The Tempest

The Tempest

“We are such stuff as dreams are made on and our little life is rounded with a sleep.”

1979 · 95 min · ★ 5.8 · Drama, Fantasy

Prospero, a potent magician, lives on a desolate isle with his virginal daughter, Miranda. He's in exile, banished from his duchy by his usurping brother and the King of Naples. Providence brings these enemies near; aided by his vassal the spirit Ariel, Prospero conjures a tempest to wreck the Italian ship. The king's son, thinking all others lost, becomes Prospero's prisoner, falling in love with Miranda and she with him. Prospero's brother and the king wander the island, as do a drunken cook and sailor, who conspire with Caliban, Prospero's beastly slave, to murder Prospero. Prospero wants reason to triumph, Ariel wants his freedom, Miranda a husband; the sailors want to dance.

Directed by Derek Jarman · Written by Derek Jarman

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Cast

Heathcote Williams Prospero, the Right Duke of Milan
Toyah Willcox Miranda, his daughter
Karl Johnson Ariel, an airy spirit
Jack Birkett Caliban, a savage and deformed slave
Peter Bull Alonso, the King of Naples
David Meyer Ferdinand, his son
Neil Cunningham Sebastian, his brother
Richard Warwick Antonio, his brother
Christopher Biggins Stephano, a drunken mariner
Peter Turner Trinculo, his friend
Ken Campbell Gonzalo, an honest councillor
Elisabeth Welch A Goddess

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The Tempest

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