Style and Good Writing Conquer Big Budget and Special FX

Rating: 10/10 (9 April 1999)

A joyous celebration of love, the theatre and creativity, Shakespeare in Love is one of the most lively and entertaining films to hit the movies in some time. Here, the star isn't massive special effects, or big budgets splashed across the screen, but intelligent, witty writing and performances that touch the heart. When I saw this film for the first time, I worried that the writers would try to find a way to have a traditional happy ending, but having seen the name Tom Stoppard as one of the writers, I shouldn't have worried. This is a film that stays true to its vision of the joys and sorrows of love, and how that love can drive us forward even in the worst of times. Not only did I laugh, I felt good as I left the theatre. See it on the big screen if possible, and definitely a keeper when it's released on DVD and video.