Coriolanus Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A grumpy general gets kicked out of Rome and teams up with his rival to throw the ultimate ‘I told you so’ party… with siege weapons.

🍿 Coriolanus: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Initial Unrest and Coriolanus’s Contempt

The film opens with Rome in turmoil, its citizens starving and protesting against the patrician class. Caius Martius Coriolanus, a celebrated Roman general, holds deep contempt for the commoners, viewing them as unworthy of the Republic’s resources. His rigid beliefs and outspoken disdain fuel the public’s anger, setting the stage for escalating conflict.

Military Victory and Political Ambitions

Coriolanus leads the Roman army to a decisive victory against the Volscians, led by his rival Tullus Aufidius. Returning a hero, he is encouraged by his ambitious mother, Volumnia, to enter politics and seek the position of consul. However, his inability to feign humility and connect with the common people proves to be his undoing.

Banished from Rome

Due to his arrogance and scathing remarks directed at the Roman populace, Coriolanus is manipulated by political rivals and ultimately banished from Rome. This act of betrayal profoundly impacts him, fueling his desire for revenge against the city that he served so valiantly.

Alliance with Aufidius

Driven by vengeance, Coriolanus seeks out his sworn enemy, Tullus Aufidius, offering his services to the Volscian army. He aligns himself with Aufidius, forming an unlikely and uneasy alliance with the intent of marching against Rome and exacting retribution for his banishment.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Caius Martius Coriolanus (Ralph Fiennes): A Roman general and war hero whose pride and contempt for the common people lead to his banishment and eventual alliance with his enemy.
• Tullus Aufidius (Gerard Butler): Coriolanus’s sworn enemy and leader of the Volscians, who later forms an alliance with him to take revenge on Rome.
• Menenius (Brian Cox): A Roman patrician and friend to Coriolanus who tries to mediate between him and the people of Rome.
• Volumnia (Vanessa Redgrave): Coriolanus’s ambitious and influential mother, who pushes him toward political power and ultimately convinces him to spare Rome.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Caius Martius Coriolanus: “I’ll fight with none but thee; for I do hate thee worse.” – Coriolanus expresses his intense hatred for Tullus Aufidius before engaging him in battle.
• Caius Martius Coriolanus: “I had rather be their servant in my way, Than sway with them in theirs.” – Coriolanus declares he’d rather be a common soldier than become a politician and appease the masses.
• Volumnia: “Action is eloquence.” – Volumnia tells her son that military might can communicate louder than words.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $12,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $757,195
• Worldwide Gross: $2,435,325

💥 Coriolanus Reviews

Personal Review

I went into ‘Coriolanus’ expecting a stuffy Shakespeare adaptation, but I was blown away by the raw intensity. Fiennes’ performance is mesmerizing. The modern setting creates an interesting juxtaposition to the Shakespearean language, although it might not be for everyone. The final scene with Volumnia is so powerful it will stay with you.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Shakespearean dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in political thrillers”
  • “Those who appreciate strong acting performances”
  • “People who enjoy modern adaptations of classic stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “War themes”
  • “Mature language”
  • “Brief nudity”

Professional Reviews

• The Hollywood Reporter: “Fiennes delivers a visceral and compelling adaptation, showcasing the timeless nature of Shakespeare’s themes through a modern lens. The performances are uniformly strong, though the Bard’s language may present a challenge for some viewers.
• Ionelyaskedwhatyouthought: “Fiennes has done well to translate Coriolanus from the stage to the screen and he hasn’t stretched it too far so as to alienate it from the original text. Stylistically, the film is quite gritty. The focus is mostly on the actors, their eyes, their expressions and their delivering of lines, but there are a few purely cinematic moments (fight scenes in particular) which justify the adaptation to the screen. There are a couple of truly violent moments in the film which blast the cobwebs off the old play and hook the modern, desensitized audience into the story.
• N/A: “A jaw-dropping interpretation of Shakespeare’s Coriolanus. I was literally in awe when I left. Admittedly, I know my way around the story, I’ve read Coriolanus a few times. But I have to say that this adaptation is so well executed that I caught myself discovering incredible lines and themes and ideas to which I had never paid attention before.

Audience Reactions

Ralph Fiennes’ direction of a modernized Shakespeare that really worked.: Viewers were impressed by the acting, modern setting, and the surprising relevance to today’s political climate.

Overall Consensus: A bold and visceral adaptation of Shakespeare’s ‘Coriolanus’, praised for its strong performances, modern setting, and relevance, but may be challenging for those unfamiliar with Shakespearean language.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Ralph Fiennes both directed and starred in ‘Coriolanus’, marking his directorial debut.”
• “The film was shot in Serbia, utilizing locations in Belgrade and other areas to create the setting of modern-day Rome.”
• “To prepare for their roles, the cast underwent rigorous training to deliver Shakespearean dialogue convincingly in a contemporary context.”

🖥️ How to Watch Coriolanus?

Coriolanus (2011) is available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video. Check your local listings for other streaming options. As distribution rights vary, it may also be available on platforms such as Apple TV, Google Play Movies, or Vudu for rental or purchase.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Coriolanus, you might like these similar films:

• Richard III (1995): Another Shakespearean play adapted to a modern setting, exploring themes of power, ambition, and betrayal.
• Henry V (1989): Directed by and starring Kenneth Branagh, offering a similar exploration of leadership and war through Shakespearean language.
• The Hurt Locker (2008): While not Shakespearean, it shares a gritty realism and intense focus on the psychological impact of war on soldiers.
• Gladiator (2000): Explores themes of betrayal, revenge, and political corruption in ancient Rome, similar to the core conflicts in ‘Coriolanus’.

🛒 Coriolanus Related Products

• Coriolanus (The Arden Shakespeare Third Series): A comprehensive edition of the play with detailed notes and critical analysis, perfect for students and Shakespeare enthusiasts.
• The Complete Works of William Shakespeare: An affordable edition of all the plays and poems, great for discovering more.
• Rome: Total War – Gold Edition (PC): Experience the political intrigue and military campaigns of ancient Rome in this classic strategy game. Command armies, manage your empire, and navigate the treacherous world of Roman politics.

🎧 Soundtrack

Coriolanus features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Cajesukarije” – performed by Goran Bregovic for Kamarad Production

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Coriolanus: Universal Soldier – Summer of Shakespeare

Ever thought of Coriolanus as a Shakespearean action hero? This video breaks down the film with a fresh perspective, comparing it to ‘Universal Soldier’. Honestly, it’s a wild take, but it totally makes you see the movie in a new light!

The Tragedy of Coriolanus – Act 1, Scene 1

Want to see where it all began? Check out this performance of the opening scene from Shakespeare’s ‘Coriolanus’. Hearing the original language really brings the story to life, and you can see how the movie drew inspiration from it. It’s pretty cool!

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