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Coriolanus is not one of the more popular Shakespeare plays, but in the directorial debut of classic actor Ralph Fiennes the play does have a surprising timeliness worth watching as many of the theme plot lines are still relevant today. Outside of directing, Fiennes also stars in the film that is based around the dramatic plotline of the play featuring a career soldier that most adjust to new politics set in more modern dress. Much like the 1995 Ian McKellen Richard III, this adaption of Coriolanus created by John Logan also uproots fascism tendencies among populists. However, there is no obvious slant when it comes to the politics of the film as Fiennes character in the film Caius Martius could be classified at times both left and right in terms of political persuasion. Eventually of course he is renamed Coriolanus after winning victory over the enemies of Rome. At this point he is able to come home a hero, but before he actual won his battle he was actually hated by the public in the city and was a tool of the government whose job it was to keep starving and homeless people away from food during the famine. During the early scenes in the movie we see Fiennes still as Martius jeering and showing an obvious distain for the public that is a bit reminiscent of the entire Occupy Movement and the police interactions, but if course after winning the battle and saving the city everything is different. Now the people love him and he is even being hailed as an excellent choice for the consul which is the top office in the country. In fact, at one point he is even elected to take the office prompting his enemies to start causing a bit of their own trouble. As with any good campaign there is always someone willing to dig up dirt and for Coriolanus it is no different as his enemies point out that he has never actually sought the approval of people. They elaborate on the fact that he is a military based man and not a political one that has never gone out nad looked for people to love him. In fact, Martius has a clear distaste for people and the idea of actually kissing up to anyone is way beyond his comprehension and character making it hard to maintain his role as chief of the city. Very quickly he ends up getting himself banished from the very country that loved him so instead he wanders around the forest. As he is wandering in his current state of disarray he runs into Aufidius the enemy and tells him to kill him. However, impressed at his humility Aufidius decides to team up with Coriolanus instead and the two make a pact to take on Rome together. The drama is a bit rough around the edges in film, but it is a great chronicle of modern warfare and save a few details, the adaptation of the play stays true to the ideas of the Bard. Watch Coriolanus Full Movie
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