I really enjoyed this play! The dirty politics and shaky alliances really describe the time period well, and I loved the flowery speeches full of pomp and bravery and even a little sass. Love me some Shakespeare! I don't find the historical plays dry at all. Full of action and some really delightful characters and dialogue.

I was surprised that King John was written with any conscience whatsoever. He's the villain in every story ever written about him, and although he IS a bad guy in this play, he seems to have a heart in there somewhere and a little honor. Weirdness. I expected him to be way more evil.

Phillip Faulconbridge, usually named the Bastard, had some wonderful comic relief, but not in a clowning sort of way. His dialogue is sarcastic and sassy and in-your-face. He's bold and derisive, and no matter how insulting he is to nearly everybody, everyone just smiles and says that he is "so like his father, Richard the Lionheart." He gets away with it every time, which is the funniest thing of all!

Lady Constance got on my nerves so much, just as her character is supposed to do. Whenever someone basically told her to shut up, I was thinking, "Yes please, shut your stupid mouth!" She's so whiney. I've read other histories of her and Geoffrey, and she was not portrayed as the shrew she is here. I expected her to be quiet and withdrawn, but also with strong opinions and determination. But in this play, she just whines all the time and I hated her, even though she's the victim and a good person.

Queen Elinor definitely lived up to her reputation as the mother of all those quarreling princes and kings. Strong and influential without being too overbearing. She is a strong voice in the play without taking the spotlight.

The interaction between the Dauphin (Lewis) and Princess Blanche was certainly interesting. The whole time I was reading their dialogue, I was thinking how fake it must really seem to them, although they might TRY to feel and truly mean the things they say. Who can know what was truly in their hearts? but their actions later on, especially Blanche's decisions, seem to indicate at least a resolve to stand by their previous words. (I'm trying not to give spoilers here, so this might not make much sense unless you've read it.)

I really had to use my imagination in the battlefield scenes, but the dialogue helps pretty well.
I liked the ending, but I wish there had been more explanation about the last events there.
Another wonderful Shakespearean play!