I’m often asked the question, ‘What is your favorite movie?” For some people, that can be a fairly simple question, but for me… forget it. There are so many movies that I love, and all of them for different reasons. But for the purposes of this review, I’d need to point out that 1968’s “The Lion in Winter” ranks high on every ‘list’ I’ve ever compiled. It was perfectly cast and has within its frames some of the finest performances by Peter O’Toole, Katherine Hepburn, Anthony Hopkins, Timothy Dalton and the regrettably little known Nigel Terry. The script was sharp, and unbeknownst to most people who consider no more than a ‘period’ piece and so have never seen it, bitingly funny. For those unfamiliar, “The Lion in Winter”, is set in England during Christmas of 1183. King Henry the II and his wife Eleanor or Aquitaine have gathered their three adult sons in order to decide which one should become the next King. By description, that might seem a bore.

However, watching Henry match wits with Eleanor offers a veritable tour de force of double entendres and sarcastic wit. Because, being that they are married, they do not see eye to eye on anything. Henry looks to his youngest son John, while Eleanor leans more in favor of elder son Richard. But the middle son, Geoffrey does not wish to be left out, and so has schemes of his own. Then there is the matter of Henry keeping Eleanor locked up in the castles towers so he may have his way with mistresses. Oddly enough, this does not sit well with Eleanor so she also happens to be plotting how soon her husband will be replaced.

As “The Lion in Winter” was originally produced as a play and then turned into a film, I have seen many versions of the story. Very few have ever come close to capturing the chemistry of the film’s cast, which is what brings me to the most recent version I’ve had the opportunity to see. Last year, a TV version was filmed with Patrick Stewart as Henry and Glenn Close as Eleanor. How could you go wrong with two actors of such incredible range and talent? The answer is… you almost can’t.

Why almost? Well, this new version of “The Lion in Winter” suffers from the one problem most remakes find themselves dealing with. Comparison. No matter how good this production is, it will forever stand in the shadow of the original. Those who have not seen the 1968 version will no doubt find this an entertaining film. The performances by Stewart and Close are dead on, and they deliver the lines as if they were razor sharp daggers. This version is certainly as good as or better than any stage production I have had the opportunity to see. But…

As good as this version is, if someone were to ask me which version they should watch, if they only had one choice, I would lean heavily to the original. This doesn’t stop me from recommending it, however. What I am trying to say is that this new version is well worth seeing if you get the opportunity. But do yourself a favor. If you enjoy it as much as I think you will, wait a couple of weeks and take the time to watch the original as well.

Lion’s Gate Home Entertainment is releasing the DVD of this Hallmark presentation this month the transfer looks terrific. In the way of extra features there is only a Behind the Scenes featurette.

Directed by: Andrei Konchalovsky
Starring: Glenn Close, Patrick Stewart
Extras: Behind the Scenes Featurette
Specifications: Full Frame, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, 2.0 Dolby
Studio: Lion’s Gate
Release Date: 7/20/2004
Region: 1
MPAA Rating: NR
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We'll give The Lion in Winter a B-.