Antony & Cleopatra (1981)

In the aftermath of Julius Caesar's brutal murder, the Roman Empire shudders under the weight of its own power. A triumvirate forms, uniting adoptive son Octavius Caesar, Mark Antony, and Lepidus as rulers. However, the allure of Egypt's lavish decadence keeps Antony spellbound, his heart ensnared by the tempestuous Queen Cleopatra, forsaking his wife, Fulvia, and his Roman responsibilities. As Antony revels in his Egyptian escapade, unease ripples through the triumvirate. Octavius and Lepidus, vexed by Pompey's growing might and Antony's neglect, thrust Antony back into the realm of duty. The news of Fulvia's death and Pompey's burgeoning rebellion against the triumvirate slices through Antony's decadent haze, compelling him back to Rome. In an attempt to mend their strained alliance, Antony marries Octavius's sister, Octavia, inciting a maelstrom of jealousy in Cleopatra's heart. Amid the tumult, Pompey brokers a tenuous peace, gaining dominion over Sicily and Sardinia. However, Octavius's hunger for power shatters the truce, and he imprisons Lepidus after exploiting his army to defeat Pompey. Antony, consumed by anger, sends Octavia back to Rome and returns to Cleopatra's side in Egypt. Together, they amass an army to challenge Octavius, even daring to combat him at sea. Antony, blinded by his love for Cleopatra, dismisses warnings from his closest friend Enobarbus, who, feeling betrayed, switches allegiance to Octavius. Overwhelmed by guilt, he later ends his own life. The climactic sea battle spirals into disaster for Antony as Cleopatra's retreat leaves his fleet exposed. In a fit of despair, Antony hears of Cleopatra's supposed suicide and, in a tragic twist, orders his own death. Cleopatra, captured by Octavius and destined to be paraded as a trophy in Rome, chooses death over humiliation, ending her life with the venomous bite of asps. In a final act of respect, Octavius buries the star-crossed lovers together, marking the end of their tumultuous tale.

Antony & Cleopatra is a drama movie featuring Colin Blakely and directed by Jonathan Miller.

Antony & Cleopatra is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and it's also available on BritBox, BritBox Amazon Channel and Britbox Apple TV Channel .