The Lion in Winter (2003 film)

The Lion in Winter is a 2003 American drama television film based on the 1966 play of the same name by James Goldman, and his screenplay for the 1968 film. It starred Patrick Stewart and Glenn Close, and was directed by Andrei Konchalovsky.

The film was first shown on December 26, 2003, in the United Kingdom, and premiered in the United States on Showtime on May 26, 2004. It was filmed on location at Spiš Castle in eastern Slovakia, interiors were filmed in Budapest, Hungary.

Andrew Howard, John Light, and Rafe Spall played the warring brothers. Jonathan Rhys Meyers played the king of France and Julia Vysotskaya, his sister and Henry's mistress, Princess Alais.

Plot
In the year 1183, Henry II of England, who also rules large parts of France within his Angevin Empire, has invited his three surviving sons, his imprisoned and estranged wife Eleanor and the king of France, who has recently come of age, to join him at his Christmas court at Chinon Castle. His eldest son Henry has died and now the king must decide upon a new heir. King Henry favours his youngest John. Eleanor favours the oldest son Richard. The film shows the intra-family disputes which take place over the next few days. At the end, everyone disperses with nothing resolved for the future.

Cast

 * Patrick Stewart as Henry II
 * Glenn Close as Eleanor of Aquitaine
 * Andrew Howard as Richard the Lionheart
 * John Light as Geoffrey
 * Rafe Spall as John
 * Jonathan Rhys Meyers as King Philip II
 * Julia Vysotskaya as Alais
 * Clive Wood as Captain William Marshall

Reception
Brian Lowry of Variety wrote that the film "is a long sit but nevertheless a rewarding one". Of Close's performance, he wrote that "her Eleanor manages to stand apart from Hepburn's".

Won
Primetime Emmy Awards
 * Outstanding Costumes for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special

Golden Globe Awards
 * Best Actress – Miniseries or Television Film (Close)

Screen Actors Guild Awards
 * Outstanding Female Actor – Television Movie or Miniseries (Close)

Nominated
Costume Designers Guild
 * Excellence in Costume Design for Television – Fantasy or Period

Primetime Emmy Awards
 * Outstanding Made for Television Movie
 * Outstanding Actress – Miniseries or Movie (Close)
 * Outstanding Directing – Miniseries, Movie, or Dramatic Special
 * Outstanding Art Direction – Miniseries, Movie, or Special
 * Outstanding Hairstyling – Miniseries, Movie, or Special

Golden Globe Awards
 * Best Miniseries or Television Film
 * Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film (Stewart)

Producers Guild of America Awards
 * Television Producer of the Year Award – Longform