By far the best "Shakespeare-movie" ever

Rating: 9/10 (13 December 2004)

I have never really seen a play written by Shakespeare, but I have seen some movies based on them. I must say that this one is the best I've ever seen, by far. I really had a very good time watching this movie. Its historical background, combined with a romance and some great and far from dumb humor really gave this movie a refreshing touch that I haven't seen to often lately.
Will Shakespeare is about to write a new play, called "Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate's Daughter" (that title on it's own is already good for some laughs, isn't it?). He suffers from writers block and is looking for a new muse. He founds his muse in the daughter of a rich merchant, who's about to marry Lord Wessex. His relationship with her inspires him to write the play, renames it and one of his most famous plays is born: "Romeo & Juliette"
The acting is really great and the sets are beautiful and I guess also historically accurate. All in all this is one of the best romantic comedies I've ever seen. It's definitely worth the rewards that it got. I give it an 8.5/10.