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Poster for Coriolanus

Coriolanus

Nature teaches beasts to know their friends.

2011 · 2h 3m · R Drama, Thriller
Directed by Ralph Fiennes

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Overview

Caius Martius, aka Coriolanus, is an arrogant and fearsome general who has built a career on protecting Rome from its enemies. Pushed by his ambitious mother to seek the position of consul, Coriolanus is at odds with the masses and unpopular with certain colleagues. When a riot results in his expulsion from Rome, Coriolanus seeks out his sworn enemy, Tullus Aufidius. Together, the pair vow to destroy the great city.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
93%
Tomatometer
Fresh

The other actors do their best to help Fiennes define this curious anti-hero. Incapable of playing the role of peacetime compromiser, his Coriolanus comes across as a warrior who simply can't function without a war.

John Hartl, Seattle Times
Fresh

The film has fifth-act problems, as did the play, but Fiennes' bleak overview should leave receptive viewers feeling daunted and haunted.

Richard Corliss, TIME Magazine
Fresh

The play's inherent difficulties notwithstanding, Coriolanus, the movie, is a perfectly sound achievement.

Greg Quill, Toronto Star
Fresh

Fiennes leads a cast that, at least in the major roles, is uniformly powerful.

Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor
Fresh

"Coriolanus" is a triumph.

Joe Williams, St. Louis Post-Dispatch

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