Parents' Guide to

Richard III

By Rich Phippen, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Olivier's classic Shakespeare adaptation has some violence.

Movie NR 1955 161 minutes
Richard III Poster Image

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What's the Story?

RICHARD III tells the story of Richard, Duke of Gloucester (Laurence Olivier) who has just helped his brother, Edward (Cedric Hardwicke) become King of England. Racked with jealousy, Richard plots to take the throne himself. He sets about framing his other brother for plotting to kill the king and plans to murder any heirs who stand in his way. But Richard's evil and twisted ways threaten to be his own undoing.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

This is the only one of Olivier's Shakespeare adaptations not to be nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards, although it did win Best Film at the 1955 BAFTAs. Olivier himself also won a BAFTA for his performance as the scheming titular character. Unlike Hamlet, which was released seven years earlier, Richard III is shot in color and is far more advanced in terms of presentation, although the sets and extended scenes do tend to make it feel like a stage play. The seminal performances are first rate, as is the norm with Olivier's adaptations. However, the dialogue can be tricky for anybody unfamiliar with Shakespeare's works, which may make the plot harder to follow. The studio sets have dated somewhat, but this doesn't particularly detract from the delivery of Shakespeare's words.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the Shakespearean language used in Richard III. Is the dialogue accessible or does it put people off? How has Shakespeare impacted language today?

  • What did you think to the end of the movie? Do you think justice prevailed?

  • The violence is not graphic yet the impact remains. Should more movies take this approach in modern day cinema? Talk about the different kinds of violence in movies.

  • How does Richard III compare to other movies based on Shakespeare's work?

  • Would you have liked to watch the movie with modern dialogue and settings? If so, why? Would that take anything away from the original story?

Movie Details

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