Customer Reviews

William Shakespeare's Othello

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is one of the two most powerful performances of Othello I have seen and the best on DVD (and that is high praise considering the superb performances of Laurence Fishbourne and Kenneth Branagh in their Othello.) Considering that the play was performed in Apartheid Johannesburg in 1988 makes it even more daring and brilliant. The play is complete (although I did not follow the original play text) -- the performance here is 188 minutes and riveting for the entire time. Unlike more current versions, this performance is on the stage (at The Market Theatre in Johannesburg) as is reinforced by the souind of footsteps on the wooden planks of the stage. It stands as the very best I have seen. If you can only purchase one, this is it!

I've shown this powerful and moving production of Othello to my college class of Business majors. All of us were mesmerized by the outstanding actors and direction. This is a brilliant performance.

I choose this video to teach to my 8th grade class because it was the best reviewed DVD available, and it lives up to the high praise. The acting is just brilliant. Desdemona will break your heart, Othello is perfectly torn, and this Iago is one the best I have ever seen. He plays it just right: not too crazy, not too over the top, not too evil. He is a pleasure to watch. Brilliant casting all around.

If you are teaching this, things to know would be that Iago gives the middle finger, and there is some sexualiy, specifically Bianca's chest very briefly. There are a couple of cheesy cuts and slo-mo's, but nothing that takes away from the overall production. It all takes place on one stage, just FYI. There are no scenes cut out of this production.

I highly HIGHLY recommend this DVD. It is a joy to watch.

Considering that last DVD I ordered from another vendor didn't work, I returned it, and still haven't received a replacement, it is a blessing to get an order prompt and in working order. Thank you!