“If I ever get to meet him beard to beard, he is mine or I am his,” spat arch rival Tullis Aufidius (Gerard Butler) with so much conviction.  

If hatred could speak then it has certainly spoken in Coriolanus, a remarkable film adaption of William Shakespeare’s roman tragedy and a directorial debut for Ralph Fiennes.

The film displays Rome as a modern Balkan warzone set against the backdrop of political uncertainty and conflict. Fiennes, stars as Gaius Marcius Coriolanus, the legendary Roman hero who is banished from the city by the people. Betrayed and angry he seeks revenge which ultimately leads to his downfall.

The relevance of the political warfare is brought to real life by the use of modern camera crews and newsrooms. The surprising but brief appearance of newsreader John Snow playing himself signifies this.

Cinematographer Brian Ackroyd impressively brings authenticity to the battle scenes between the enemies. Whilst screenwriter John Logan is genius in the way he adds contemporary dialogue to the classic Shakespearean language.

The film has a stellar cast which includes: Brian Cox, Gerard Butler and Jessica Chastain. However, both Vanessa Redgrave’s and Ralph Fiennes performances in the film are simply outstanding.

Overall, Coriolanus is a powerful effort by Ralph Fiennes and a great tribute to William Shakespeare.

Coriolanus was released on the 20th January 2012 and is out now.