even while it adeptly moves it into a modern setting and away from its origins as a play.

The formidable task of both directing and acting in a Shakespeare play has attracted previous talents such as Orson Welles ("Macbeth", "Othello") and Kenneth Branagh ("Hamlet", "Much Ado About Nothing") and the results have not always been positive. But Fiennes rises to the task, giving us a powerful and unrepentant Coriolanus even as he gets great performances from his cast and keeps the action moving.

Adapting Shakespeare to modern tastes is even more difficult that directing and acting in the play. The choice to place Ian McKellen's "Richard III" (1995) into a 1930s fascist world was not entirely successful, nor was Tim Blake's 2001 "O". OTOH, "West Side Story" was certainly a crowd pleaser even if it didn't stay true to the language, and Al Pacino's 1996 semi-documentary "Looking for Richard" was surprisingly good.

Coriolanus is one of the least popular of Shakespeare's plays and one that is rarely performed. Despite the exquisiteness of the language and the skewering of the mob and politicians alike, the central problem of the play is the lack of a hero to cheer for. Even the dourest of Shakespeare's histories and tragedies have someone to cheer for, but Coriolanus is distinctly lacking anyone worthy of sympathy among the first tier.

Fiennes is not the first person you'd think of to play the warrior general. His Oscar nominated performances in "The English Patient" (1996) and "Schindler's List" (1993) show none of the character traits Fiennes brings to bear in his powerful performance....

Vanessa Redgrave stars opposite Fiennes as Coriolanus' mother Volumnia, and she gives us yet another of her strong performances, something we've come to expect from the 6 times Oscar nominee and 2 times Emmy winner. For her role here she was nominated for awards in London, New York, and San Francisco film festivals.

Brian Cox puts in a film stealing performance as Fiennes only political ally, Menenius. Cox won an Emmy for "Nuremberg" (2000) and a BAFTA for "The Escapist" (2008), but he's probably best known for his work in the first two "Bourne" films. Quite frankly I've never seen him give a poor performance, and my favorites are "Braveheart" (1995) and "The Long Kiss Goodnight" (1996).

Kudos to Paul Jesson and James Nesbitt as the sleazy politicians who bring about Coriolanus' banishment and to Ashraf Bahom and Lubna Azabal as the leaders of the mob.

In addition to Fiennes' direction, the photography by Barry Ackroyd is stunning. The hand held close ups that frame many of the scenes may distract some viewers, but it's part of the formula that moves this play into a full scale movie. Ackroyd is the Oscar nominated cinematographer from "The Hurt Locker" (2008) and he handles the war scenes in this film with comparable aplomb.

Ray Beckett handles the sound and in a film like this, the sound is critical. Beckett won an Oscar for his work on "The Hurt Locker" (2008) and he is even more impressive here.

The only disappointment is Gerald Butler, as Aufidius, the leader of Rome's chief foe. Butler can be compelling in films like "300" (2006) and "Reign of Fire" (2002), but his thick Scottish accent is not suited to Shakespeare, and in his more heated speeches he is nearly unintelligible.

The NY Times called Fiennes "thrilling" and he earned a BAFTA nomination for his directing efforts. The Hollywood Reporter said "Ralph Fiennes makes Shakespeare modern and bloody brilliant" and Peter Travers in The Rolling Stone said "the power of the piece is undeniable."

Bottom line - an excellent film.

(Caution - if you're not familiar with the play, or the history, you might want to do some homework before jumping in) Read more ›