Is King Lear Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, King Lear is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 90 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
King Lear Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1988, King Lear emerges as a significant entry in the Comedy, Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A descendant of Shakespeare tries to restore his plays in a world rebuilding itself after the Chernobyl catastrophe obliterates most of human civilization. Unlike standard genre fare, King Lear attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and King Lear features a noteworthy lineup led by Peter Sellars . Supported by the likes of Burgess Meredith and Julie Delpy , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of King Lear (1988) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.4/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
King Lear Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: King Lear is a Comedy, Drama film that brings laughter through clever writing and comedic timing, offering both entertainment and social commentary. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
King Lear Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: King Lear concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of King Lear reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch King Lear?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
King Lear Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $1.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $61.8K |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
King Lear Budget
The estimated production budget for King Lear is $1.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of King Lear
- Peter Sellars – William Shakespeare Junior the Fifth
- Burgess Meredith – Don Learo
- Julie Delpy – Virginia
- Leos Carax – Edgar
- Molly Ringwald – Cordelia
Top Highlights
Peter SellarsWilliam Shakespeare Junior the Fifth
Burgess MeredithDon Learo
Julie DelpyVirginia
Leos CaraxEdgar
Molly RingwaldCordelia
Jean-Luc GodardProfessor Pluggy
Woody AllenMr. Alien (uncredited)
Freddy BuacheProfessor Quentin Kozintsev (uncredited)
Menahem GolanSelf (voice) (uncredited)
Suzanne Lanza(uncredited)
Parents Guide & Age Rating
King Lear is rated PG. It is generally suitable for all ages.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.4/10, and global collection metrics, King Lear stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1988 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is King Lear movie hit or flop?
King Lear has received mixed reviews with a 6.4/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is King Lear worth watching?
King Lear is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch King Lear online?
King Lear may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
