Classic Shakespeare play gets an update with grunge and guns

William Shakespeare's "Cymbeline", the classic tale of a rebellious British king defying the Roman empire gets a 21st century makeover courtesy of American filmmaker Michael Almereyda.

The film enjoyed its world premiere at the 71st Venice Film Festival on Wednesday (September 3).

Actors Milla Jovovich, who plays King Cymbeline's second wife, Ethan Hawke and John Leguizamo all joined their director on the red carpet ahead of the film's screening.

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Thanks to its many plotlines "Cymbeline" is often considered one of Shakespear's most difficult works to adapt.

Almereyda's film sees its characters carry iPhones, use Mac computers and deliver the old lines with a modern twist.

In addition King Cymbeline, played by actor Ed Harris, leads his gang of the Briton Motorcycle Club in a battle against the corrupt Roman Police.

"Cymbeline" is screening in competition in the Orizzonti (Horizons) section at Venice, which runs through until September 6.