The Lion in Winter (1968)

The critic calls it the original Succession and highlights the star-studded cast and literate screenplay. The verbal sparring and inheritance drama at Chinon castle are singled out as the film's strengths.

This restored classic still roars with its splendid language, pageantry, and spectacular lead performances by Hepburn and O'Toole as battling royals. The focus on verbal jousting and the strong cast, including early turns by Hopkins and Dalton, keeps it compelling despite its theatrical roots.

The film succeeds with its literate script and intelligent direction, standing out for handling ideas and emotions effectively in a believable historical setting. Ebert praises the strong performances, especially by Peter O'Toole, Katharine Hepburn, and newcomers Anthony Hopkins and Timothy Dalton.

The critic praises the film as a lively Plantagenet family soap opera full of savage catfights and witty dialogue. Hepburn and O'Toole are singled out for their matching, delicious performances as the scheming royal couple.

An intense, fierce personal drama put across by outstanding performances from Peter O'Toole and Katharine Hepburn, with excellent work by director Anthony Harvey and a generally strong cast. The literate adaptation stands out for its treatment of treachery in Henry II's family.

The critic praises this rousing historical melodrama for its two powerhouse performances from Katharine Hepburn and Peter O’Toole. Director Anthony Harvey is singled out for creating a splendid medieval setting that supports the family intrigue.

The critic notes the film's 1968 critical reception and commercial success despite some detractors, highlighting its enduring appeal as a holiday favorite centered on a dysfunctional royal family.

The movie is mostly outdoorsy and fun with witty, if dated, dialogue and solid acting from the ensemble, particularly the younger actors. It remains faithful to the play with energetic scenes but feels weakest in its climaxes and cinematic touches.

The film suffers from too much inappropriate integrity, elevating the campy stage material into ponderous historical drama with overwrought emotions. O'Toole gives a robust, histrionic performance that almost saves it, while Hepburn's portrayal draws too much on her own persona.

The film is made stunning by the performances of Hepburn and O'Toole, who thrive on the tight script and deliver pure brilliance in their roles as Eleanor and Henry II. Anthony Harvey's direction keeps the focus on the performances and script without overdoing it, resulting in a wonderful film that one must see, though some supporting performances veer toward hammy.

The critic presents the 1968 film as an ideal holiday movie due to its depiction of a royally dysfunctional family feuding over power during Christmas. She singles out the sharp dialogue, Katharine Hepburn's sass, and the relatable messiness of family gatherings for praise.

The review praises the venomous family power struggles and especially Katherine Hepburn's magnificent performance as the scheming Eleanor, calling the cast's energy a sight to behold.