The film was first shown on December 26, 2003, in the United Kingdom, and premiered in the United States on Showtime on May 26, 2004. It was filmed on location at Spiš Castle in eastern Slovakia,[4] interiors were filmed in Budapest, Hungary.[5]
In the year 1183, Henry II of England, who also rules large parts of France within his Angevin Empire, has invited his three surviving sons, his imprisoned and estranged wife Eleanor and the king of France, who has recently come of age, to join him at his Christmas court at Chinon Castle. His eldest son Henry has died and now the king must decide upon a new heir. King Henry favours his youngest John. Eleanor favours the oldest son Richard.[1] The film shows the intra-family disputes which take place over the next few days. At the end, everyone disperses with nothing resolved for the future.
Brian Lowry of Variety wrote that the film "is a long sit but nevertheless a rewarding one". Of Close's performance, he wrote that "her Eleanor manages to stand apart from Hepburn's".[6]
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