Made in 1964 as the screen adaptation of the play by Jean Anouilh "Beckett or the Honor of God" written in 1959, the film takes place in the 12th Century's England but never for a second it feels outdated or old-fashioned. The subjects it explores, the passion and artistry it presents in every scene, its sunning beauty, the use of medieval music, and especially, the incredible craft and chemistry between two great acting legends in their finest performances make the film an outstanding cinematic event and one of the best history/biopics ever made. Magnificent in every sense, "Becket" examines the complex relationship between Henry II (Peter O'Toole), by the words of Sir Winston Churchill, one of the ablest and most remarkable of the English kings, and his best friend from the days if his youth, his trusted confident, his mentor, whom he loved, respected, and appointed his Chancellor, Thomas Beckett (Richard Burton). As Chancellor, Becket was involved in the important acts as the distribution of royal charters, writs and letters. Becket carried out many tasks for Henry II including leading the English army into battle. After Archbishop of Canterbury dies, Henry offers the post to Beckett counting on his unbending loyalty and support in religious questions. To his utmost surprise and anger, Beckett openly defies Henry on the matter of clergymen found guilty of serious crimes. Henry decided that they should be handed over to his courts. Thomas Becket insisted that the church should retain control of punishing its own clergy. The king believed that Becket betrayed him and was determined to obtain revenge which he finally expressed in front of his four knights, "Who will rid me of this turbulent priest?" It's been several days since I saw the film but I still can't (and I don't think I ever will) decide whose performance was more powerful and remarkable. Both, O'Toole and Burton are simply outstanding and carry the film effortlessly. They both were nominated by the Academy for best leading roles. I will always remember the last Burton's words just before his Becket dies hacked with the knights' swords, "Poor Henry"...In the last moment of his life, he feels sorry for his murderer, his former friend whom he loved but would not betray his principles and beliefs even for him. Another scene is also imprinted in my memory - Henry invites his family for the reunion where he is expected to name his successor. Surrounded by his closest relatives, his mother, his estranged wife, Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine, his three sons, whom he never loved nor they loved him. All they want - the throne of England. All he wants - his friend Beckett next to him, but he lost him to God... I'd like to add that the scene of reunion is the source of another film featuring Peter O'Toole as Henry II. In 1968, O'Toole reprised the role of Henry in "The Lion in Winter" where his partner was Katherine Hepburn as Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine. O'Toole was nominated for the Oscar for both films and lost both times.Read full review
This is an excellent product! A great classic movie. Arrived well packaged and in a timely manner. I would recommend this Bluray for any avid collector, Peter O'Toole and Richard Burton are simply Spectacular, get this movie!
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This is one of the great classics of all time. Beautifully acted and historically pretty accurate even with the subtle implication of homosexuality between the King and Archbishop.My only criticism is with the blu-ray reproduction here. The colors are beautifully rendered and appropriately crisp as only High Definition can be, but there is a noticeable unevenness to the colors throughout the movie!!! The colors shift very quickly from nicely saturated to a dull almost transparent degree!! It is very obvious and very annoying!! Would I recommend this disc? Yes, but with these reservations kept in mind. Maybe, it was only my disc that is flawed in this way. I do not know, but just keep this in mind if you buy it.
This is a classic movie about the Murder of the Archbishop of Canterbury based on the play, Murder in the Cathedral. The color is beautiful and the story line covers both the aftermath of the Norman Invasion of England and the clash between Secular and Canon Law. Peter O'toole and Richard Burton star and do a fine job. Much of the Church/State scandals over misbehaving Clergy which are still issues today in the U.S. and Europe are discussed here. The Color and Scenery alone are worth the price of the movie. Dr. Craig Holoboski
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