Ralph Fiennes delivers an intense turn in front of the camera while proving his worth as a filmmaker in the passionate and relevant political war thriller Coriolanus.

Ask someone to name a William Shakespeare play and the response will be the same: Romeo and Juliet. Hamlet. King Lear. How about Coriolanus? Cure the crickets chirping.

Ralph Fiennes is set to change that. One of the most intense actors of our times, the two time Oscar nominee steps behind the camera to bring this tale of war and politics to the big screen, utilising the talents of screenwriter John Logan (Gladiator, The Aviator) to drag this under looked Shakespeare tragedy kicking and screaming into modern times, only to find that although 400 years old the social and political commentary in this text is depressingly relevant.

Fiennes stars as Calus Martius Corilanus, a soldier of Rome (here shown as anywhere Europe but filmed in Serbia) who after defending his country in battle is swayed into politics. It is in the senate where his extreme views are met with hostility and he is banished. Vengeful he joins his sworn enemy Tullus Aufidius (Gerard Butler) and vows to destroy Rome.

With the Bard’s original dialogue intact and hand held camera capturing gritty war and even dirtier politics, Fiennes does something few filmmakers have been able to do: He has made Shakespeare relevant for our own tragic times.

On the screen Fiennes is just as impressive, selling the rage, contempt and honour which Matius Coriolanus believes with every stinging phrase and intense glance.

Surrounding Fiennes is a who’s who of fine talent. Vanessa Redgrave is awe inspiring in her ferocity and authority as Matuis’ mother, Brian Cox is splendidly good as his only friend navigating the murky waters of the senate, and Gerard Butler is commanding in presence and verse as his sworn enemy.

Again, it’s the relevance of the screenplay and setting which makes the biggest impression. With the world currently in the throes of wars, economic hardship and protest, Corilanus works as a chilling “told you so”, which Fiennes and Logan no doubt felt was an important reminder to repeat, not to mention an engrossing and violent story.

Actors who turn director vary in result. With Coriolanus Fiennes has firmly found his place in the good end of that barometer, creating one of the better and innovative Shakespeare adaptations while doing so.