A wonderful film

Rating: 10/10 (15 January 1999)

Shakespeare in Love is a film about great literature disguised as a romantic comedy. By following the romance and adventure of two very sympathetic characters (Shakespeare and Viola), the audience is shown the magic of great literature. Generations of high school students have been force-fed the works of the Bard without being given any feeling for how truly special they are. This film personalizes the romance, the comedy, and the profound sadness of Shakespeare's work. Above all else, it is accessible. A filmgoer with very little knowledge of Shakespeare can leave this film with a greater appreciation for and interest in his works.
All of the performances are wonderful, but special mention goes to Geoffrey Rush as an hilariously bedraggled theatre owner.
Incidentally, try not to judge the historical facts of the film too closely. Virginia had not been colonized at the time of the writing of Romeo & Juliet, but such small details do not detract from a truly special film.