Measure for Measure

About This Movie

So, 'Measure for Measure' from 1979 is an interesting take on Shakespeare’s play, though it's not always the most accessible. The TV movie vibe gives it a certain quaintness, and the atmosphere feels very much like a stage production, which could be a hit or miss depending on your tastes. The pacing has a deliberate quality, which might test some viewers, but it allows the themes of justice and morality to breathe a bit. Performances are solid, especially the tension between Claudio and Isabella that really drives home the stakes. It’s distinctive in how it translates such heavy themes into a TV format, making it worth a look for collectors interested in adaptations and how they’re realized in different mediums.

This adaptation has had a somewhat limited release, mostly existing in the realm of TV movies from the late 70s. It’s not something you see floating around often, which makes it intriguing for collectors who are into adaptations of classic literature. That said, it's not a mainstream title, so finding it in good condition can be a bit of a hunt, but it definitely has its own charm for those who appreciate the nuances of Shakespearean adaptations.