Synopsis: Shakespeare’s tragedy Coriolanus provides the material for British actor Ralph Fiennes directorial debut. He also stars as the main character in a contemporary version with original text of what is considered generally agreed to be one of the Bard’s more difficult plays to set to film.

The story centres on domineering Roman general Caius Martius ‘Corialanus’ (Ralph Fiennes) who is pushed by his controlling and ambitious mother Volumnia (Vanessa Redgrave) to obtain a highly regarded, powerful position as Consul. However, Coriolanus hates the idea of having to deal with the public whose votes he will need to secure the office.

And when it becomes clear that the people of Rome do not want to support him, Coriolanus allows his anger to get the better of him, causing a riot that winds up with him being banished from Rome. Now, he joins forces with Tullus Aufidius (Gerard Butler), who was once his sworn enemy, to take revenge.