For sheer impact, this Othello can stand side-by-side with the versions brought to the screen by Orson Welles (as restored in 1992) and Lawrence Olivier.
– James Berardinelli,
ReelViews,
1 Jan 2000
rotten:
Parker, whose screenplay strips down the original play, merely produces a lackluster essence.
– Desson Thomson,
Washington Post,
1 Jan 2000
fresh:
Parker has shown how involving and moving Shakespeare can still be on the screen.
– Kevin Thomas,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Feb 2001
fresh:
Mr. Branagh's superb performance...guarantees this film an immediacy that any audience will understand.
– Janet Maslin,
New York Times,
20 May 2003
fresh:
A highly engaging attempt at Shakespeare's most domestic tragedy.