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The Lion in Winter
1968 134 min United Kingdom PG 12+
★8.4
Drama, History
Director: Anthony Harvey
Trailers
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EN
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EN
Description
Henry II and his estranged queen, Eleanor of Aquitaine, battle over the choice of an heir.
US Gross:
$18,177
Starring
Peter O'Toole
Actor
Katharine Hepburn
Actor
Anthony Hopkins
Actor
Awards
Academy Awards 1969
— Best Score for a Drama
Golden Globe 1969
— Best Actor (Drama)
Academy Awards 1969
— Best Actress
Academy Awards 1969
— Best Costume Design
Academy Awards 1969
— Best Director
BAFTA 1969
— Best Costume Design
Academy Awards 1969
— Best Picture
Golden Globe 1969
— Best Actor (Drama)
Golden Globe 1969
— Best Director
BAFTA 1969
— Best Supporting Actor
Golden Globe 1969
— Best Supporting Actress
Golden Globe 1969
— Best Screenplay
BAFTA 1969
— Best Screenplay
Academy Awards 1969
— Best Actress
BAFTA 1969
— Best Actress
Academy Awards 1969
— Best Adapted Screenplay
BAFTA 1969
— United Nations Award
Academy Awards 1969
— Best Actor
Golden Globe 1969
— Best Picture (Drama)
Golden Globe 1969
— Best Actress (Drama)
BAFTA 1969
— Anthony Asquith Award for Film Music
BAFTA 1969
— Best Cinematography
Key opinion
The Lion in Winter is widely regarded as a masterful, dialogue-driven character study that benefits from exceptional lead performances. While some viewers criticize its theatrical nature and lack of traditional action, most praise its intelligent screenplay and atmospheric, grounded depiction of medieval court intrigue.
| Acting | Katharine Hepburn and Peter O’Toole deliver powerful, career-defining performances that anchor the film's emotional intensity. | |
| Screenplay | James Goldman’s screenplay is highly praised for its sharp, witty, and intellectually stimulating dialogue. | |
| Production | The production design successfully avoids medieval romanticism, favoring a gritty, authentic, and atmospheric portrayal of 12th-century court life. | |
| Pacing | The film’s heavily theatrical, dialogue-centric style polarizes audiences: some find it a compelling psychological drama, while others perceive it as repetitive, static, or overwrought. |