Book Reviews and More: The Hallow Crown 2012-2016

Wednesday, 12 March 2025

The Hallow Crown 2012-2016 - Movie Review

The Hallow Crown

Year: 2012-2016

Directors:

Rupert Goold

Richard Eyre

Thea Sharrock

Dominic Cooke

Executive producer: Sam Mendes

Producer: Rupert Ryle-Hodges

Running time: varies

Production companies:

Neal Street Productions

NBCUniversal

WNET

The Hallow Crown 2012-2016 Complete Series

A few years ago my son discovered a love of theatre, and I rediscovered it from my own youth. Since then we have been to numerous productions at the Stratford Festival in Stratford Ontario. We both try and read the plays before going and often watch other productions before going to see the play live. After having seen a few of the plasy in this collection we decided to give this series a try. It did not disappoint. It is an absolutely stunning series of adaptations of William Shakespeare’s Historical plays. The title of the series is taken from Richard II:

“For within the hollow crown

That rounds the mortal temples of a king

Keeps Death his court...

— Richard II, act 3, scene 2”

Season one released in 2012 and season 2 in 2016.

The description of the DVD of this movie collection states:

“From executive producer Sam Mendes (Skyfall, American Beauty) comes a stunning adaptation of four of Shakespeare's most celebrated history plays: Richard II, Henry IV (Part 1 and Part 2), and Henry V. Academy Award® winner Jeremy Irons (The Borgias), Tom Hiddleston (The Avengers), and Ben Whishaw (Skyfall) in his award-winning role as Richard II star in this epic tale of three kings, their battle for survival, and the rise and fall of a dynasty.”

And the synopsis states:

“The Hollow Crown: The Complete Series is a collection of Shakespeare's history plays adapted into a television series, showcasing the rise and fall of English kings and the political intrigue of the time.”

Another description states:

“A collection containing all seven BBC filmed adaptations of Shakespeare's 'History Plays' from 'The Hollow Crown' series, comprising 'Richard II', 'Henry IV: Parts 1 & 2', 'Henry V', 'Henry VI: Parts 1 & 2' and 'Richard III'. Beginning in the year 1399, the plays deal with events affecting the monarchy during a period where the ruling orders of Richard II, Henry IV and Richard III find themselves beset by rebellion, greed and war.”

This can be purchased in a number of ways, you can buy season 1, or season 2 called War of the Roses, There are couple of Complete editions with different covers. And I believe you can purchase each separately on DVD or from digital services.

The plays in this collection are:

Season 1:

Richard II

Henry IV, Part I

Henry IV, Part II

Henry V

Season 2:

Henry VI Part I

Henry VI Part II

Richard III

Key Cast:

Jeremy Irons

Tom Hiddleston

Benedict Cumberbatch

Hugh Bonneville

Judi Dench

Sophie Okonedo

Tom Sturridge

Simon Russell Beale

Judi Dench

Ben Whishaw

Patrick Stewart

From what I have read the first season stayed very true to the plays, but season 2 truncated much of the source material. But that does not take away from the power of these productions. Richard III is one of both y sons and my plays. I have seen Colm Feore play the role over 30 years apart at the Stratford Festival in Ontario. My son had scoliosis and his curvature nearly perfectly matched Richards from when his grave was discovered. So it is always one dear to our hearts. But to be honest each of the 7 productions was magnificent.

My son's before and after and a costume from Stratford 2022

I honestly feel writing a review of the series will never do it justice, I should go back and rewatch each and write a review after each one. The series was nominated for 14 awards and won 6. Stand out performances by Simon Russell Beale as Falstaff, Jeremy Irons as King Henry IV, Tom Hiddleston as King Henry V, and Benedict Cumberbatch as Richard III as well as incredible supporting casts make these productions unforgettable.

Each of the 7 could easily have had theatrical releases. The production quality is top notch, The locations, the costumes, the combat, and even the cinematography is all excellent!

If you are a fan of the works of The Bard these are a must watch!