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Macbeth

1971 · 2h 21m · R Drama, War
Directed by Roman Polanski

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Overview

Scotland, 11th century. Driven by the twisted prophecy of three witches and the ruthless ambition of his wife, warlord Macbeth, bold and brave, but also weak and hesitant, betrays his good king and his brothers in arms and sinks into the bloody mud of a path with no return, sown with crime and suspicion.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
78%
Tomatometer
Rotten

Does Polanski's Macbeth work? Not especially, but it was an admirable try.

Variety Staff, Variety
Fresh

The wide-screen visuals swamp the dialogue, and the thematics have been turned inside out -- but that's what movie adaptations ought to do.

Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
Rotten

Polanski's evident desire to elicit understated, naturalistic performances from his cast also underplays the poetry of the play...

Derek Adams, Time Out
Fresh

This is an original film by an original film artist, and not an 'interpretation.'

Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
Rotten

The film's bear-baiting, barnyard pageantry is less convincing than its clammy locations.

J. Hoberman, Village Voice

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