The Tempest

I rather liked this adaptation of Shakespeare's "The Tempest", it seems that changing the gender of Prospero did not alter the play significantly as it is still rather a distant parent that directs daughter's life. Ariel looks mysterious and ethereal enough, the scenes with Caliban and the drunkards are rather funny and comic, the love between Miranda and Ferdinand doesn't feel forced by magic but feels natural. The special effect showing Prospera's magic and Ariel's appearances are quite nice to look at, especially the darker image of Ariel as a harpy and ghost dogs are fun ;) The island seems more extensive than I imagined it reading a play, some parts with the volcanic landscape in it bring to mind some visuals from "The Lord of the Rings." The play brings the message of mercy and forgiveness, which we particularly need today. Though I was under impression that at the end of the play, Prospera is not very happy to leave the island for Milan and abandon her magic, even though she would now enjoy her royal status of which she had been robbed. It looks like she feels really nostalgic about her time on the island.