The film, which is currently available on Netflix, has received high praise from cinema enthusiasts after others have praised a period drama and others have been captivated by a dark series.
One viewer gave the film a perfect score, stating in their review: “One of the most intelligent and moving films ever.”
Another top-rated review was titled: “The Ultimate Lead Performance”, with the reviewer elaborating: “He is that magnificent. He IS Sir Thomas More. We feel his hope, weariness, fire, virtue, protectiveness, morality, and bemusement as richly as he conveys each one frequently, one right after another.”
A third glowing review read: “This is one of my favorite [sic] films. It is of perfect length and pacing, and the script is one of the best ever written. The acting, direction, and design of this movie are uniformly excellent.”
Another Netflix user commented: “One of the greatest cinematic studies of the nature of personal integrity, I sometimes think that this film is in danger of being forgotten — and it shouldn’t be.”
An additional viewer praised the film’s “brilliant acting”, adding: “A Man for all Seasons is simply a fantastic film which I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys historical dramas.”
Yet another waxed lyrical and declared the movie to the “simply the best” and explained: “After 60 years–and many hundreds of movies–I steadfastly maintain that “A Man for All Seasons” is hands down the best ever. What’s more (no pun intended), Paul Scofield’s performance is also the finest job any actor (of any gender) has ever turned in…at least in a motion picture.”
A Man for All Seasons was released in 1966 and served as a film version of Robert Bolt’s stage play bearing the same title.
The storyline centred on the tragic fall of Sir Thomas More (portrayed by Paul Scofield), who found himself torn between his religious convictions and allegiance to King Henry VIII (Robert Shaw) when he declined to endorse a petition urging the Pope to dissolve the monarch’s first union with Catherine of Aragon.
More equally rejected taking an Oath of Supremacy proclaiming Henry as Supreme Head of the Church of England, resulting in his ultimate disgrace.
Performer Scofield assumed the character having previously starred in the theatrical version.
A Man for All Seasons claimed the Best Picture Oscar at the 39th Academy Awards.
Additional honours were bestowed upon director Fred Zinnemann and Best Actor for leading man Scofield.
The supporting ensemble featured Wendy Hiller, Leo McKern, legendary filmmaker and performer Orson Welles, Robert Shaw, Susannah York, Corin Redgrave, celebrated actress Dame Vanessa Redgrave, and John Hurt in amongst his earliest performances.
Viewers who appreciated the BBC’s Wolf Hall will probably discover A Man for All Seasons equally captivating.
A Man for All Seasons 1966 is streaming on Netflix now