The Tempest (1979)

In the midst of a desolate, forsaken isle, Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan, finds solace in his potent sorcery after being unceremoniously banished from his duchy by his treacherous brother Sebastian and the power-hungry King of Naples. This enchanting exile is shared with his virtuous daughter, Miranda, the only purity in their world of treachery and dark magic. Under the patronage of his ethereal spirit-servant, Ariel, Prospero harnesses his magic and conjures a monumental tempest. This roaring masterpiece of chaos and power is more than a mere spectacle; it serves as a trap to ensnare his adversaries who dare to traverse the ocean near his island prison. The Italian vessel, carrying the King and his son Ferdinand, succumbs to Prospero's raging storm and wrecks, scattering its inhabitants to the wind. Believing himself the sole survivor, Ferdinand, the King's son, becomes an unwitting captive. However, he finds solace in the unexpected — a blossoming love with Miranda, who reciprocates his feelings with fervor. As love blooms amidst the ruins, the rest of the shipwreck survivors, including Prospero's brother and the King, wander the barren island, unknowing of the fate that awaits them. In the shadowy depths of the island, a drunken cook and sailor, driven by their base instincts, conspire with Prospero's monstrous slave, Caliban, to assassinate the sorcerer. Each character is entangled in a web of their desires — Prospero yearns for reason to prevail, Ariel seeks freedom, Miranda dreams of a husband, and the sailors, in their delirium, yearn for merriment and dance. In this tale of magic, love, and treachery, the tempest is not just a storm, but a whirlwind of human desires and conflict, a testament to the power of destiny and the indomitable human spirit. Every strand of this intricate plot weaves a captivating narrative that holds the viewer in its enchanting grip from beginning to end.

The Tempest is a drama movie featuring Peter Bull and directed by Derek Jarman.

The Tempest is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and Tubi TV.

It is also possible to buy The Tempest on Kino Now.