The Hollow Crown

2011 • SBS
4.6
8 reviews
Eligible
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Season 1 episodes (4)

1 Richard II
6/29/12
Season-only
From executive producer Sam Mendes comes The Hollow Crown, stunning adaptations of four of Shakespeare's most treasured plays featuring all-star casts. In Richard II, King Richard (Ben Whishaw of Skyfall), a vain, self-indulgent man who rules with little regard for his people's welfare, is called upon to settle a dispute between his cousin Henry Bolingbroke and Thomas Mowbray. In an act that will spell doom for his reign, he banishes both men, and sets into motion a chain of events that will change British history forever. The work of William Shakespeare is brought to life by a cast that also includes Patrick Stewart (Star Trek), James Purefoy (The Following), and David Morrissey (The Walking Dead). A Focus World presentation.
2 Henry IV, Part 1
7/6/12
Season-only
From executive producer Sam Mendes comes The Hollow Crown, stunning adaptations of four of Shakespeare's most treasured plays featuring all-star casts. In Henry IV, Part 1, King Henry IV (Academy Award-winner Jeremy Irons) sees his reign marred by uprisings led by young Harry Hotspur and undercut by the impulsive, irresponsible actions of his son Prince Hal (Tom Hiddleston of The Avengers). As the stakes get even higher, both sides converge in the epic battle of Shrewsbury. Also starring Michelle Dockery (Downton Abbey) and Julie Walters (Harry Potter), and directed by Richard Eyre (Notes on a Scandal). A Focus World Presentation.
3 Henry IV, Part 2
7/6/12
Season-only
From executive producer Sam Mendes comes The Hollow Crown, stunning adaptations of four of Shakespeare's most treasured plays featuring all-star casts. Starring Academy Award-winner Jeremy Irons, Henry IV, Part 2 shows the increasingly frail King Henry stave off insurrection following the battle of Shrewsbury and the rise of his son, Prince Hal (Tom Hiddleston of The Avengers), who will ascend to the throne as Henry V. Also starring Michelle Dockery (Downton Abbey) and Julie Walters (Harry Potter), and directed by Richard Eyre (Notes on a Scandal). A Focus World Presentation.
4 Henry V
7/20/12
Season-only
From executive producer Sam Mendes comes The Hollow Crown, stunning adaptations of four of Shakespeare's most treasured plays featuring all-star casts. Prince Hal's (The Avengers' Tom Hiddleston) journey continues in Henry V. Recently crowned King, he has scarcely settled onto the throne when the French ambassador brings a challenge to his rule. Inspired by his courtiers Exeter and York, Henry swears that he will answer the French with all force. The stage is set for all-out war, and the young ruler must overcome incredible odds and self-doubt to win the day. A Focus World presentation.

About this show

These stunning adaptations tell the story of three kings, Richard II, Henry IV & Henry V and their battle for survival. Shakespeare's epic yet intimate plays are filmed in the visually breathtaking landscape and architecture of the period. Starring Ben Winshaw, Tom Hiddleston & Jeremy Irons, these rich films feature some of Shakespeare's most memorable and powerful language.

Ratings and reviews

4.6
8 reviews
MrStanleySass
June 21, 2019
If you want to see history 'black-washed' by an agenda--pushing BBC then this is for you. Apparently, here, Margaret of Anjou is a Jewish African woman. The argument that "it's about the acting" doesn't cut any ice because we know that has nothing to do with her casting. It is politicizing the production with identity politics and it sucks. So while the production and everything is brilliant, this deliberate rubbing of our face in diversity just so we'll get used to it is so irritating that it ruins the whole shebang. Maybe next time Spike Lee might consider a white actor to play Malcolm X. After all, it's just about the acting. Having said, the best Shakespeare EVER.
Edward Thomas Lagan
November 16, 2019
The racial profiling involved, in reviewing this first-class series, displays a somewhat misinformed view of the Shakespearean canon. As examples, the cultural conventions of the 1590,s required the plays to be performed by an all-male cast, Othello (1603) played, in what is now described, as ‘blackface’. Veracity does not lie in racial or gender presuppositions. Please focus any reviews on the quality of the work.