Nice masterpiece.

Rating: 8/10 (17 June 2006)

My mother was the one who introduces me to watch this movie on the DVD she got five years back because she knew I have to study a few of Shakespeare's works (it's the case - Twelvfth Night, The Merchant of Venice & A Midsummer Night's Dream) in my English Literature class. And later on when I found out about the original rating for this movie here in my country, I became flabbergasted. I wasn't even of age when this movie came out here.
Anyhow, I still survived watching the movie anyway.
William Shakespeare (played by Joseph Fiennes) was trying to write this play he has been writing on. He has run out of ideas and is desperately needing of money. Then Lady Viola (Gwyneth Paltrow) appeared and the two began a forbidden relationship, given Lady Viola is betrothed to Lord Wessex (Colin Firth). Viola actually became Shakespeare's muse for the eventual play which is maybe one of the most famous ones in our time - Romeo and Juliet.
Some may wondered why guys have to dress up as women in plays in Shakepseare's time because at that time, women were actually not allowed on stage. But Lady Viola violated the rules at a great cost, given she did knew of the consequences.
Overall, it's not what maybe some are expecting of a biography of Shakespeare's life. It's just a love story. I do actually like Queen Elizabeth's (Dame Judi Dench) appearance too. Or maybe it's because I'm one of those who are always fascinated over history. And maybe even literature as well.
Nice movie over there.