A Man For All Seasons is quiet frankly a masterpiece. The film follows the true-life story of Saint Thomas More, a English noble man who stood up to the King when the King attempted to throw down the Catholic Church for a divorce. English actor Paul Scofield portrays the noble rebel and his opponent is none other then Robert Shaw as King Henry VIII.
As the film begins we meet Thomas and his family. We see him as a kind, God loving man, highly respected among the people of England and its king. Soon the problem of the king not having a heir is brought about and the king seeks to divorce, Highly against Church law, the bishops of England stand against it as does Thomas.
Soon Thomas is stripped of everything and thrown into the Tower of London. Form the first scene of this film to the last word of Thomas you are virtually stunned by this man. The film is able to portray his brilliance in staying alive in the tower, his love of God, and his opposition to the King bending Church laws so he can have what he wants.
Paul Scofield is absolutely brilliant as St. Thomas More. He is able to portray a man in a constantly struggle between his service to God and his service to his country. He out acts everyone in the film and in the final scene in the court you want to stand up and applaud him.
Robert Shaw is also acts his heart out in the role of the King. He is able to capture the insanity that actually was in the real King and also is a good villain for the film. Shaw, along with Scofield, make the film what it is. They are simply amazing and bring out their characters true nature.
The film conveys a powerful message of not bending to something you don't believe even if it means punishment. in St. Thomas More's case, the punishment was hatred from the country. This is one of the best films I've seen this year.
A Man for All Seasons. Starring: Paul Scofield, Robert Shaw, Wendy Hiller, and Leo McKern.
5 out of 5 Stars.
As the film begins we meet Thomas and his family. We see him as a kind, God loving man, highly respected among the people of England and its king. Soon the problem of the king not having a heir is brought about and the king seeks to divorce, Highly against Church law, the bishops of England stand against it as does Thomas.
Soon Thomas is stripped of everything and thrown into the Tower of London. Form the first scene of this film to the last word of Thomas you are virtually stunned by this man. The film is able to portray his brilliance in staying alive in the tower, his love of God, and his opposition to the King bending Church laws so he can have what he wants.
Paul Scofield is absolutely brilliant as St. Thomas More. He is able to portray a man in a constantly struggle between his service to God and his service to his country. He out acts everyone in the film and in the final scene in the court you want to stand up and applaud him.
Robert Shaw is also acts his heart out in the role of the King. He is able to capture the insanity that actually was in the real King and also is a good villain for the film. Shaw, along with Scofield, make the film what it is. They are simply amazing and bring out their characters true nature.
The film conveys a powerful message of not bending to something you don't believe even if it means punishment. in St. Thomas More's case, the punishment was hatred from the country. This is one of the best films I've seen this year.
A Man for All Seasons. Starring: Paul Scofield, Robert Shaw, Wendy Hiller, and Leo McKern.
5 out of 5 Stars.