Absolutely Gorgeous

Rating: 9/10 (26 January 2005)

For those who remember being forced to endure Shakespeare at school as a dusty, dry and thoroughly tedious affair, Shakespeare in Love is the film to change your mind! From start to finish, the film is colourful and captivating, and the audience is made quite aware of the tongue-in-cheek attitude with which it has been made. There are light-hearted references throughout regarding Shakespeare and his contemporaries, but even if you are a complete Shakespeare ignoramus, this won't hinder your enjoyment.
Joseph Fiennes is stunning as the besotted Will Shakespeare and Gwyneth Paltrow's Viola convincingly balances the fine line between genteel Elizabethan Lady and feisty young woman. Supporting roles by Judi Dench, Geoffrey Rush and Tom Wilkinson add some excellent comedy touches. The performance of Romeo and Juliet within the film itself is the icing on the cake.
I would equate the experience of watching SiL to watching a live theatrical performance - you are whisked away in a world of colour and splendour for 2 hours and you almost don't want to leave. I adore this movie (in case you hadn't noticed) and recommend it as pure escapism for anyone.