The Lion in Winter (2003 film)


The Lion in Winter is a 2003 made-for-television remake of the 1966 stage play of the same name and of the original 1968 screen version of the play which had featured Peter O'Toole and Katharine Hepburn.
The remake was first shown on December 26, 2003 in the U.K. and premiered on U.S. television on May 26, 2004. It starred Patrick Stewart and Glenn Close, and was directed by Andrei Konchalovsky. It was filmed on location at Spiš Castle in eastern Slovakia, interiors were filmed in Budapest, Hungary.
Andrew Howard, John Light, and Rafe Spall played the warring brothers. Jonathan Rhys Meyers played the king of France and Julia Vysotskaya, his sister and Henry's mistress, Princess Alais.

Plot

In the year 1183, King Henry II of England has invited his three sons, his estranged wife, and the new King of France to join him at his Christmas court at Chinon Castle. His eldest son Henry has died and now the King must decide upon a new heir. King Henry favours his youngest John. Queen Eleanor, who has been imprisoned the past ten years for staging a revolt against her husband, favours the older son Richard.

Cast

Variety said the film "is a long sit but nevertheless a rewarding one" and of Close's performance, "her Eleanor manages to stand apart from Hepburn’s".

Awards and nominations

Won

Primetime Emmy Awards
Golden Globe Awards
Screen Actors Guild Awards
Costume Designers Guild
Primetime Emmy Awards
Golden Globe Awards
Producers Guild of America Awards