Checked this film out because of a positive review in the New York Times. Really captures the spirit of the Bard's play in a modern gangster setting. Doesn't romanticize the gangster life like other contemporary films in the genre. Doesn't pull any punches. Goes for the jugular instead, literally. Easy to see how top of the line actors like Stieger, Turturro, Boyle, Farina and Tucci were attracted to this low budget project. A daring experiment which shows how the themes and narratives of Shakespeare transcend time and place, Dark. Stylish. Intense. Very original adaptation with real flair. Would love to see it projected wide screen in a revival but will settle for the DVD release for the time being.

I thought this movie was a great modernization of Shakespeare's Macbeth. I know I have not learned all that I can about Macbeth and Shakespeare but I do know that with what i have learned, this movie is a wonderful rendition. I have been studying Macbeth in my English II Honors class and we watched this movie and I was rather surprised at how many similarities there were to Macbeth. It was unbelievable. I understand so much more with this movie. It was like a Sparknote movie to Macbeth. I really enjoyed it. And as there were some differences between the two, I was still able to see the connection between both movie and play. I would definitely recommend this to others as a helping tool for Macbeth as it is hard at times to understand.

While not the greatest modernization of a Shakespeare play, this movie is visually stunning and John Turturro can always be counted on to give a great performance. The fortune teller is a decent substitute for the 3 witches and the period sets and costumes are wonderful. I wouldn't recommend this movie if you are a die hard Shakespeare fan, but would if you love gangster flicks or interesting ideas.

The great thing about the words of Shakespeare is that you can move his works into different periods of history,make it work,and have great fun with it.Ethan Hawkes' rendition of "Hamlet" and Ian McKellan's "Richard III" come to mind as prime examples of great adaptations.This bloodbath,alas,is not.The main problem here is that hardly any of The Bard's words are left in this overwrought gangster film.To even infer,as in the opening credits,that this film is based on Macbeth is a crime in itself.This film is absolutely wretched.John Turturro has never been worse.In fact,there are a number of fine actors here who should have known better.But,I guess that's what you get for trying to mount a production of "Macbeth".The superstition regarding this play that all theater actors are well-versed in,must apply to attempting to put it on screen as well.This is probably the worst film I have seen in weeks.