The magic of the bard lives on

Rating: 8/10 (21 December 2010)

I confess to perhaps giving the film a rating which it didn't quite deserve, but that's because I have a weakness for literature in general and Shakespeare in particular, and the wonderful sonnets, couplets and other verses that this film is full off probably meant that this film gets an 8 when it would have gotten a 6 or a 7.
This movie was the surprise hit of 1998, even going as far to win an Oscar nomination for the director John Madden. The movie depicts a young Shakespeare lacking inspiration and suffering from writers block, who's told that love will restore his gift. He then meets Viola De Lesseps, a lady of much higher social standings, who has a love for poetry and a disdain for the so-called nobility. The two are instantly attracted to each other and a love affair blossoms. Shakespeare meanwhile, get's inspiration and begins writing Romeo and Juliet. However, the conservative society of Britain in the 15th century is such that much like the play, Romeo and Juliet have little hope of being together.
The best part about the movie are the performances. Joseph Fiennes shows that the gift of acting is not just bestowed upon his more illustrious brother Ralph, he too has a significant share . His passion and energy seem to transmit to the entire screen. Gwyneth Paltrow was nominated for an Oscar for breathing life into Viola De Lesseps. She beautifully portrays the lovestruck lady's passions and emotions. The chemistry between the two leads is intense. The other cast members do an admirable job of supporting them, particularly Geoffery Rush whose screen presence, as usual, adds to the allure of the movie, even if he has little to do. The dialogues are worthy of a movie on a Shakespeare. Add to all this a fine storyline and you have a fine mix.
Definitely worth a watch
8/10