Laurence Fishburne does one helluva job portraying the famous Moor straight out of the pages of Shakespeare.

| May 13, 2022

Anna Patrick is particularly impressive in the usually overlooked role of Emilia.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Feb 25, 2022

Like its hero, Oliver Parker's Othello starts mightily -- resplendent and captivating -- before crumpling under the weight of misguided choices and self-delusion.

| Dec 7, 2017

Laurence Fishburne is an actor of no little talent, but he lacks Othello's martial bearing and heroic stature.

| Original Score: 2/4 | Jul 3, 2008

Branagh, as Iago, is so obviously the best thing in this largely uninteresting interpretation that you feel sorry for him when he inevitably bites the big one.

| Jul 3, 2008

A decent but not great version that makes Shakespeare's reliable play accessible, but the acting is uneven: Branagh is witty as Iago, Fishburne looks but doesn't sound right, and Jacob is pale as Desdemona.

| Original Score: C+ | Mar 16, 2008

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Feb 16, 2008

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Dec 8, 2007

A highly engaging attempt at Shakespeare's most domestic tragedy.

| Jan 26, 2006

An entertaining, respectful adaptation that plays like an erotic thriller with Elizabethan language.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Dec 5, 2004

Fishburne gives an amazingly chilling turn; when his Othello receives the Bad News about his lady love, Fishburne positively radiates homicide.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Feb 6, 2004

Fine Shakespeare adaptation

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Nov 25, 2003

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Nov 7, 2003

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Oct 9, 2003

Every character is balanced by another similar or contrasting one, yet Parker does little to help the viewer make these associations.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4 | May 20, 2003

Mr. Branagh's superb performance...guarantees this film an immediacy that any audience will understand.

Full Review | May 20, 2003

Recommended only to those who haven't yet seen enough Shakespeare on film.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/10 | Jan 30, 2003

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Dec 18, 2002

A pop-tart telling of Shakespeare's vengeful drama, done with remarkable flair.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Nov 28, 2002

Davies has done an admirable job of condensing the sprawling action.

Full Review | Oct 15, 2002