I'm a bit like Queen Elizabeth, (Judi Dench), who hates romantic plays. But...

Rating: 8/10 (3 January 2002)

I'm a bit like Queen Elizabeth, (Judi Dench), who hates romantic plays. But this film coned me in as I fell head over heals with Gwyneth as Viola and the ruggedly handsome Joseph Fiennes as Shakespeare. Amongst the turmoil of two duelling theatres fighting for Shakespeare's works, a love blossoms, helping Shakespeare out of a writer's block. High on love, Shakespeare begins on a quest of writing Romeo & Juliet, interweaving his passion with Viola into the play. A bit like Amadeus but without the madness of a genius. This time its the smultzy-waltzy, lovey-dovey romance that takes you away for a pleasant two hours and a bit. And what you heard about Mr. Geoffrey Rush is true. The man has talent and proves it in such a small but funny role.