Latest news with #BritishFilmInstitute
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
BBC period drama hailed as 'one of the best ever' with 'magical' storylines
The BBC series, which stars Derek Jacobi, is told from the perspective of Roman Emperor Claudius - who is also the narrator of the series Consistently ranking on various 'greatest shows of all time' lists, I, Claudius is a 1976 BBC rendition of Robert Graves' identically titled 1934 novel and its 1935 follow-up, Claudius the God. With a screenplay written by Jack Pulman, I, Claudius showcases a remarkable ensemble cast, spearheaded by Derek Jacobi as Claudius, accompanied by renowned actors such as John Rhys-Davies, Patricia Quinn, Patrick Stewart, Margaret Tyzack, Kevin McNally, Siân Phillips, Ian Ogilvy, Brian Blessed, George Baker, and John Hurt. As told from the perspective of Roman Emperor Claudius - who also narrates the series - this 13-part period drama unravels the intricate history of the early Roman Empire, delving into its characteristic themes of power, deception, assassination, forbidden love, desire, and moral decay. The show won three BAFTA Awards in 1977, and in 1978, Tim Harvey claimed a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Art Direction. Featured at number 12 on the British Film Institute's 2000 list of '100 Greatest British Television Programmes', it also secured a spot on TIME Magazine's 2007 list of "100 Best TV Shows of All-TIME". Widely regarded as one of British television's most iconic series, as well as a groundbreaking show in the broader context of TV history, I, Claudius has garnered 100% critical acclaim and an impressive 92% audience approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, reports the Express. One critic praised the show, saying: "It's amazing. Gripping, dark, complex, compulsive." I, Claudius is a testament to exceptional television production, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. Another critic gushed over the recent addition to Masterpiece Theater, admitting: "Though it may actually defy basic properties and capabilities of the medium, this latest import to march under the Masterpiece Theater banner proves immensely, compulsively watchable. It's so good it's a little embarrassing." Praises continued as another reviewer celebrated the series, remarking: "It's one of those magical rare TV classics that is forever-fresh no matter how many times you've seen its often fanciful depiction of the lust and brutality of ancient Rome." The accolades didn't stop there, with another expert in the field pronouncing: "May be the most addictive soap opera ever made. Certainly the best-acted." Fans also weighed in, with one declaring their admiration for the show: "One of the best TV series of all time. See it for the dialogue and the terrific performances. The acting overwhelms the lack of production values and risible makeup. In my opinion, Sian Phillips and Derek Jacoby deliver the best acting performances of all time." Echoing similar sentiments, another enthusiast shared their deep connection with both the series and the original novels: "The cast, the writing, the uneasiness and poison that runs throughout the show cannot be missed by anyone. The book(s) have since become some of my favourite novels and I recommend this show to almost everyone who I become close with. 10/10 TV, almost the best of all time." A viewer hailed the series as a 'masterpiece' and remarked: "Possibly the best show ever made, certainly in terms of script and acting, which are of the highest level you will ever see on TV. Sian Phillips, Brian Blessed, Derek Jacobi, John Hurt, Patrick Stewart.... all in the same show! (Though all the other actors are incredible too). A masterpiece and a masterclass. This is how it's done." Meanwhile, fans of the classic can bag episodes of Claudius on Amazon Prime Video for £1.89 each or head over to YouTube where they're up for £1.99 a pop.
Leader Live
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
BFI London Film Festival to open with premiere of third Knives Out film
Wake Up Dead Mean: A Knives Out Mystery will see James Bond star Daniel Craig reprise his role as famed private detective Benoit Blanc, who unravels another murder mystery among a new cast of suspects. The Netflix movie, which also stars Emmy-winning actress Glenn Close, Challengers star Josh O'Connor, and That '70s Show actress Mila Kunis, will headline the festival's opening night gala, taking place at the Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall this autumn. The other cast members of the star-studded film include Irish actors Andrew Scott and Daryl McCormack and US actors Josh Brolin, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington and Cailee Spaeny. Director Rian Johnson, said: 'We're honoured to be opening the BFI London Film Festival with Wake Up Dead Man. London is the birthplace of the golden age of detective fiction and it's a thrill to be back!' Kristy Matheson, BFI London Film Festival director, said: 'At this 69th edition of the BFI London Film Festival we are inviting audiences to get their spyglass at the ready as we get back on the case with another deliciously fun mystery from director Rian Johnson and his all-star cast with Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. 'Led by Daniel Craig and Josh O'Connor, the film features incredible British and international talent on and off screen who bring a sense of play and verve to the screen, to craft a film that twists, turns and will keep audiences guessing to the final frame. 'The third of the brilliant Knives Out films we have presented at the LFF, we are delighted to reunite for our special Opening Night.' The 69th edition of the festival, which is run by the the UK's lead organisation for film and the moving image – the British Film Institute (BFI), will take place between October 8 and 19 2025. The second movie in the film series, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, closed the 66th edition of the festival in 2022. This year's festival will take place across a variety of venues in the capital including BFI Imax, Picturehouse Central, the Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall, Prince Charles Cinema and Vue West End – as well as a number of other partner cinemas. Wake Up Dead Mean: A Knives Out Mystery will be released to Netflix on December 12 2025.
South Wales Guardian
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
BFI London Film Festival to open with premiere of third Knives Out film
Wake Up Dead Mean: A Knives Out Mystery will see James Bond star Daniel Craig reprise his role as famed private detective Benoit Blanc, who unravels another murder mystery among a new cast of suspects. The Netflix movie, which also stars Emmy-winning actress Glenn Close, Challengers star Josh O'Connor, and That '70s Show actress Mila Kunis, will headline the festival's opening night gala, taking place at the Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall this autumn. The other cast members of the star-studded film include Irish actors Andrew Scott and Daryl McCormack and US actors Josh Brolin, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington and Cailee Spaeny. Director Rian Johnson, said: 'We're honoured to be opening the BFI London Film Festival with Wake Up Dead Man. London is the birthplace of the golden age of detective fiction and it's a thrill to be back!' Kristy Matheson, BFI London Film Festival director, said: 'At this 69th edition of the BFI London Film Festival we are inviting audiences to get their spyglass at the ready as we get back on the case with another deliciously fun mystery from director Rian Johnson and his all-star cast with Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. 'Led by Daniel Craig and Josh O'Connor, the film features incredible British and international talent on and off screen who bring a sense of play and verve to the screen, to craft a film that twists, turns and will keep audiences guessing to the final frame. 'The third of the brilliant Knives Out films we have presented at the LFF, we are delighted to reunite for our special Opening Night.' The 69th edition of the festival, which is run by the the UK's lead organisation for film and the moving image – the British Film Institute (BFI), will take place between October 8 and 19 2025. The second movie in the film series, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, closed the 66th edition of the festival in 2022. This year's festival will take place across a variety of venues in the capital including BFI Imax, Picturehouse Central, the Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall, Prince Charles Cinema and Vue West End – as well as a number of other partner cinemas. Wake Up Dead Mean: A Knives Out Mystery will be released to Netflix on December 12 2025.
RTÉ News
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Irish stars' whodunnit to open BFI London Film Festival
The BFI London Film Festival 2025 will open with the international premiere of the third mystery in the Knives Out series - the latest film starring Irish actors Daryl McCormack and Andrew Scott. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery will see James Bond star Daniel Craig reprise his role as famed private detective Benoit Blanc, who unravels another murder mystery among a new cast of suspects. The Netflix film, which also stars Emmy-winning actress Glenn Close, Challengers star Josh O'Connor, and That '70s Show actress Mila Kunis, will headline the festival's opening night gala, taking place at the Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall this autumn. The other cast members of the star-studded film include the American actors Josh Brolin, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, and Cailee Spaeny. Director Rian Johnson, said: "We're honoured to be opening the BFI London Film Festival with Wake Up Dead Man. London is the birthplace of the golden age of detective fiction, and it's a thrill to be back!" Kristy Matheson, BFI London Film Festival Director, said: "At this 69th edition of the BFI London Film Festival, we are inviting audiences to get their spyglass at the ready as we get back on the case with another deliciously fun mystery from director Rian Johnson and his all-star cast with Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery." The 69th edition of the festival, which is run by the UK's lead organisation for film and the moving image, the British Film Institute (BFI), will take place between 8 and 19 October. The second film in the Knives Out series, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, closed the 66th edition of the festival in 2022.
Rhyl Journal
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
BFI London Film Festival to open with premiere of third Knives Out film
Wake Up Dead Mean: A Knives Out Mystery will see James Bond star Daniel Craig reprise his role as famed private detective Benoit Blanc, who unravels another murder mystery among a new cast of suspects. The Netflix movie, which also stars Emmy-winning actress Glenn Close, Challengers star Josh O'Connor, and That '70s Show actress Mila Kunis, will headline the festival's opening night gala, taking place at the Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall this autumn. The other cast members of the star-studded film include Irish actors Andrew Scott and Daryl McCormack and US actors Josh Brolin, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington and Cailee Spaeny. Director Rian Johnson, said: 'We're honoured to be opening the BFI London Film Festival with Wake Up Dead Man. London is the birthplace of the golden age of detective fiction and it's a thrill to be back!' Kristy Matheson, BFI London Film Festival director, said: 'At this 69th edition of the BFI London Film Festival we are inviting audiences to get their spyglass at the ready as we get back on the case with another deliciously fun mystery from director Rian Johnson and his all-star cast with Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. 'Led by Daniel Craig and Josh O'Connor, the film features incredible British and international talent on and off screen who bring a sense of play and verve to the screen, to craft a film that twists, turns and will keep audiences guessing to the final frame. 'The third of the brilliant Knives Out films we have presented at the LFF, we are delighted to reunite for our special Opening Night.' The 69th edition of the festival, which is run by the the UK's lead organisation for film and the moving image – the British Film Institute (BFI), will take place between October 8 and 19 2025. The second movie in the film series, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, closed the 66th edition of the festival in 2022. This year's festival will take place across a variety of venues in the capital including BFI Imax, Picturehouse Central, the Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall, Prince Charles Cinema and Vue West End – as well as a number of other partner cinemas. Wake Up Dead Mean: A Knives Out Mystery will be released to Netflix on December 12 2025.
