Drama,Thriller
United States of America,Italy,Serbia and Montenegro
Coriolanus is a modern adaptation of William Shakespeare's tragic play, set in a dystopian version of Rome. The movie is directed by and stars Ralph Fiennes in the titular role, alongside Gerard Butler as Tullus Aufidius and Vanessa Redgrave as Volumnia, Coriolanus' mother.
The story begins with Coriolanus leading a successful military campaign against the Volscian rebels led by Aufidius. However, his disdain for the common people of Rome becomes evident when he refuses to engage with them in a plebeian forum, calling them "fragments" and "common cry of curs". His refusal to show political ambition alienates him from the people and the ruling class of Rome.
Coriolanus' mother, Volumnia, urges him to seek the consulship, the highest office in Rome. However, his rigid and uncompromising demeanor makes him an easy target for his political rivals, especially the tribunes who undermine his candidacy by painting him as an enemy of the people. Despite his valor and accomplishments as a soldier, he is eventually banished from Rome and forced to flee to Aufidius' territory.
Coriolanus' military skills and his personal enmity with Aufidius lead him to form an alliance with his former enemy to launch a retaliatory attack on Rome. However, when Volumnia and his wife plead with him to spare the city, he relents just before the attack, leading to his own demise at the hands of his newfound ally and his followers.
The movie is a powerful portrayal of political ambition, loyalty, betrayal, and honor, bolstered by strong performances and visceral action sequences. It also tackles themes of social class, populism, and the role of the military in politics.
