The Lion in Winter

For sheer bloody-minded, backstabbing, double-crossing behavior, few families can beat the Plantagenets. This is unfortunate for King Henry II, who, having brought together England, Scotland, Wales, and a hefty chunk of France under his rule has to leave it to someone capable of keeping it all intact. Henry (Peter O'Toole) is a master manipulator, powerful and charismatic, who favors his youngest son John for the throne. His sternest opposition comes from his quick- witted wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine (Katherine Hepburn), who he keeps imprisoned for, among other things, attempting to lead a rebellion against him. Eleanor favors Richard (Anthony Hopkins, in his first major film role), and will do whatever it takes to put him on the throne in John's place - or in Henry's, if necessary. And though middle brother Geoffrey has been left out of the plans, he's more than capable of manipulating both sides in order to secure himself the best position possible in the new regime.

Over one Christmas, the family members are brought together by Henry so that he can sort things out, solidify his alliances, and satisfy an old obligation to the young King of France (Timothy Dalton, in a small but very tasty part), who of course has his own agenda. In fact, to say that any of these people have an agenda is an understatement - they all seem to have multiple schemes going on at once. Alongside the political motivations are personal ones - Eleanor's old hurts from Henry's infidelities drive her behavior almost as much as the thought of seeing her favored child in power, and Henry supports John for reasons which seem less to do with John's promise as a leader (which seems to be apparent only to his father), as to an old grudge against Richard for choosing Eleanor over him. Only Alais, poor Alais (a very sad Jane Merrow), mistress to the King, promised bride to Richard (threatened bride to John), has just one agenda - to stay with Henry, the man she loves. Her simple dedication makes her an easy pawn; in one of the film's best scenes, she is rushed to the chapel by Henry for a midnight wedding to Richard - a wedding which is calculated by the King to blow some alliances apart, but nearly at the expense of Alais, the woman he claims to love.

This film is not for the slow. The dialogue is quick and sharp; the plot twists and turns as alliances are formed, broken, and formed again. Fortunately, you can take notes in the privacy of your own home, and rewind the tape when things get complex - or simply to watch again the brilliant acting from almost all parties, most especially in the relationship between Henry and Eleanor. O'Toole and Hepburn give fantastic performances, by turns wicked, funny, passionate and compassionate. Both are compelling enough that you want them to get their way, yet vicious enough to turn your blood cold, but keep your eyes glued to the screen. Hopkins, as the warrior Prince Richard, plays the part with a gentle undertone; though he seems primed to rip the kingdom out of his father's hands if necessary, he's just as capable of tears when faced with his mother's pain. Even while sharing the screen with someone as dominating as Hepburn, Hopkins more than holds his own. The weakest part is that of Terry as young Prince John. Though he froths and spits very well, you never understand what it is that Henry sees in him that would support the weight of a kingdom.

The Lion in Winter is probably one of those films you know you should see, but haven't gotten around to. Get around to it.