Well acted, well produced period piece

Rating: 10/10 (11 February 1999)

Historically, not much is known about William Shakespeare's private life during or after his marriage to Anne Hathaway in Stratford-on-Avon. And to fully appreciate this film you must put any facts that you might have about the Bard and early English theatre in abeyance. Not so much a "suspension of disbelief" as is so often needed in far-to-many plots today but a "suspension of belief". Facts would only get in the way of its presentation -- and fun. That said, you may now sit back and enjoy the crafty manipulations imposed by the writers.
Every convention known to Shakespere in his time has been artfully adopted to give this film its warmth, its humour, and its pathos. Nothing is spared, giving it just the right amount of seriousness without slowing down its pace or evoking ennui. And just as it might be going over the top -- it stops. Brilliantly written, acted, and edited, and well deserving of all of this years Oscar nominations. Quality work like this should not be overlooked.