A great film

Rating: 9/10 (2 October 1999)

Although a little over-rated and it doesn't deserve all those Oscars, Shakespeare In Love is still a brilliant, funny, romantic film with excellent acting all round, including a brilliant turn from comedian Martin Clunes as Dick Burbidge. The setting is excellent as the times of 16th century England are captured effectively in the scenery and costumes. Joseph Fiennes is great as William Shakespeare who falls in love with Gwyneth Paltrow's Viola de Lesseps. Problems arise as Will is already married to Anne Hathaway and Viola can't go anywhere near him because he is at the theatre all the time and women aren't allowed on stage. Viola then dresses up as a man and Will thinks that he (Viola) is gay. But it all gets sorted out and they both love each other dearly and have to keep their affair quiet as Viola is due to marry Lord Wessex, played by Colin Firth. It is a delightful tale which shouldn't be missed even if it puts you off with the word 'Shakespeare'.