Titus (1999)

In a dizzying whirlwind of war, vengeance, and power, the triumphant General Titus Andronicus, portrayed by the inimitable Sir Anthony Hopkins, returns to Rome, his victory marked by the capture of Tamora, Queen of the Goths, played by the magnetic Jessica Lange, and her offspring. In a chilling display of Roman justice, he sacrifices Tamora's eldest son to honour the fallen. When offered the crown of the empire, he sidesteps the opportunity, instead, supporting Saturninus, the corrupt elder son of the last emperor, superbly enacted by Alan Cumming. In a spiteful twist, Saturninus seeks Lavinia, Titus' daughter, as his bride, inciting a bitter feud with his brother Bassianus. As Bassianus, Lavinia, and Titus' sons defy this union, Titus finds himself in the throes of loyalty and duty, leading to a shocking fratricide. Saturninus finds solace in the arms of the beguiling Tamora, who, beneath her sweet veneer, harbours a deadly vendetta against Titus. A tempest of retribution follows. A grotesque banquet where tongues, hands and more serve as the main course; a heart-wrenching violation; dark undercurrents of racism; illicit love affairs; and a macabre pie filled with the essence of the Goths. The ironical fate of Titus' surviving sons adds another layer to this visceral narrative. 'Titus' (1999) is a Shakespearean tragedy reimagined, a haunting spectacle that explores the harrowing depths of human nature.

Titus is a drama movie featuring Anthony Hopkins and directed by Julie Taymor.

Titus is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.