The Tempest

Director: Julie Taymor

Starring: Helen Mirren, Felicity Jones, Djimon Honsou, Ben Whishaw, Alfred Molina, Chris Cooper, David Strathairn, Alan Cumming, Russell Brand, Reeve Carney

Distributed By: Touchstone Pictures/Miramax Films

Release Date: December 2010

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Julie Taymor makes her adaptation of Shakespeare's magical play a visual wonder.
Filled with beautiful scenery and striking imagery the cast effortlessly bring Shakespeare's beautiful poetry to life.
I really like the changing of Prospero as a father to Prospera as a mother and Helen Mirren gives an excellently fierce portrayal as she seeks to right the wrongs imposed on her. Felicity Jones is very likable as Miranda and her scenes with Reeve Carney's gentle Ferdinand are warm and believable.
David Strathairn, Alan Cumming and Chris Cooper are all enjoyable as they discover the Island for themselves and Alfred Molina and Russell Brand are very funny as Stephano and Trinculo
Helen Mirren really does impress and Djimon Hounsou and Ben Whishaw are wonderful to watch as Caliban and Ariel.
Ben Whishaw's Ariel in particular has some impressive scenes and really looks amazing and I really enjoyed the relationship formed between him and Prospera which seems more heartfelt on screen whilst Djimon Hounsou's performance is very powerful as Caliban and he brings real emotion to his scenes.
I love to read Shakespeare but seeing his plays either on screen or in the theatre is the best way to embrace his work and this adaptation of The Tempest a fine example!
~~Nikki~~