2011 / UK / 122mins / Dir: Ralph Fiennes.
Cast: Ralph Fiennes, Gerard Butler, Vanessa Redgrave, James Nesbitt, Jessica Chastain and Brian Cox
 
William Shakespeare’s tale of treachery and revenge in Rome, Coriolanus is brought to the screen in Ralph Fiennes’ exquisite directorial debut.

Caius Martius ‘Coriolanus’ (Ralph Fiennes), a revered and feared Roman General is at odds with the city of Rome and his fellow citizens. Pushed by his controlling and ambitious mother Volumnia (Vanessa Redgrave) to seek the exalted and powerful position of Consul, he is loath to ingratiate himself with the masses whose votes he needs in order to secure the office.

When the public refuses to support him, Coriolanus’s anger prompts a riot that culminates in his expulsion from Rome. The banished hero then allies himself with his sworn enemy Tullus Aufidius (Gerard Butler) to take his revenge on the city. But can his cunning ways help him outwit the most devious leaders in the ancient world?

‘Fiennes makes a powerful case for Coriolanus as an essential, contemporary drama, about democracy, class war and the nation state.’ The Guardian

‘Vanessa Redgraveis magnificent in Ralph Fiennes’ first feature.’ The Telegraph

‘A committed and worthwhile celluloid version of a play so few of us really know.’ Time Out