- Actors: Gwyneth Paltrow, Joseph Fiennes, Geoffrey Rush, Tom Wilkinson, Steven O'Donnell
- Directors: John Madden
- Writers: Marc Norman, Tom Stoppard
- Producers: Bob Weinstein, David Parfitt, Donna Gigliotti, Edward Zwick, Harvey Weinstein
- Language English
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9 - 2.35:1
- Classification: 15
- Studio: Universal
- VHS Release Date: 11 Oct 1999
- Run Time: 123 minutes
- Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (47 customer reviews)
- ASIN: B00004R78Q
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 36,167 in Video (See Top 100 in Video)
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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
One of the most endearing and intelligent romantic comedies of the 1990s, the Oscar-winning Shakespeare in Love is filled with such good will, sunny romance, snappy one-liners and devilish cleverness that it's absolutely irresistible. With tongue placed firmly in cheek, at its outset the film tracks young Will Shakespeare's overwrought battle with writer's block and the efforts of theatre owner Philip Henslowe (Geoffrey Rush, in rare form) to stage Will's latest comedy, Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate's Daughter. Jokey comedy, though, soon takes a backseat to ravishing romance when the beautiful Viola De Lesseps (Gwyneth Paltrow) disguises herself as a young man to wangle herself an audition in the all-male cast and wins both the part of Romeo and, after much misunderstanding, the playwright's heart. Soon enough, Will's pirate comedy becomes the beautiful, tragic Romeo and Juliet, reflecting the agony and ecstasy of Will and Viola's romance--he's married and she's set to marry the slimy Lord Wessex (Colin Firth).
The way that Oscar-winning screenwriters Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard enfold their story within the parameters of Romeo and Juliet (and even Twelfth Night) is nothing short of brilliant--it would take a Shakespearean scholar to dissect the innumerable parallels, oft-quoted lines, plot developments, and thematic borrowings. And most amazingly, Norman and Stoppard haven't forgotten to entertain their audience in addition to riding a Shakespearean roller coaster, with director John Madden (Mrs. Brown) reigning in his huge ensemble with rollicking energy. Along the way there are small gems to be found, including Judi Dench's eight-minute, Oscar-winning turn as a truly regal Queen Elizabeth, but the key element of Shakespeare in Love's success rests on the milky-white shoulders of its two stars. Fiennes, inexplicably overlooked at Oscar time, is a dashing, heartfelt Will and as for Best Actress winner Paltrow, well, nothing she'd done before could have prepared viewers for how amazing she is here. Breathtakingly beautiful, fiercely intelligent, strong-willed and lovestruck--it's a performance worthy of Shakespeare in more ways than one. By the film's end, you'll be thoroughly won over--and brushing up your Shakespeare with newfound ardour. --Mark Englehart
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I guess the biggest fault you can find in this film is that the story of E.T. is more likely to have been true than the love affair portrayed in 'Shakespeare in Love'. But as the film never once claims to be historically accurate, then I can't really complain about this and instead will take the film for what it is - a love story with a twist!
The story goes that William Shakespeare is having writer's block and needs inspiration to help write his next play (which will end up being Romeo & Juliet). While watching the auditions for the part of Romeo, Shakespeare is dazzled by the talent of one boy - who turns out to actually be the beautiful Viola De Lesseps who has auditioned under the disguise of a man as women were not allowed to be actors in Shakespeare's day. Here starts the love story between William and Viola, finally giving Shakespeare the inspiration he needs to write Romeo and Juliet.
The script is full of jokes and refernces that people who have studied Shakespeare will appreciate, but theres also plenty for the non-fans too to keep you occupied. Jospeh Fiennes did an OK job as Shakespeare but he was over-shadowed by not only Gwyneth Paltrow as Viola (I've never been a fan of Shakepeare but when she read his poems and speeches I fully understood the meaning of his words), and especially by Judi Dench as Queen Elizabeth. What I especially liked was the ending to the story, which was not what I had expected to finally happen (but I guess, is more true to Shakespeare's life).
A good film, but not great. I look forward to watching it again.
The story goes that William Shakespeare is having writer's block and needs inspiration to help write his next play (which will end up being Romeo & Juliet). While watching the auditions for the part of Romeo, Shakespeare is dazzled by the talent of one boy - who turns out to actually be the beautiful Viola De Lesseps who has auditioned under the disguise of a man as women were not allowed to be actors in Shakespeare's day. Here starts the love story between William and Viola, finally giving Shakespeare the inspiration he needs to write Romeo and Juliet.
The script is full of jokes and refernces that people who have studied Shakespeare will appreciate, but theres also plenty for the non-fans too to keep you occupied. Jospeh Fiennes did an OK job as Shakespeare but he was over-shadowed by not only Gwyneth Paltrow as Viola (I've never been a fan of Shakepeare but when she read his poems and speeches I fully understood the meaning of his words), and especially by Judi Dench as Queen Elizabeth. What I especially liked was the ending to the story, which was not what I had expected to finally happen (but I guess, is more true to Shakespeare's life).
A good film, but not great. I look forward to watching it again.
19 of 22 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
Stoppard certainly knows what he's about: The plot is delightful and the references elegant, clever parodies if you spot them or inconspicuous parts of the plot if you don't. And the references are on all levels: to Shakespeares plays, his unknown life and the many theories that have been made about it, and his writer and actor collegues. Normally I'd hate "the person behind the genius-films" because they miss the point that it's precisely the work, not the person, that's interesting. However, this is not so much a film about Shakespeare as a story in its own right. There is no temptation to believe that "this is really how it was" and yet the information is so true to the period that even specialists need not be annoyed by uninformed inconsistencies. It's a cornucopia of Shakespearian wit!
16 of 19 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
What can you say about this film that hasn't already been said? Nothing, its absolutely brilliant, I noticed that someone gave it one star previously. Idiot. You do not have to have an intimate knowledge of The Bard to enjoy this film, a modicum of intelligence is useful but really anyone could & should enjoy this film. Its funny, witty, beautifully written & the acting is superb throughout, especially Tom Wilkinson who to be fair is brilliant in anything he is in anyway. Its also incredibly uplifting & the final scenes with Gwyneth Paltrow walking across the beach to the words of Twelth Night whilst Stephen Warbeck's incredible score grows ever louder in the background, never fail to inspire & move me to tears. A wondrous, wondrous film!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Fun
It's fun, with some nice performances (Dench especially). It isn't history of course, and it isn't meant to be. Just fun.
Published 2 days ago by N C TUSON
Great film!
I thoroughly recommend this film to anyone over the age of 15, I believe women would enjoy it more than men but nevertheless there are great factors in it for everyone. Read more
Published 19 days ago by Ilona Bell
Cheesy Title but...........
.................absolute gold dust.
A charming and endearing comedy drama. Life imitates art as the eponymous bard stuggles to find his inspiration....... Read more
A charming and endearing comedy drama. Life imitates art as the eponymous bard stuggles to find his inspiration....... Read more
Published 6 months ago by Observer
A great film
I'd heard much about this film, but had somehow failed to get round to watching it. It is worth the hype and all the awards. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Martensgirl
an absolutely delightful comedy that can be viewed over and over
This is a very fun movie, one of my favorites. There are several things going on at the same time, interwoven in a fast-paced and continually hilarious narrative. Read more
Published 9 months ago by rob crawford
Shakespeare made easy
This is a very good and funny film. I've never been much of a fan of Shakespeare he's far too heavy for me, but here is the crux of the story and delivered in a very humourous... Read more
Published 12 months ago by P. R. Bryson
Well, the music's nice
I saw this at the cinema and if it hadn't been pouring with rain I would have walked out. Feeling that perhaps I'd been unfair I watched the DVD recently. Read more
Published 12 months ago by Mr. Robert Saunders
Shakespeare in Love
This is a great film on many levels, but it works best for me as a reminder what Shakespeare is really about rather than the dreary dissection we had to suffer in English lessons... Read more
Published 22 months ago by Bones Baird
If you liked "Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead", do not miss this
Well actually, this film stands on its own. Who knows this could be the way it happened or should have happened. Read more
Published on 3 April 2010 by bernie
Shakespeare in love
Shakespeare in love and so am I! I saw the film first when it was released and subsequently bought the video. Since I no longer use the VCR I just had to have the DVD. Read more
Published on 8 Sep 2009 by Estelle
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