Shakespeare in Love

Rating: 5/10 (1 February 2005)

The movie "Shakespeare in love" directed by John Madden was nominated for thirteen Oscars and did finally receive this famous award in seven different categories. The plot, as you might know, is not about one of Shakespeare's plays. It's about the circumstances which influenced Shakespeare while he was writing his play "Romeo and Ethel, The Pirats daughter" (later: Romeo and Juliet). The setting of this movie is in London in 1593 and follows the trials and tribulations of Will(iam) Shakespeare (played by Joseph Fiennes), a young playwright suffering because he has got a writer's block. No matter how hard he tries, he just can't make any progress with his latest work, "Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate's Daughter." Somehow, even the title doesn't sound quite right. But then, Will meets and falls instantly in love with the beautiful Viola who becomes an actor (in a time when women were not allowed to perform in theaters), disguises herself as a man. Inspired by love, Will's creative powers are set free and his great love story, "Romeo and Juliet," is born. The play alters with the "ups and downs" of their relationship. But if their love will have a happy ending, you have to find out by yourself. Although this plot is not based on a true story, the director was able to create such a realistic setting that the audience might think that the play "Romeo and Juliet" was really created in this way. But all in all this movie is just another love-story which was simply overrated by the Oscar-jury. I do not think that this movie was worth to gain seven Oscars. But if you like 16th century love-stories, you shouldn't miss this movie.
So far.