Latest news with #Branagh
Time of India
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Kenneth Branagh praises Jodie Comer, draws comparison to young Meryl Streep
Director Kenneth Branagh has heaped praise on actress Jodie Comer , likening her to a young Meryl Streep after working together on their upcoming psychological thriller, 'The Last Disturbance of Madeline Hynde'. Branagh expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with Comer, highlighting her talent and potential. "I consider myself fortunate to have worked with her at this stage in her career," Branagh said in an interview, as quoted by Deadline. He further elaborated on Comer's abilities, quoting a phrase once used to describe the young Meryl Streep: "As somebody once said of the young Streep, 'I wish I had shares in her future.'" Comer reacted graciously to Branagh's praise, describing him as "very kind." When asked about the comparison to Meryl Streep, Comer humbly downplayed the similarity, saying, "Oh, me? I'm nothing like Meryl! I'm just a girl from Liverpool!" 'The Last Disturbance of Madeline Hynde' is a contemporary psychological thriller written and directed by Branagh. The film boasts an ensemble cast, including Patricia Arquette , Michael Sheen , and Tom Bateman , among others. While the logline is being kept under wraps, the film's release is eagerly anticipated. Comer has been making waves in the film industry with her recent roles, including her portrayal of a character in Danny Boyle 's zombie sequel '28 Years Later'.
Daily Record
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
'All time favourite' war film with 'greatest actor' now streaming for free on ITV
Henry V was written and directed by Kenneth Branagh in his feature directorial debut Henry V, the historical drama that continues to captivate audiences years after its release, boasts an impressive 98 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Kenneth Branagh made his directorial debut with this film, also penning the script and starring as the eponymous King Henry V of England, bringing Shakespeare's 16th-century play to the silver screen. The film is often hailed as one of the finest Shakespeare adaptations ever produced, a sentiment echoed by its numerous accolades and critical acclaim. At the Oscars, Henry V was nominated for three major awards, with Branagh winning two for his direction and lead performance. One review praised the film, saying: "This is one of my all-time favourites. Branagh's interpretation of Henry V brings Shakespeare's play to life in a raw, gritty way. Branagh's interpretation of Henry is in line with Shakespeare's writing, hailing the king as a pious and well-intentioned sovereign." Another highlighted the portrayal of the monarch: "Historians can argue Henry V's true intentions and nature all they want; Shakespeare certainly saw him as one of the greatest heroes of English history, and Branagh bears this out.", reports the Express. The iconic St Crispin's Day speech from the original play is given a powerful cinematic treatment in the film, further cementing its status as a beloved classic. On the eve of the monumental Battle of Agincourt, Henry V rouses his men, who are significantly outnumbered, to envision the glory and immortality they will achieve if they emerge victorious. This speech is renowned for coining the phrase 'band of brothers' and is a pivotal moment in the film that captivated audiences. One critic stated: "The acting is brilliant and high energy. It's a great film adaptation of Shakespeare's play. If you're into Shakespeare, then you'll probably love itI really enjoyed the acting in this one. It's worth watching just to see the Crispin's Day speech." Another reviewer praised it as "the greatest speech by the most outstanding actor of the last 50 years." A further viewer said: "A classic war drama of a Shakespeare play. Everything is really well done, with the standout being Kenneth, who commands every scene he is in. Sometimes the flashbacks can be a little abrupt, and this seems very faithful to the source material." Also gracing the screen in this "masterpiece" film is a star-studded cast, featuring none other than Christian Bale as Robbing the luggage boy and a young Emma Thompson as Princess Catherine of Valois. Joining them on screen are Derek Jacobi, Judi Dench, James Larkin and Harry Potter actor Robbie Coltrane. "Incredibly moving. A masterpiece", were the words one fan used to describe the film. "Other reviews have naturally compared Henry V to the Laurence Olivier 1944 play, which was hugely successful in its own ownright, but stylistically was far less gritty and accessible for audiences than the 1989 film." Henry V is now available for streaming on ITVX.
New Indian Express
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Kenneth Branagh says Tom Cruise is an 'underestimated' actor
LONDON: Actor-director Kenneth Branagh believes 'Mission: Impossible' star Tom Cruise is more than just a movie star and is often "underestimated" in terms of his acting ability. Cruise is looking forward to the release of 'Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning', the eighth installment in the popular spy action franchise. Branagh, who featured alongside Cruise in the 2008 historical thriller 'Valkyrie', praised the Hollywood icon for his contribution to cinema with 'Mission: Impossible' and 'Top Gun' film franchises. "If he ever tires of wowing the world with action, he's going to surprise those who view him as only a movie star. What he's done with 'Mission' and 'Top Gun' is unique, cinematic entertainment with a serious intent to give you a wonderful time at the movies. But he's an underestimated actor, for whom a golden age of performance beckons," Branagh told The Times of London newspaper. The British filmmaker said Cruise, also known for 'Jerry Maguire', 'Days of Thunder', 'A Few Good Men', 'The Firm', and 'Eyes Wide Shut', likes to visit pubs and is gracious when spotted in the UK. "He finds a quiet corner, enjoys the atmosphere and is always gracious when he gets spotted. He's a natural giggler and just enjoys what he does so much and that's infectious," he said. Cruise will soon be honoured with the BFI Fellowship, the most prestigious award bestowed on an actor or producer by the British Film Institute. "I'm truly honoured. I've been making films in the UK for over 40 years and have no plans to stop, he previously said. 'Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning', also produced by Cruise, is slated to be released in May.
Perth Now
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Tom Cruise is 'an underestimated actor', Sir Kenneth Branagh says
Tom Cruise is "an underestimated actor", according to Sir Kenneth Branagh. The 62-year-old star is set to be honoured with the BFI Fellowship - the most prestigious honour bestowed by the British Film Institute - and his 'Valkyrie' cast mate thinks that the Hollywood legend deserves to be thought of as more than just a "movie star". Branagh told The Sunday Times newspaper: "If he ever tires of wowing the world with action, he's going to surprise those who view him as only a movie star. "What he's done with 'Mission (Impossible)' and 'Top Gun' is unique - cinematic entertainment with a serious intent to give you a wonderful time at the movies. But he's an underestimated actor - for whom a golden age of performance beckons." Cruise has made a number of blockbusters in the UK and Branagh revealed that the star enjoys getting to spend time in Britain. The 64-year-old actor and filmmaker said: "He's a honorary Brit now - with a handy line in Cockney rhyming slang. "In the UK he enjoys respect but a lack of fuss. I've been to the pub with him a few times. He finds a quiet corner, enjoys the atmosphere and is always gracious when he gets spotted. "He's a natural giggler and just enjoys what he does so much and that's infectious. I have quietly observed his interactions with crew and he's always the same - direct, easy, upbeat, humble, the same fella at all times. This country responds to that." Cruise described how he was "truly honoured" to be receiving the BFI accolade. The 'Collateral' star said: "I'm truly honoured. I've been making films in the UK for over 40 years and have no plans to stop." BFI chief executive Ben Roberts explained that the organisation wanted to acknowledge Cruise's "extraordinary contribution" to the British film industry with the honour. He explained: "We want to recognise his extraordinary contribution to our industry, having made so many films here in the past 20 years. "The sheer scale of the big-budget, complex productions he has brought to the UK is a major investment in the UK's craft. He demonstrates that we have the capability to make enormous movies here, against a backdrop of iconic landmarks and landscapes. "The films he's made in the UK have spent hundreds of millions of pounds and created jobs." Cruise will once again reprise his role as agent Ethan Hunt in the upcoming movie 'Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning' and his co-star Simon Pegg revealed that the high-octane stunts he does in the film "just beggar belief". The 55-year-old actor, who returns as the technician Benji Dunn, said: "For me, it was my favourite of the six 'Missions' that I filmed. It was my favourite to shoot. "We were in the Arctic; we were in South Africa. The stunts Tom is doing just beggar belief. I mean, really, really dumb s***."
Mint
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Kenneth Branagh says Tom Cruise is an underestimated actor
London, Apr 28 (PTI) Actor-director Kenneth Branagh believes "Mission: Impossible" star Tom Cruise is more than just a movie star and is often "underestimated" in terms of his acting ability. Cruise is looking forward to the release of "Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning", the eighth installment in the popular spy action franchise. Branagh, who featured alongside Cruise in the 2008 historical thriller "Valkyrie", praised the Hollywood icon for his contribution to cinema with "Mission: Impossible" and "Top Gun" film franchises. "If he ever tires of wowing the world with action, he's going to surprise those who view him as only a movie star. What he's done with 'Mission' and 'Top Gun' is unique, cinematic entertainment with a serious intent to give you a wonderful time at the movies. But he's an underestimated actor, for whom a golden age of performance beckons," Branagh told The Times of London newspaper. The British filmmaker said Cruise, also known for "Jerry Maguire", "Days of Thunder", "A Few Good Men", "The Firm", and "Eyes Wide Shut", likes to visit pubs and is "gracious" when spotted in the UK. "He finds a quiet corner, enjoys the atmosphere and is always gracious when he gets spotted. He's a natural giggler and just enjoys what he does so much and that's infectious," he said. Cruise will soon be honoured with the BFI Fellowship, the most prestigious award bestowed on an actor or producer by the British Film Institute. "I'm truly honoured. I've been making films in the UK for over 40 years and have no plans to stop,' he previously said. "Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning", also produced by Cruise, is slated to be released in May. First Published: 28 Apr 2025, 10:35 AM IST
