For this excellent traditional presentation of Shakespeare's classic work, Olivier gives just the sort of performance we'd expect, he conveys Lear's spirit and the pathos of the situation in which he finds himself with clarity and insight into the character's personality. The costumes are wonderful, as are the sets, the most noteworthy of these being Stonehenge, which is the setting for both the first and final scenes. Very little of the text has been omitted and, with the possible exception of find out more...

In 907 AD, the Tang Dynasty is in tatters; infighting snarls the imperial family. Crown Prince Wu Luan loves Little Wan, but his father takes her as his Empress. Wu Luan goes into exile, studying dance and music. His uncle murders his father, taking throne and Empress; uncle sends assassins to kill Wu Luan. The Crown Prince eludes death and comes to court. The Emperor arranges for Little Wan's coronation and dispatches Wu Luan to a distant land; he then calls for a midnight banquet on the 100 find out more...