A Man for All Seasons 4K 1966 Ultra HD 2160p

Story Movie

The events, historically faithfully reproduced on the screen, take place in England of the XVI century, during the reign of King Henry VIII. The plot is based on the conflict between the king and Lord Chancellor Thomas More, a great humanist, statesman, prominent lawyer and philosopher.

Review 4K Movie

A beautiful and dramatic story told by Fred Zinnemann, honored by the Academy. It raises the perennial questions of our being - principle, courage, intransigence, and betrayal.

At the center of the narrative is the conflict between Thomas More, Lord Chancellor, writer and thinker, and prominent statesman, and the King of England, Henry VIII. A clash that tested the spirit and fortitude of one, against an entire country. What is it? Foolish moralizing? Vanity? Or is it the doom of one alone, against others - ready to succumb? Wisdom? Willingness to go to the very end, self-sacrifice in the service of one's convictions.

In 1529, Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, Archbishop of York and Lord Chancellor of England, will be retired because he has failed to arrange a divorce between King Henry of England and his wife Catherine of Aragon. The Lord Chancellor was replaced by the worthiest of the worthy, Thomas More. Unfortunately, the principles and zealous attitude of More to the principles of the Catholic Church played a bad joke with Henry VIII. The elected Lord Chancellor was against this divorce, arguing that it - the need for the permission of the Pope. King Henry, needing an heir, broke off relations with Rome and began to establish the Anglican Church, giving himself the title of Supreme Head.

Throughout the viewing does not leave the feeling of theatricality of the production, almost complete lack of camera movement, clearly focused frame, which gives a special piquancy to this picture. Excellent costumes, especially worth noting the robes of King Henry, emphasizing his position and titles.

Separately it is worth mentioning the constellation of wonderful actors - Paul Scofield as Mora - a judicious thinker, able to communicate equally with dignity - both with Henry and with the court plaintiffs; unparalleled play Robert Shaw as the King of England - explosive temperament in consonance with humor, a man not used to hearing the word “no”, it just has to be seen, unfortunately he is given only a few episodes; Leo McKern - as Thomas Cromwell, a selfish careerist and opportunist; Nigel Davenport - as the Duke of Norfolk, going to the king and the crowd, desperately seeking ways to save an unyielding friend; and of course a very young John Hurt - as Richard Rich, not withstanding the test of conscience.

Such is this tragic story. Hypocrites and careerists weave intrigues, kings are ready to jeopardize the country for the sake of their own lust, the principled and honest are destined to burn in this hyena of brushwood. Will justice prevail? Those who send More to execution will be burned, murdered. Except Richard Rich, who will eventually become Chancellor. So is this justice? Is there any, and is it worth waiting for? Zinnemann does not give an answer to the question, it is up to each individual to decide. This is the principle of our life, the principle of our time.

“I will not give in, because that's who I am, and it's not about pride or resentment - only in myself. In me!” That's him, Thomas More, Lord Chancellor, philosopher, writer and humanist - a Man for All Time.