Trevor Nunn's version of William Shakespeare's classic comedy revolves around Viola, a young woman who disguises herself as a man to work as a page in the court of Count Orsino.... more
This review already contains more than 120 words. As a Ciao member you could earn up to £5 with this review.
Advantages: Truly awesome with a brilliant story, acting, scenery and pacing Disadvantages: Maybe a little too much time spent on the subplot
Well firstly I just want to say I absolutely love this film. It’s got to be one of my all time favourites and I've forgotten how many times I've watched it!!! I enjoyed it so much I have since been studying the original play and reading Shakespeare (which I only ever did when I was made to in school!!)
So why is it so good? Well I think it has everything a good film should, great storyline (often referred to as Shakespeare's finest comedy), amazing ... ...addicting music (music is a big theme in this Shakespearean comedy), not to mention comedy, drama and romance all rolled into one - and it all comes across flawlessly!!!
------------Ok, so what is it all about?
Well I watched the film without a clue about the story and certainly no particular interest in Shakespeare! I wanted a nice entertaining film to pass away a few hours and this had been recommended to me on my internet DVD rental list. And ...
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Stubbs, Bonham Carter, Kingsley, Hawthorne; adaptation; Cornwall, music. Disadvantages: Text almost skeletal in its abridgement.
In traditional celebrations of Twelfth Night, or night of the Epiphany, the normal order of things was reversed. Such is the case in this entertaining and oft-quoted Shakespearean comedy of the same name, set in a fictitious Italianate land in the 1890s. Indeed, strange, funny things are happening in Illyria, upon whose rocky shores the twins Viola and Sebastian end up after a ferocious sea storm has demolished their vessel.
Separated after the ... ...other has drowned. Viola decides to disguise her own sex whilst also honouring her lost brother's memory by seeking employment as a page at the court of Orsino, the Duke of Illyria. Fresh from some unnamed battle, the lovesick Orsino fancies himself madly in love with the Lady Olivia, who, however, will have none of him. Olivia has vowed to avoid all men for seven years whilst mourning the death, in quick succession, of her father and her brother.
...
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Actor(s): Helena Bonham-Carter, Nigel Hawthorne, Imogen Stubbs, Toby Stephens, Richard E. Grant, Mel Smith, Ben Kingsley, Steven Mackintosh, Imelda Staunton, Imelda Staunton, Imelda Staunton
Director(s): Trevor Nunn
Genre: Drama - Comedy
Classification: Universal
Production Year: 1996
Running Time: 2 hours 8 minutes
Video Category: Feature Film
Plot: Identical mixed-sex twins, separated during a shipwreck, both believe the other dead. When Viola dresses as her 'dead' brother for better protection, little does she realise that her living brother will be on the scene as well. Based on the William Shakespeare play, adapted for the screen by Trevor Nunn.
DVD Description
Trevor Nunn's version of William Shakespeare's classic comedy revolves around Viola, a young woman who disguises herself as a man to work as a page in the court of Count Orsino. Orsino is hopelessly in love with a woman named Olivia, and soon Viola finds herself hopelessly in love with Orsino. But Orsino thinks she's a man, and her predicament worsens when she realizes that Olivia has fallen in love with her. Nunn's film sets the play in the 19th Century and brings out both the ebullient and the melancholy aspects of Shakespeare's story.
Release details
DVD Region: Region 2 (Europe)
Studio(s): ENTERTAINMENT IN VIDEO; CINRAM LOGISTICS
Release date: 29/10/2001
No of Discs: 1
Catalogue No: EDV 9121
Editor: Peter Boyle
Barcode: 5017239191213
Production Designer: Sophie Becher
Screenwriter: Trevor Nunn
Composer: Shaun Davey
Director of Photography: Clive Tickner
Producer: David Parfitt, Stephen Evans
Author: William Shakespeare
Costume Designer: John Bright
Writer: William Shakespeare
Languages
Main Language: English
Technical information
Special Features: Trailer - 1. Original Theatrical Trailer, Stills Gallery, Filmographies
Professional reviews
Review: "...[Bonham Carter is] gorgeous, ethereal, and flying high....An epic, all right, but of the heart..." (Entertainment Weekly, p.49, 15/11/1996)
"...Handsomely shot, full of intriguing ideas..." (Sight and Sound, p.59-60, 01/11/1996)
"...A handsome, agreeably performed rendition..." (Variety, 16/09/1996)
