Movies

Fred Zinnemann (High Noon) directs this fine adaptation of the play by Robert Bolt (Lawrence of Arabia, Doctor Zhivago), who also penned the script. The plot follows the conflict between Sir Thomas More and Henry VIII over the king's marriage to Anne Boleyn which led to the English Reformation.Paul Scofield elevates the movie with one of the great performances of the Sixties, playing More with dignity, intelligence, humour and vulnerability. To appreciate how great Scofield is, compare him to Charlton Heston as More in the 1988 version. While Heston's performance isn't bad (just like the remake), it lacks the nuance and subtlety of Scofield's.Also featuring Robert Shaw as Henry VIII, Leo McKern as Cromwell, Nigel Davenport as the Duke of Norfolk, a young John Hurt (in his first major role) as a social climber and a memorable cameo by Orson Welles as bitter, bleary-eyed Cardinal Wolsey.8/10

Astounding dialogue, cinematography and performances, especially that of Paul Scofield - leaves us with the story of Thomas More to absorb and ultimately determine our own perspective of what we've experienced. To this day, a far from uncommon tale of religious dogma resulting in the most severe of consequences, on this occasion however, the way More chose to exercise his position is the way he draws our empathy - regardless of our agnosticity, Joan of Arc has the same effect. Perhaps, in modern times, it is that unshakable belief we have trouble coming to terms with, especially if, as a result, it concludes with the ultimate sacrifice.

It is a travesty that this film is not in the top 250. Something is very very wrong with rating system that says The Big Lebowski is a better film.I can't add anything to what has already been said about A Man for All Seasons. Unquestionably one of the greatest films of all time, and stands the test of time. It will be revered as a great film 100 years from now. Will Lebowski? Doubt it. Winner of nearly every award it was nominated for. Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Screenplay, etc. One of the few movies that makes my whole being vibrate when I watch it. I am moved to tears in almost every scene because the scene is executed so perfectly. Please IMDb, this must give you pause. Any system that does not put this film in the top 100 borders on insanity or uselessness.