Shakespeare in Love
1998 · 2h 4m · Romance, History, Comedy, Drama
Skip it unless you're a die-hard romantic or Shakespeare obsessive. This Oscar-darling is charming fluff that prioritizes sweeping romance over historical accuracy, and it hasn't aged as gracefully as its subject matter—it's the kind of 90s prestige film that feels more self-satisfied than actually rewarding.
Plot
Young William Shakespeare is forced to stage his latest comedy, 'Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate's Daughter', before it's even written. When lovely noblewoman Viola de Lesseps auditions for a role, they fall into forbidden love — and Shakespeare's play finds a new life (and title). As their relationship intensifies, the comedy soon transforms into tragedy.
Director: John Madden
Cast: Joseph Fiennes, Gwyneth Paltrow, Geoffrey Rush, Tom Wilkinson, Judi Dench
