Actor Derek Jacobi (1938)

Come Away (2020), a fantasy drama directed by Brenda Chapman in her live-action debut, pays homage to Peter Pan and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. The film follows the adventures of three siblings – David, Peter, and Alice – who are coping with the loss of their eldest brother while trying to help their grieving parents. As the mother reads The Stolen Child by William Butler Yeats to her two boys and one girl, she shares the story of three similar siblings: David, Peter, and Alice. Living with their parents Jack and Rose ...

Based on Victor Hugo’s 1862 French historical novel, Les Misérables (2019) is a British television series that tells the story of Jean Valjean’s struggles to escape Inspector Javert. The series, directed by Tom Shankland and adapted by Andrew Davies, features a talented cast including Dominic West, David Oyelowo, and Lily Collins. Produced by the BBC and supported by ...

Tomb Raider (2018), the action-adventure film directed by Roar Uthaug, features a screenplay by Geneva Robertson-Dworet and Alastair Siddons from a story written by Evan Daugherty and Robertson-Dworet. This American and British co-production is based on the 2013 video game of the same name, as well as incorporating aspects from its rebooted sequel by Crystal Dynamics. It is also the third installment in the Tomb Raider ...

The mystery film, Murder on the Orient Express (2017), was co-produced and directed by Kenneth Branagh. Michael Green wrote the screenplay, based on Agatha Christie’s 1934 novel of the same name. It was winter in 1934 when the eccentric yet famed Belgian detective Hercule Poirot traveled to the Middle East for both business and pleasure. Despite First Class being sold out during this time of year, Poirot was able to secure a cabin at the last minute thanks to his friend Bouc, who worked for the railroad and happened ...

The Crown (2016–2023), a historical drama series following Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, was created and principally written by Peter Morgan and produced by Left Bank Pictures and Sony Pictures Television for Netflix. Critics have praised its acting, directing, writing, cinematography, and production values, while some have noted its historical inaccuracies. The show has achieved multiple awards, including a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series and two Golden Globes for Best Television Series – Drama. It chronicles Queen Elizabeth II’s life from the 1940s to the present day, starting with her ascension ...

Director Kenneth Branagh helmed the romantic fantasy film Cinderella (2015), with a screenplay written by Chris Weitz. Ella, the benevolent daughter of a wealthy merchant, enjoys a happy life with her parents. However, their peaceful existence is disrupted when her mother falls ill and passes away. Before she dies, Ella’s mother implores her to always be courageous and kind. After some time, Ella’s father remarries a widow named Lady Tremaine who has two daughters of her own: Drisella and Anastasia. Upon returning from a business trip, Ella’s father suddenly passes away. This leaves Lady Tremaine to ...

Anonymous (2011), a period drama directed by Roland Emmerich and written by John Orloff, tells a fictionalized tale of the life of Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford. The film suggests that de Vere was actually the true author of William Shakespeare’s plays. In modern-day New York, Derek Jacobi delivers a monologue at a theatre questioning the lack of written manuscripts from Shakespeare, despite his unparalleled success as a playwright. Meanwhile, Ben Jonson prepares to take the stage. The narrator offers to lead the audience on a journey through an alternative ...

Underworld: Evolution (2006), an American action horror film, is directed by Len Wiseman and written by Danny McBride, based on a story developed by both of them. In the year 1202, an army led by three vampire elders (Markus, Viktor, and Amelia) attacks a village occupied by werewolves. During the assault, Markus’s twin brother William Corvinus, the first and most powerful werewolf, is captured by Viktor and Amelia. Despite Markus’s objections, Viktor orders William to be imprisoned in a hidden location for eternity. In present day, vampire Selene brings ...

Gladiator (2000) is a film set in ancient Rome, directed by Ridley Scott and written by David Franzoni, John Logan, and William Nicholson. In 180 AD, Roman general Maximus Decimus Meridius returns home after leading the army to victory against Germanic tribes near Vindobona on the Limes Germanicus. Emperor Marcus Aurelius informs Maximus that his son, Commodus, is not fit to take over as emperor. Instead, he offers Maximus the role of regent in hopes of restoring the Roman ...

Kenneth Branagh’s directorial debut, Henry V (1989), is a British historical drama film adapted from William Shakespeare’s famous play. The opening scene features Chorus, portrayed as a modern person, walking through an empty film studio and setting the stage for the main action to unfold. Throughout the film, Chorus makes multiple appearances to guide and enhance the storytelling. The act divisions in the film follow the structure of Shakespeare’s original play.