Shakespeare In Love DVD > Reviews > Absolutely Beautiful

Author's product rating:   

Did you enjoy it?	Loved it
Story	Outstanding
Characters / Performances	Outstanding
Special Effects	Outstanding
How does it compare to similar films?	Not applicable

Advantages:	Great storyline
Disadvantages:	None

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

A host of famous actors (Gwyneth Paltrow, Joseph Fiennes, Martin Clunes, Judi Dench, Ben Affleck) star in this lavish, award winning production.

The storyline is just amazing - and if you are familiar with Shakespeare's work there are plenty of "in" jokes which are dotted throughout the film (For Example: a mug which says welcomes you to Stratford Upon Avon). The costumes are beautiful - particuarly Elizabeth I's.

It is an intelligent storyline and there is plenty going on.

Set during Elizabeth I reign (Judi Dench as Elizabeth herself), this story tells of Shakespeare's life as a poor playwright, who is struggling to find a muse to inspire him for his latest play. He begins writing the play "Romeo and Ethel the Pirates Daughter" -however he soon discovers his muse - Lady Viola, played by Gwyneth Paltrow. They first meet when she dresses up as a boy as she wants to be an actor, and he soons finds out that she is actually a woman and they begin a secret relationship. She is belongs to a wealthy and powerful family and so a relationship with a lowly writer would never be allowed. Infact, her parents have found her a suitable wealthy husband. Despite this, her relationship with Shakespeare continues - and inspires him to write the play Romeo and Juliet.

Shakespeare struggles to cast the roles of the play and finds himself working with a group of hapless actors. However, as his love life blossoms, his play begins to flourish.

However, Lady Viola is disguised as a boy and plays the role of Romeo, and is exposed as a girl. This threatens to destory the play, as they now have no Romeo and also no Juliet as the male actor's voice breaks!

However, Viola plays Juliet and therefore is pretending to be a man dressed as a woman and Shakespeare plays Romeo and they act out their love on stage infront of Elizabeth herself.

The play receives a fantastic reception and Queen Elizabeth herself is also impressed. However as soon as the play finishes Viola has to leave England to start her life with her wealthy husband and this leads to an emotional farewell between her and Shakespeare.

As well as being very emotional and moving, this film is also really funny. A lovely soundtrack also accompanies this beautiful film and it is definitely worth watching. I found this DVD on sale in HMV for £17.99 but i've seen it advertised on the internet cheaper! Check out www.selectcheaper.com