King Lear (1983)

In the twilight of his reign, King Lear (Sir Laurence Olivier) yearns for a peaceful retirement, seeking to abdicate his throne to his three daughters. But in a whimsical test of their love, he asks each to declare their affection for him. His two elder daughters flatter him with grandiose expressions of love, but his youngest, the sincere Cordelia (Anna Calder-Marshall), refuses to partake in this farcical display. Angered by her honesty, Lear banishes Cordelia and his one faithful supporter who dares to defend her. A decision that soon proves to be his downfall as his remaining daughters, fueled by greed and malice, methodically strip him of his dignity and wealth, reducing him to a mad hermit, accompanied only by his jester. Meanwhile, a subplot thickens as the illegitimate son of another Lord schemes his own ascent to power, weaving an even darker thread into this tragic tapestry of pride and family betrayal.

King Lear is a drama movie featuring Laurence Olivier.

King Lear is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy.