BFF24 The Lion in Winter

Presented in a stunning new 4K restoration, this iconic historical drama directed by Anthony Harvey, based on James Goldman's stage play, depicts the intense and manipulative dynamics within the family of King Henry II of England during a Christmas gathering. Henry, played by Peter O'Toole, must decide which of his three sons—Richard (Anthony Hopkins), Geoffrey, or John—will inherit the throne. His estranged wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine (Katharine Hepburn), is temporarily released from imprisonment to join the family.

The compelling narrative offers sharp dialogue, political intrigue, along with a dynamic showcasing of the layered power struggles between Henry, Eleanor and their sons. O'Toole and Hepburn’s powerful performances anchor the film, with Hepburn winning an Academy Award for Best Actress (her third of four Oscars). Anthony Hopkins and Timothy Dalton, both in early career roles, also stand out. The film's exploration of family conflict, betrayal, and ambition makes it a compelling drama, blending historical events with intense personal rivalries.

"An intense, fierce, personal drama put across by outstanding performances of Peter O'Toole and Katherine Hepburn." - Variety

WINNER - Best Actress, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Music, Academy Awards 1969

WINNER - Best Actress, Anthony Asquith Award for Film Music, BAFTA Awards 1969

WINNER -Best Actor, Best Motion Picture, Golden Globes 1969

Rating: PG

Runtime: 134 mins

Session Times

Eastend Cinemas

Thu, Nov 28:

12:30

Prospect Cinemas

Wed, Nov 20:

12:45

Festival Highlights

G Winner of six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay. Fred Zinnemann’s A Man for All Seasons, based upon the play by Robert Bo

PG Renowned British actress Dame Margaret Natalie Smith CH DBE, celebrated for her sharp wit in both comedic and dramatic roles, has left an incredible legacy. A career span

MA15 AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE Gemma's life is about to take a dramatic turn. Living in London, she faces the sudden loss of her American fiancé, Nathan, just before their wedding

MA15 Andrea Arnold returns to the festival with a touching tale centered on a distracted father, Bug (Barry Keoghan, Saltburn), and his imaginative 12-yea

M Steve McQueen’s Blitz follows the epic journey of George (Elliott Heffernan), a 9-year-old boy in World War II London whose mother Rita (Saoirse Ronan) sends him to safet

M Working as a companion piece to Blur: To the End, this epic is a two-hour cinematic concert experience that captures the 2023 historic shows which occurred at the histori

MA15 This all-access documentary captures the emotional return of Blur, highlighting their new album and sold-out Wembley Stadium shows, showcasing the band’s enduring influen

MA15 Set against the backdrop of a chicken processing plant in industrial North Wales, Chuck Chuck Baby weaves a story of love, loss, music, and female fr

M AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE Lucy Cohen's Edge of Summer is a poignant coming-of-age story filled with the tension of adolescence. Evie (Flora Hylton) travels to Cornwall with he

M AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE When Kira seeks refuge from her complicated love life in a quiet Scottish coastal town, she meets Ian, a kindred spirit dealing with his own family s