The Lion in Winter

A gripping, dialogue-driven family power struggle that feels like a tense chess match, demanding close attention to every verbal parry.

Directed by

Andrei Konchalovsky

Genres

Drama, History, Tv movie

Starring

Glenn Close, Patrick Stewart, Andrew Howard

Tagline

All of Britain and half of France were his kingdom. But there was one thing Henry II would never control . . . His Family.

Overview

Christmas 1183, Angevin Empire: King Henry II plans to announce his successor to the throne. Jockeying for the crown, though, is complex. Henry has three sons and wants his boy Prince John to take over. Henry's wife, Queen Eleanor, believes their son Prince Richard should be king. As family and various schemers gather for the holiday, each tries to make the indecisive king choose their option.

How it feels

Tense, dark, satirical and melancholic. Measured and demanding.

About

Power, family, betrayal, ambition

Content

Mild violence, sexual content and language. No gore.

Note

Written by AI, so it can be wrong. Full breakdown

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Watch the trailer on YouTube (opens in a new tab)