Becket (1964)

In the heart of Canterbury Cathedral, a bare-chested King Henry II (Peter O'Toole), who reigned supreme over England from 1154 to 1189, kneels humbly at the tomb of his erstwhile confidant, Thomas Becket (Richard Burton). Amid the austere surroundings, he is subjected to a harsh penance administered by Saxon monks. As he endures the flogging, his mind journeys back through the labyrinth of memories, recounting the decadent, carefree escapades shared with Becket, his once cherished partner in hedonism. In a time when the throne and the church are locked in a perpetual dance of power, King Henry II, in a cunning move, appoints Becket, his erstwhile drinking and wenching companion, as the Archbishop of Canterbury. The king assumes that Becket will prove to be an obedient pawn, aiding him in his continuous skirmishes with the church. However, the appointment triggers a seismic shift in Becket's heart, awakening an unexpected calling within him. Becket, much to the king's surprise, embraces his ecclesiastical role with a newfound fervor and finds himself in a moral tug-of-war, aligning his loyalties with the church against the king's self-serving desires. The bond between the two men, once fortified by shared indulgences, begins to erode, leading to a volatile clash that transcends their personal feud. This gripping saga is a tale of friendship and betrayal, of power and faith, and of two men who tread separate paths – one towards a crown, the other towards sainthood. It's a riveting exploration of the transformation of two close friends, bound together by similar pride of flesh and spirit, into deadly enemies as they pursue their distinct destinies.

Becket is a drama movie featuring Richard Burton and directed by Peter Glenville.

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It is also possible to buy Becket on Amazon Video, Apple TV and Vudu.