After halting a due between warring nobles bolingbroke (Rory Kinnear) and mowbray (James Pureboy), Richard II (Ben Whishaw) banishes both men from his kingdom. Following the death of bolingbroke's father, John of Gaunt (Patrick Stewart), Richard seizes his money and land pay for wars against rebels in Ireland. Bolingbroke returns to claim his birthright and more.