Macbeth

What it's about:

Macbeth is the story of a fearless warrior and inspiring leader brought low by ambition and desire. A thrilling interpretation of the dramatic realities of the times and a reimagining of what wartime must have been like for one of Shakespeare's most famous and compelling characters.

What we thought:

I studied Macbeth twice. Once in high school during my matric year and then again during my first year at university in English class. I’ve imagined the Shakespearean characters many a way but not in my wildest imagination could I have dreamed up what director Justin Kurzel put on the big screen.

Kurzel, who also worked with Fassbender on Assassin's Creed, took a whole new approach to bringing the Scottish play to life.

He painted a dark more earthy picture whilst somehow giving it a modern touch that an audience today would expect.

The visuals, especially when slowed down to emphasize every movement and facial expression, are a feast for the eyes. The colour palet of browns, greys, dark orange and white soak into the films core storyline and effortlessly emphasizes the dramatic plot that unfolds.

The themes of darkness, desire and guilt are drenched in dirt and blood and dragged throughout the film by a phenomenal cast. It’s impossible to keep your eyes off Michael Fassbender as a truly captivating Macbeth. His portrayal of the infamous protagonist, both physically and emotionally, is so skilfully executed that you’ll never be able to imagine another actor in the role again. Michael Fassbender ís Macbeth.

Marion Cotillard’s Lady Macbeth is so raw and beautiful that you hardly notice the evil web she spins throughout which ultimately sees the demise of her and her husband. It’s definitely a more modern Lady that we get to see but that doesn’t make her any less poisonous.

Of course the film is not without its faults. Newcomers to Macbeth will undoubtedly struggle to keep up. The plot unfolds fast, skips a few key moments and mercilessly spits out the Shakespearean English, making it a tough task to keep up. However in the time of cellphones and short attention spans, Kurzel cleverly stitched together a quicker version of the classic play.

This Macbeth is strikingly powerful, absolutely action-packed and undoubtedly a must-see.