WATCH: Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' rediscovered

MANILA, Philippines - William Shakespeare’s most popular play “Macbeth” is adapted anew with powerful performances by Michael Fassbender in the title role and Marion Cotillard as Macbeth’s wife.

One of the greatest tragedies ever created, the latest “Macbeth” movie is directed by highly-acclaimed director Justin Kurzel.

From the producers of “The King’s Speech” comes the story of a fearless Scottish General, Macbeth (Fassbender), whose ambitious wife (Cotillard) urges him to use wicked means to gain power of the throne.

As relevant as today’s world issues on politics and abuse of power, “Macbeth” is a thrilling interpretation of one of Shakespeare’s most famous and compelling characters,  a reimagining of the realities of war-torn times and a tale of all-consuming passion and ambition.

“It was comprehensively engaging,” said Fassbender about the film. “It’s an amazing piece of writing and you’ll only get one chance to do it. So I tried to be as well-prepared as I could be and making sure I uncovered every stone so that you’re not leaving anything wanting at the end of the day.”

With a new generation of British actors commanding the stage, as well as screens big and small, producers Iain Canning and Emile Sherman of See-Saw Films felt the time was right for a new approach to Macbeth.

“You’ve got actors such as Tom Hiddleston and Jude Law playing the leads in Shakespeare plays,” noted Canning. “And I think it’s interesting to see this new wave come in and reinterpret the plays, discovering again what they mean.”

The timing was right from a topical point of view too, with greed, and its effects, on the agenda more than ever before.

“Greed is a really terrible thing that can corrupt on a monumental scale, and it can destroy people’s lives," said Jack Reynor who plays Malcolm. "So the story of Macbeth is particularly poignant when you take into account the economic climate of the past few years.”

“Macbeth” opens in local cinemas this January 13 from Pioneer Films.