IMDb RATING
6.8/10
6.8K
YOUR RATING
The magician Prospero attempts to stop his daughter's affair with an enemy.The magician Prospero attempts to stop his daughter's affair with an enemy.The magician Prospero attempts to stop his daughter's affair with an enemy.
- Nominated for 1 BAFTA Award
- 3 wins & 4 nominations total
James Thierrée
- Ariel
- (as James Thiérrée)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaProspero was Sir John Gielgud's favorite stage role and he had attempted to mount a movie of Shakespeare's "The Tempest" for decades, contacting Orson Welles, Akira Kurosawa, and Ingmar Bergman about directing, and Welles and Albert Finney about playing Caliban. The version with Welles directing and playing Caliban was in preparation until the financial failure of Welles' and Gielgud's movie of Falstaff (1966) forced the project to fall through, where it laid dormant until Gielgud finally convinced Peter Greenaway to make this version.
- Alternate versionsThe German DVD version has two title cards before the opening credits explaining prior events and the premise of the film.
- SoundtracksProspero's Magic
Written by Michael Nyman
Featured review
I was absolutely in awe the first time I saw this film, but haven't really been able to sit through it again (its mainly the shoddy VHS I own), but I plan to give it the time it deserves. First off, I love Shakespeare, and I knew the Tempest fairly well before seeing this. I can imagine enjoying it fresh, but honestly, its main pts are for those familiar with the play. That said, Greenway has created a grand piece of artwork with this film. I love plot, I miss it often (and its often missing these days), but I equally enjoy works that don't use it or go beyond it. The visuals are lush, and Michael Nyman's score is fantastic...Prospero's Books is more experience than story, like a painting or a song.
Understandbly, Greenway is one of those filmmakers whose audience should be prepared for something different than the regular fare. I have a feeling my own attachment to the source material may be casting the film more glowingly than it deserves. The play has its flaws too, but for someone who takes the time it certainly rewards you well.
I'll comment on the nudity, very briefly. Sex, sensuality, and natural forms are three things that can be very differently perceived, and Prospero's Books deals with it in an adult (as in mature) manner, come that way and you'll be fine.
Understandbly, Greenway is one of those filmmakers whose audience should be prepared for something different than the regular fare. I have a feeling my own attachment to the source material may be casting the film more glowingly than it deserves. The play has its flaws too, but for someone who takes the time it certainly rewards you well.
I'll comment on the nudity, very briefly. Sex, sensuality, and natural forms are three things that can be very differently perceived, and Prospero's Books deals with it in an adult (as in mature) manner, come that way and you'll be fine.
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Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Official sites
- Language
- Also known as
- 魔法師的寶典
- Filming locations
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- £1,500,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $1,750,301
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $34,728
- Nov 17, 1991
- Gross worldwide
- $1,750,301
- Runtime2 hours 4 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.78 : 1
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